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With the cooler temperatures, you can also expect more active wildlife, especially bears preparing for winter hibernation. For many people, July is the best time to travel to Alaska because of the great weather, amazing wildlife opportunities, the accessibility to nature, and long days. Electronics and entertainment items like a camera, e-reader, and headphones can add convenience and enjoyment to your journey. And don’t forget about the importance of travel documents, including your passport, identification, and cruise documents. Why is mid-June through mid-August on an Alaskan cruise the best time to see whales?
Outdoor Activities
After the Summer Solstice in June, Alaska begins losing daylight with each passing day. While the days are still longer than those in the Lower 48, they are getting slightly shorter throughout July. Rainfall slows down a bit in June, with about 13 days of the month having some precipitation. The high temperature in May in the capital city of Juneau, averages in the mid-50s, with lows in the 40s. If you purchase a balcony cabin, you can take advantage of the long days in the Land of the Midnight Sun.
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Best Alaska Glacier Tours
One of the remarkable aspects of visiting Alaska in July is the abundance of daylight hours. Known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun,” Alaska experiences incredibly long days during the summer solstice, which falls around June 20th. Overall, while the weather in Alaska during July is generally mild and pleasant, it’s crucial to pack layers and be prepared for a range of temperatures and weather changes. This will ensure you can comfortably enjoy all the outdoor adventures that Alaska has to offer. As you traverse the scenic waterways of the Last Frontier, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of towering glaciers, majestic mountains, and picturesque coastal towns. However, before you set sail, it’s essential to understand what to expect in terms of weather during this time of year.
Anchorage Matanuska Glacier Walk Tour
That being said, the weather and wildlife in Alaska are notoriously unpredictable. You might take a float plane to see bears and, sadly, not see a single one. May is a practical choice for Alaskan cruisers who are on a limited budget but want to have slightly warmer and drier weather and more chances to see wildlife.
Alaska Weather by Month
The farther in advance you can book your Alaskan cruise, the more options you will have for cruise dates, itineraries, and cabin amenities. Cruising to Alaska in September has many benefits of the peak season (milder weather and good wildlife viewing) with less expensive prices and fewer tourists. July and August are considered peak seasons to cruise to Alaska for good reason. These are the months when all good things combine to create the optimal Alaskan experience.
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With lows in the upper 40s and highs of around 60, you’ll feel refreshed and eager to explore the captivating wonders of Alaska. In general, the best time to cruise Alaska is from July to September due to milder weather and longer daylight hours. During these months, tour destinations and attractions are open and fully operational, so you can enjoy the full Alaskan experience. If you travel up into the hills or mountains on a shore excursion, it’s common to find snow still on the ground. As such, you’ll want to pack waterproof hiking boots and warm, waterproof layers (don’t forget gloves and hats) to handle any wet or chilly spring weather.
Land tours, averaging 5-8 days, set you up to thoroughly enjoy some of Alaska’s best national parks during this ideal month. If you are planning travel to Alaska in July, then plan ahead and book early. The peak season with best weather and wildlife occurs during summer months. But spring, when Alaska awakens from a long winter, is also another favorite time to cruise Alaska.
If you’re boarding your cruise at Whittier Cruise Port, there will be a luggage drop-off in the parking lot, and the cruise line will take care of loading your bags onto the ship. It isn’t necessary to bring cold weather gear on an Alaskan cruise, but travelers should keep in mind that they’ll be visiting a rain forest. The wind usually dies down during the evening hours, making the smooth-as-glass water the perfect surface for catching the reflections of the sunset. By including these medications and first aid supplies in your packing list, you’ll be well-prepared to handle any minor medical needs that may arise during your Alaska cruise in July.
If you’re planning a cruise tour to Denali National Park and Preserve, it’s worth noting that the bus service doesn’t begin until late May. However, the shoulder season has become more prevalent in recent years, making great deals harder to find. Knowing when to book your cruise can help you save money on your trip. The warm weather makes it one of the best times to witness the calving of glaciers. They use Whittier Cruise Port or other nearby ports, including Seward Cruise Ship Terminal, Juneau Cruise Port, Ketchikan Port, or Skagway Port. If you want to see this iconic glacier firsthand, you can travel to it from Anchorage in roughly 1.5 hours by car.
Precipitation increases to 19 days of the month, so pack a raincoat with a hood (you’ll be grateful to have it!). Not only is it your best shot for warmer weather, but you’re also sure to see a good amount of the wildlife Alaska is famous for. You also might see fuzzy harbor seal pups and sea lion pups (born in June and July) warming themselves on rocks with their mothers. Add high-powered binoculars to your Alaska packing list to ensure that you get to see all of the wildlife possible. You might see bears that are continuing to fatten up before hibernation. Humpback whales have yet to begin their migration to warmer waters, so you will still be able to see them, especially in early August.
But you won’t be alone — more stuff to do and nicer weather in Alaska means more people — and the prices will generally be a bit higher. The extended daylight hours offer a unique opportunity to maximize your time in Alaska. Many outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, can be enjoyed well into the evening hours.
In April, mountains will still be snowy, and high temperatures will max out in the upper 40s for most cruise ports. While Alaska might be colder than other summer vacation spots, it offers unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. These include sightings of wild orcas, sea lions, and humpback whales and riding one of the world’s longest ziplines.
Shoulder season is the time between peak season and off-season when there are fewer cruisers and lower prices. For cruise itineraries in Alaska, August high temperatures will be somewhere in the upper 50s and low 60s. We’ve reached the pinnacle of summer temperatures, and the rainier season has just begun. If bear viewing is high on your bucket list and you are traveling on a bigger cruise ship, look for a float plane excursion that will take you to where the bears feed. My advice is to pack plenty of warm (and waterproof) layers, expect the unexpected, and find joy in whatever experience you get.
Other aquatic wildlife includes large schools of Alaskan salmon, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. This isn’t to say you won’t see glaciers and snow capped peaks, but rather you’ll see so much more! Our team provides some insights on what you can expect to see and what to pack for your voyage to The Last Frontier. Now that we’ve covered travel documents and money essentials, let’s move on to discussing some miscellaneous items that you might find useful during your Alaska cruise in July.
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