Table Of Content
As a result, it is not uncommon for Alaska to receive more rainfall than many other parts of the United States. By bringing rain gear, you can protect yourself from getting wet and uncomfortable during these rain showers. 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. There is a chance you will see some snow, so a winter coat, gloves, and a hat are a smart addition to your packing list. Precipitation increases to 19 days of the month, so pack a raincoat with a hood (you’ll be grateful to have it!). You might see bears that are continuing to fatten up before hibernation.
Fishing
It can also be cheaper because hotels regularly lower their rates for the first couple of weeks of the month to entice travelers. Our best weather ones have been in late August and early September. But one thing to keep in mind is that the very early season sailings are oftentimes precluded from getting up close to the glaciers due to ice in the water. May is a bit cooler than later in the summer, but the difference is not huge. As the weeks’ progress, bears, sheep, moose, and lynx will be shredding their coats to welcome the warmer weather.
9 Alaska Cruise Tips and Tricks (Including What To Pack and Expect) - Upgraded Points
9 Alaska Cruise Tips and Tricks (Including What To Pack and Expect).
Posted: Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Best Alaska cruise lines
Furthermore, May and June bring competitive pricing for cruises compared to the peak season in July. For nature lovers, you’ll be glad to know that May marks the beginning of the salmon-fishing, whale-watching, and wildlife-viewing seasons. Mosquitoes in Alaska don’t hatch until late May and into June. Their peak season is late June and early July so it shouldn’t be a problem in May.
Day Alaska from Vancouver to Honolulu: Dawes Glacier & Skagway
As May signifies the end of spring and the beginning of summer, it’s the month where most of the big summer activities and events kick off. Tours begin, hotels re-open, and restaurants shift to summer hours by no later than the Memorial Day weekend (May 25th-29th in 2024). Just like the weather, how much sunlight Alaska receives varies depending on the region. Leading toward the summer solstice on June 21st, May boasts some of the longest days of the year and gets longer as the month goes on. There is the possibility the ship may be unable to get up as close to the glaciers as the ice burgs that have already formed are not melting as fast, but it will still be wonderful. Seals will be having babies on the ice flows that float by as well.
Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
While it can be freezing cold at times, the weather can also be pleasantly cool. The low temperatures typically range from the mid-thirties to the low forties Fahrenheit, but the highs can get up to the upper fifties. Not to mention you’ll have a better chance of seeing humpback whales, king salmon, bears, moose, and bald eagles. The chance of rain during this month is over 50%, so you’ll want to pack plenty of waterproof gear – including waterproof shoes and wool socks. Are you planning on embarking on an exciting Alaska cruise in May?
Are there any specific electronics or gadgets that are recommended for an Alaska cruise in May?
Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife. Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them. Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint. Your tour might include a ride on the scenic Alaska Railroad. Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions, depending on your interest and budget.
Coming from Ottawa, seeing a lot of snow and ice in early May is not something that particularly excites me. The Tracy Arm Tour and Glacier Explorer get guests closer to the ice than a cruise ship for an unforgettable glacier tour. The small vessels can navigate through the ice-filled waters allowing passengers to feel the mist of nearby waterfalls. The salmon run begins during the last weeks, although not the heavy runs like those later in the summer months.
What is the best time to cruise Alaska?
Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as "wave season"). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help. These ships often feature complimentary shore excursions, kayaks and bikes for guest use and onboard scientists and naturalists.
Daylight Hours in Alaska in May
Alaska temperatures can be unpredictable, so come prepared with the proper wardrobe. On dry land, bears are more common in May, though not as frequently spotted as they are in peak summer. Temperatures are relatively mild, with daytime highs in the upper 40s and into the 50s depending on where you're visiting and cloud cover. You will still see snow on the ground in the mountains as well. Most of the month of June in Alaska is either cold or pleasantly cool with very cold temperatures being less frequent than in May. The lows can be as low as forty-three degrees Fahrenheit, and the highs can get up to the sixties on average.
27 First time Alaska cruise tips (2024) Cruise.Blog - Cruise Blog
27 First time Alaska cruise tips ( Cruise.Blog.
Posted: Tue, 13 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The glaciers along your route will be cracking like mad, so make sure your July cruise swings by Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, or other scenic cruising destinations. Cruise fares in June will be higher than in May but better than in the prime summer months. If you’re planning an Alaska cruise in June, temperatures average a low of 45 and a high of 62. May tends to be slightly rainier than June and July, with a slight chance of snow earlier in the month.
The event organizes outdoor activities to unleash the senses and, why not, find some inspiration in the wonders of nature. So that you can get a general picture, I’ll briefly mention the weather you can expect in Alaska’s three regions as well. In this post, I promote travel to destinations that is the traditional lands of many Alaska Native groups, including the Aleut, Athabascan, Haida, Inupiat, Tlingit, and Yuit peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.
Choosing to cruise in the early spring of Alaska will impact your experience. Less travelers might sound appealing, but many port towns aren’t fully “tourist operational” until late June when summer workers start to arrive. Many cruise lines also have limited early cruise ships departing for Alaska in April. Norwegian Cruise Lines has the first departures of the season in early April from Seattle.
Additionally, locations along the coast with consistent breezes won’t have any issues with these tiny critters during the spring and summer seasons. Once you arrive in Anchorage via plane or in Seward via cruise ship, the best ways to travel in Alaska during May are by car, train, or motorcoach/bus. By using the train on at least one route, you are able to view jaw-dropping landscapes that can only be seen by train. Although May is not as busy as the peak summer months, it is recommended to book well in advance. This will secure your spot and still give you time to cancel.
Alaska State Parks has a page you can check for open statuses. Here are the most popular topics travelers ask us when it comes to an Alaska visit in May. The difference between early and late May could not be more different. As April finishes, the trees are bare, maybe just starting to bud, and temperatures might reach only the upper 40s/low 50s.
As with June, it’s an ideal month for wildlife viewing, whether you seek out bears, moose, or Humpback whales. With fewer crowds and lower prices, you can receive great deals and enjoy quiet, uncongested experiences during this month. The coldest area in May renders around 22 hours of daylight and high/low temperatures of 34°F (1°C)/18°F (-7°C). The northern region of Alaska has the longest days and coolest climate in May. For a cruise to Alaska in May, it's important to pack clothing that can be layered.
Most hotels in Alaska’s largest cities, like Anchorage and Fairbanks, are open year-round. Some open in early May and offer “shoulder season” discounts; just check that the activities you want to enjoy in that area are also available. Fishing, bear viewing, and wilderness lodges often open toward the end of May or early June.
No comments:
Post a Comment