Alaska is a dream destination for cruise enthusiasts, offering breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. However, timing your trip is crucial to making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Although the Alaska cruise season is short, spanning April to October, choosing the wrong time to cruise Alaska can detract from your cruise vacation.
Worst Months to Cruise Alaska
The worst months to cruise Alaska are April, May, September, and October. These months are commonly called the “shoulder season” as they are outside the popular sailing months. The shoulder season might seem like a good option because of lower prices, but trust me—there is a reason the prices are so cheap.
I’ve cruised during these shoulder seasons, and while Alaska is always stunning, the experience felt underwhelming compared to peak months.
April in Alaska is cold, and I mean really cold. Because of the cold weather and low demand, only a few cruise ships are beginning their Alaska cruise season this early. April is among the driest months, but the freezing temperatures make exploring Alaska’s vibrant ports undesirable.
May is slightly warmer, but it’s still not the sweet spot. While the snow begins to melt and some businesses reopen, the weather can be unpredictable. Rain is common, temperatures are chilly, and there’s still a sense that Alaska hasn’t fully woken up for the summer. When I cruised Alaska in May, several excursions I looked forward to were either unavailable or heavily modified due to the weather.
September brings an end to the “warm” weather, and wildlife sightings dwindle as animals prepare for winter. Rainfall increases, and you’ll start noticing the days getting shorter. On my September trip, the scenery was still beautiful, but the constant drizzle and cooler weather put a damper on things. Many tours and excursions also start scaling back, and there’s a noticeable “end of the season” feel that doesn’t quite match the energy of peak summer months.
October is by far the worst month to cruise Alaska. It’s the end of the season, and it feels like it. Temperatures plummet, daylight hours shrink, and many ports are shutting down. Wildlife sightings are scarce, scenery lacks the vibrancy of earlier months, and many shore excursions and businesses are closed for the year. It felt like Alaska was saying, “See you next year,” and I got the hint loud and clear.
If you want the best experience, the best time to cruise Alaska is between June and September. That’s when you’ll find the best weather, the most animals, and bustling ports. Unfortunately, you’ll also find the highest prices and the most crowds.
You Will Still Have a Great Time Cruising During These Months
While April, May, September, and October aren’t ideal for cruising to Alaska, you’ll still have a great time if you cruise during the shoulder season. Alaska is breathtaking, no matter the season. If you set the right expectations, the benefits of cruising during these months might outweigh the downsides.
One of the biggest perks is the lower cost. Cruises during the shoulder season are significantly cheaper than peak summer sailings. If you want to experience Alaska on a budget, these months allow you to see jaw-dropping landscapes for a fraction of the price.
Another major draw is the smaller crowds. Popular ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan are much quieter, making exploring easier without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Not all the shops and attractions are open, but you’ll have a more relaxing time to explore.
Fewer kids are also on board, creating a calmer, more relaxing atmosphere.
But it’s not just about the cheaper prices and smaller crowds. Even during the off-season, Alaska’s natural beauty is unbeatable.
The snow-capped mountains, blue ice glaciers, and serene waters are just as awe-inspiring as they are during peak months. While wildlife sightings are few and far between, you can still spot bald eagles, seals, and even the occasional whale. And if you’re lucky, you might catch the northern lights during an October cruise—an experience I’m still waiting to check off my bucket list.
