Filled with endless beauty, adventure, and wildlife, Alaska is the dream cruise destination for many travelers. But which month is the best to plan a trip? That will depend on what you want to do and see and your budget. Each month of the cruise season, which runs from May until September, has something unique to offer in terms of activities, wildlife, and Alaskan seafood availability. 

A Guide to the Alaska Cruise Season

May

May is a good time because cruises cost less than the other months. Alaskan wildflowers reach full bloom too, and stunning waterfalls are present thanks to melting spring snow. As for Alaskan seafood, king salmon runs start toward the end of the month. Worried about spring showers? May is a drier month, with only a 25% chance of rain each day. 

June

June has 19 hours of daylight, and the longest day of the year, June 21, brings nearly 24 hours of sun. For travelers interested in wildlife, you’ll get a chance to see bears as they fish for salmon, and whale sightings are common as they make the journey from Hawaii back to Alaska. Moose are also giving birth around this time, so you may catch a glimpse of a baby. 

July

July is the busiest month to travel to Alaska, as well as the warmest, with highs around 65 degrees. It’s also the peak of the growing season for fruits and veggies like strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, and cabbage. Brown and black bears can still be seen in streams catching salmon, and baby seals and sea lions are likely to be seen.

August

Prices start to decline toward the end of August, while the chances of rain increase. Peak season ends around the middle of the month, so you can expect smaller crowds. You can also see glimpses of calving glaciers and moving icebergs.

September

If you want to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Alaskan Northern Lights, taking a cruise at the end of the season is the only time you can see this magnificent scene. Prices are lower than other months since fall is beginning and temperatures are decreasing. You can also see a stunning display of fall foliage. Bears are still in full view, but this is your last chance to see them before they hibernate for winter.

If you’re in search of some local eats for your upcoming trip, Alaska Sausage & Seafood is a family-owned company that has been serving the Anchorage area for over 50 years. Selling in nearly every grocery store in Alaska, they offer Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon and gourmet quality smoked sausages with reindeer. Give them a call at (907) 562-3636 or visit their website to place your order.