The best time to cruise Alaska

Table Of Content

• Day Alaska Round-Trip Seattle: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau
• Definition of an Ocean View Cabin
• What to Expect from an Ocean View Cabin
• Best Time Of Year For The Northern Lights
• Capital Brewfest (September 30, Juneau)
• Rain: How Much, When, and Where?
• Alaska Weather in September: What To Expect on Your Vacation
• What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in October

Outdoor activities in Alaska during September are abundant and popular. Activities such as hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and kayaking are enjoyed by many. The beautiful scenery and mild temperatures make it an ideal time for outdoor adventures. September marks the transition into fall, with temperatures starting to cool down. Average temperatures range from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 15°C), but it’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop even lower, especially in the evenings.

Day Alaska Round-Trip Seattle: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau

Riding on the Alaska Railroad is a great way to experience the full spectrum of autumn beauty. In the interior in September, you can expect an average high of 55 and a low of 38. As we know, fall manifests itself in different ways, and fall in Alaska tends to progress quickly and come on strongly in September.

Definition of an Ocean View Cabin

If you're on a budget, stick to interior rooms and look for the big cruise ships, which tend to have more inventory. Summer Alaska cruises fill up quickly, so always book well in advance. You will find local asparagus on some menus in southeast towns later in the month, and fiddlehead season also begins in Alaska in May.

What to Expect from an Ocean View Cabin

On the plus side, you will experience southeast Alaska towns as they are most of the year, sans tourist crowds. Sit in a bar and talk to the locals as they prepare for the long winter ahead. July and August are also spawning season for salmon, so you might spot grizzlies and brown bears near rivers and streams. Unless you booked early, cabin choice could be limited — especially if you are looking for a fancy suite or cheap inside cabin, which tend to be the first categories to sell out. Temperatures will be in the 60s, sometimes higher — you might even see 80s in Juneau in July. During long days of light, you'll find hearty Alaskans swimming in the sea and enjoying water sports.

If you want to experience Autumn in Alaska then September is the great time to visit Alaska. The fall colors will be popping and it really is beautiful to see! By traveling in September, you will avoid the summer crowds and summer costs. However, if you visit in late September, you won’t be able to enjoy all of the tours that are available in the summer as the tour operators close for the season. I remember my first time booking an ocean view cabin and being blown away by the panoramic views of the ocean.

We’ve reached the pinnacle of summer temperatures, and the rainier season has just begun. If you cruise to Alaska this month, you can enjoy more shop and restaurant options in port towns but expect things to be slightly more crowded. Small-ship Alaska cruise lines like American Queen Voyages and Uncruise can go further into narrow passages and get closer to shoreline wildlife like Dall sheep and bears. Weather is a pretty big consideration when it comes to booking an Alaskan cruise.

This is crucial for the safety and comfort of passengers and crew. But it’s not just about the sheer mass – it’s also about the intricate weight distribution that keeps these behemoths afloat. Enhance the experience by adding some window decorations, like sheer curtains that dance with the ocean breeze, or a small shelf with seashells and trinkets. As the ship glides through the waves, the expansive ocean stretches out before you, creating a sense of awe and tranquility.

Alaska Weather in September: What To Expect on Your Vacation

Best Time to Visit Alaska in 2023 When Is the Best Time to Go to Alaska? Trusted Since 1922 - Reader's Digest

Best Time to Visit Alaska in 2023 When Is the Best Time to Go to Alaska? Trusted Since 1922.

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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. Packing-wise, you’ll still want to bring a raincoat, but you can probably leave your winter coat home if you are cruising in June. Rainfall slows down a bit in June, with about 13 days of the month having some precipitation. May is an excellent cruising month for birdwatchers as migratory songbirds start to arrive in Alaska and seabirds gather in their nesting spots or rookeries.

While cruising offers the luxury of witnessing Alaska’s coastline splendor, it’s the shore excursions and activities that immerse you truly into the heart of the Last Frontier. Here’s a curated list of top activities that make your Alaska September cruise an unforgettable journey. However, if you plan your bucket list cruise to Alaska and visit once, pass on the discounted late-season cruises and choose a warmer month instead. I’ve done several 7-day roundtrip cruises from Vancouver that visited both Tracy Arm Fjord and Hubbard Glacier, or Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.

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The salmon run is in full swing in September, and the bears are out in force, gorging themselves on fish before they hibernate for the winter. The trees turn yellow and orange and the tundra turns red, which is the perfect recipe for pretty photographs. The best part is that you can enjoy peak fall colors in Alaska from the comfort of your own car. I love being in Alaska at this time of year to watch the foliage transition from green to vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. The chance to spot the aurora dancing in the sky… September is a great month to visit Alaska – especially when you know how to prepare and make the most of it.

The wildlife is doing the same, and you might spot bears with their cubs, moose with their calves and humpback whales returning from their winter home in Hawaii. Tourist attractions are in full swing, salmon swim upriver and bears (and humans) have access to fishing. Yes, many tour operators continue to offer day trips and excursions throughout September, including boat tours, fishing trips, and wildlife viewing excursions.

Understanding the weight distribution is vital for maintaining stability and safety during the voyage. From the engines and fuel tanks to the luxurious amenities and passengers, there are countless factors that contribute to the overall weight of these maritime giants. Claire’s love affair with writing began at an early age when she discovered the magic of words and their ability to craft worlds and emotions. Her innate curiosity led her to explore various literary genres, but it was travel writing that truly captured her heart. Drawing inspiration from her own globetrotting adventures and encounters with diverse cultures, Claire embarked on a journey to become a travel writer par excellence.

You should expect to experience wet conditions throughout the month, but that could mean anything from a quick drizzle to pouring rain. Interior Alaska typically sees less rain than the rest of the state. Around mid-September, many tour operators close for the season, but there are still plenty of things to see and do on a vacation in Alaska in autumn. The night skies return, providing visitors a chances to see the Northern Lights. September marks the end of the Alaska cruise season and hence the price of cruise tickets are at their lowest. However, the peaceful Alaska cruise during this period will cost you as much as the peak season.

If you have interests in botany or simply enjoy the wonders nature has to offer, boy, you’ll love the Girdwood Fungus Fair. This annual event invites you to discover and learn about the overwhelming diversity of Alaska’s fungi and forests. As I always say, talking about the weather in Alaska is not as easy as other states. Mainly, because the temperatures and weather vary significantly within Alaska due to its size and diverse geography. If you want to see Northern Lights in Alaska, the best time to go on an Alaskan cruise is the month of September.

Caitlin is one of The Family Vacation Guide's long standing contributors. The weather isn’t frigid yet, and the animals are active, preparing for the coming winter. It can be part of the charm if you encounter rainy periods on your Alaska vacation. The cool, wet weather is perfect for a cozy night in your cabin, hotel or RV, curled up under the covers with your hot drink of choice, relaxing after a day of adventure.

Relax with spa services or be entertained by various options like live shows, comedy clubs, water parks, and casinos. The deck layout on a Carnival cruise ship is carefully designed to maximize space and enhance passenger experience. The interior design is luxurious and modern, creating a comfortable and stylish environment for guests to enjoy their vacation.