What Is The Weather Like On An Alaskan Cruise In July?

Table Of Content

• What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in September
• Alaskan Cruise Month-By-Month Guide
• Next Norwegian Ship Will Sail with New Restaurants
• Whittier Cruise Port: Terminal, Directions and Info
• What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in August
• Day Alaska from Vancouver to Honolulu: Dawes Glacier & Skagway
• Daylight Hours
• Tips for Traveling in Alaska in July

For many people, the answer to the question “When is the best time to go to Alaska? With wildlife fully active, all trails accessible, long days and Alaska’s warmest average temperatures, July can be the best month to visit Alaska. This translates into a busy time for The Great Land, with a swell of visitors.

What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in September

Though weather can be hard to predict, especially in Alaska, there are trends that’ll help you know what to expect during your summer cruise. So, check the weather before you pack, but these will give you a guesstimate. With the right preparation and knowledge, your visit can be both exhilarating and smooth. Here are some essential tips for navigating Alaska during this peak summer month.

Alaskan Cruise Month-By-Month Guide

Weather in various Alaska destinations is unpredictable and travelers should prepare themselves for a range of conditions, no matter what month you travel. We have developed comprehensive Alaska planning guides for our booked clients, with expertise culled from years of our own living, working, guiding and traveling in Alaska. The first humpbacks begin to arrive in Alaska about late April and early May.

Next Norwegian Ship Will Sail with New Restaurants

So, booking a last minute cruise in July can mean that the best (aka most popular) so-very-Alaska excursions (tours) may be sold out. If you’re sailing out of Seattle, your Alaska cruise itinerary will include one cruise port in Canada. Alaska excursions are expensive, but most people tend to think they are worth it.

Whittier Cruise Port: Terminal, Directions and Info

If you have an exterior room and are sensitive to light while sleeping, a sleeping mask will help you rest during these long days. You’ll also have more hours to look for wildlife from your room window or veranda. Expect less activity and fewer shop openings in some smaller port towns in May since most summer workers are in college and won’t arrive until June. There is also potential for viewing orcas, gray whales, and walruses. There are exciting marine animals that you can see this early in the Alaskan springtime.

What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in August

Although it is getting darker earlier, solar activity is not at its peak in the summer, so your chances of viewing the Northern Lights in July are slim to none. The average July temperature in Juneau is 64 degrees, with an average low of 51 degrees. This is also the time of year when King Salmon runs both begin and end. If you are an angler, there is nothing like hooking and reeling in a King. With an average size of 24 to 36 inches and weighing pounds, you’ll finally have a true fishing story worth telling.

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These are the best times to visit Alaska.

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But in my search in summer 2023, all Alaska cruises from San Francisco are showing “currently unavailable” so presumably it’s sold out. If you’re sailing out of Vancouver, the typical Alaska cruise itinerary is such that you will only be going to Alaska cruise ports. Gray whales and Humpback whales begin their migration to warmer waters in October and November, so you still have a chance to see them in Alaskan waters in September. In September, the scale now tips towards later sunrises and earlier sunsets in Alaska. By the end of September, there are less than 12 hours of daylight in Juneau.

Unsurprisingly, winter in Whittier and the surrounding area is cold. Temperatures tend to range between 5° and 25° F, so make sure you pack warm clothing if you plan on spending time outdoors. You should also anticipate snow and ice, so winter-appropriate footwear and outerwear is a must. Cruise lines will often use the port as a departure terminal for Alaska itineraries.

Orca whales (which are actually members of the dolphin family) are a fairly common site on an Alaskan cruise. “Resident” orcas (who stay near shore and feed on fish) are easy to spot and fun to watch from the cruise ship or on a whale-watching excursion. There are also amazing birds, including bald eagles and land animals like mountain goats, Dall sheep, and brown and black bears. However, the views and ability to go sightseeing from your room on ocean days make the higher price worth it. The average rainfall in Juneau during the month of April is 2.77 inches. Although the rain isn’t convenient, it is the reason for the lush vegetation you enjoy.

Your packing list should recommend remedies to repel bugs and long-sleeve clothing to keep them at bay when they are encountered. Being equipped for weather and conditions will make your Alaskan experience more enjoyable. In our opinion the best time to travel to Alaska is in June, July and August.

These are typically the adult males that can make the long migration the fastest. They are followed by younger males, females and finally mothers with calves arriving in late May and early June. Small ship cruises in May will likely view whales, but they will be individuals or smaller groups of two or three spread about looking and waiting for food. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures, serene moments in nature, or cultural immersion, Alaska has something to offer every traveler.

Here’s a closer look at what to expect in different parts of the state during this peak summer month. July stands as the zenith of summer in Alaska, showcasing the state’s natural beauty under the glow of nearly continuous daylight. Remember to check the weather forecast prior to your trip and be prepared with the appropriate gear. With the right clothing and mindset, you can fully embrace the unpredictable weather and embrace the true essence of Alaska’s wilderness.

Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect weather-wise during your July visit to Alaska. However, the prolonged daylight can also affect your sleep patterns, particularly if you’re not accustomed to the extended daylight. Consider bringing an eye mask and blackout curtains if you prefer a darker sleeping environment during the night. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. So, keep your binoculars and camera ready, and prepare to be amazed by the incredible wildlife sightings that await you in the Alaskan wilderness during your July cruise. The cheapest one-way southbound Alaska cruise in July 2023 is the July 8 sailing on the Grand Princess.

The city of Skagway, for instance, features authentic boardwalks throughout its main area, and wood is slippery when wet. The southernmost port city, Ketchikan, also features many wooden walkways, and weather is typically wet both here and in Alaska’s capital, Juneau. It’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider before your trip to discuss any specific medical concerns, vaccinations, or travel advice pertaining to your health. Now that we’ve covered clothing and outerwear, let’s move on to discussing the footwear and accessories you should bring along for your Alaska cruise in July. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. With the planning done for you, you can sit back, relax, and take in the beauty of Alaska.

July and August are prime time for viewing glacier calving on an Alaskan cruise. In August, the wildlife can sense that winter is on its way, and activity picks up to prepare for the months of cold, snow, and darkness. By the end of August, the sunrise and sunset times in Alaska are pretty close to “normal” times for most states in the USA. You might feel like you aren’t getting the true Alaskan “Midnight Sun” experience this month.