Is It Too Cold To Cruise Alaska In May?

Alaska Cruise Prices in May are relatively low compared to other months, with prices ranging between 1,100 and 1,200 on average. This is due to the availability of more options on different cruise ships throughout the month. As the month progresses, temperatures rise slightly and daylight hours increase, making Alaska an ideal destination for summer cruises. The Alaskan cruise season lasts from May to October, with the warmest months being June and July.

May brings warmer weather within the cities and towns of the Alaskan inside passage, with less rain and more sunshine. Alaska is rarely warm, but it is not meant to be. The temperature variation in May and September is significant, with early May being too cold to cruise (cut-off date May 20) and late September being too hot.

Temperatures can range from the low 30s to upper 80s depending on the month of travel and the port of call. It is recommended to dress appropriately, as it could be raining and 50 degrees or sunny and 75 degrees. In mid-May, it may snow, but it is not expected to be very cold in Alaska during the May-September Alaska Cruise Season.

May is one of the driest months, so you may experience less rain than later in the season. As travel to Alaska has not yet geared up, the best months to visit include April (33.4°F 48.1°F 3.0 inches), May (40.1°F 55.7°F 3.5 inches), and Ketchikan (a popular stop for cruises).

Why are Alaska cruises cheaper in May?

Shoulder Seasons Offer Lower Prices. For both cruising and land-based tours, May and September are the “shoulder” seasons in Alaska, with better deals and fewer crowds. Cruise prices during those times may be lower, perhaps by a couple hundred dollars per person. Selected shore and land excursions can also be 20% cheaper.

Also More Cabin Availability. You might find that you get a wider choice of ships and cabins during either shoulder season, too. One big reason: fewer families book cruises during those timeframes, because of the school calendar.

What Are the Best Months for Wildlife & Activities?. Spotting wildlife is always unpredictable in Alaska, but your best bet of getting pics of wildlife ashore is probably late May and early June, when mothers and their calves or cubs tend to be out and about. One exception: If you want to do a bear-watching shore excursion, prime bear season is not until late June or early July.

What is the weather like in Alaska in May for a cruise?

After spending the winter in warmer climates, humpback whales migrate north and break the waters of the Inside Passage, marking the dawn of Alaska’s most vivacious season. Hundreds of king salmon grace the majestic waters of the Pacific while freckled lynx bask in the early summer sun. Thanks to the modest daytime temperatures and refreshing evening climates, May is peak season for many of Alaska’s most cherished wildlife. Weather typically ranges from the 30s to a high of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. May itineraries invite guests to pack sweaters and jackets for easy layering.

Feel the warm embrace of the summer sun throughout June when the Land of the Midnight Sun experiences the height of its daylight. With over 18 hours of golden sun each day, Alaska landscapes kiss the snowy surfaces goodbye and welcome the lush green meadows that bear the fruits of winter’s labor. With newly dried surfaces, hiking expeditions commence. As you venture into the depths of Alaska’s wilderness, reach new heights where you can enjoy unparalleled views of staggering glaciers and roaming hillside wildlife. With lows in the upper 40s and highs in the mid-60s, allow the revitalizing, crisp breeze to tickle your neck as you rejoice in the unforgettable climb.

As temperatures continue to rise, relish in the warmest month of the year when Alaska’s wildlife comes out to play. In Icy Strait Point, find regal brown grizzly bears roaming through streams in search of fresh salmon. Or, look for lively humpback whales making a splash off the coast of Juneau. As you embark on your summer adventure, bring light jackets for hiking through shady regions as well as plenty of sunscreen for basking in 18 hours of glorious sunlight each day this month.

Is it OK to cruise in May?

If you’re looking for optimum weather and reduced fares, one of the best months to cruise to the Caribbean is May, the beginning of shoulder season. Shoulder season is that time just before and just after peak or high season, from December to April.

During this time, you can find some terrific offers on longer Caribbean cruises of 10 to 12 days to the Southern Caribbean and for shorter cruises of 5 to 7 days to the Bahamas or Mexico as peak season has just ended and the summer vacation travel rush hasn’t kicked in yet.

One reason May is one of the best times to visit the Caribbean on a cruise is that the weather is still near perfect, particularly in the Southern Caribbean islands, with lots of sunny days and balmy evenings perfect for a sunset catamaran cruise or a moonlit stroll on a ship’s deck.

Is it OK to cruise to Alaska in May?

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska for Wildlife: Springtime (late-May through mid-June). Though summer is the most popular time to cruise Alaska, springtime may be ideal for travelers who prefer fewer tourists, slightly cooler temperatures, and more regular daylight hours, with no midnight sun to contend with.

During this time, flowers, plants, and forests are just coming to life after a long winter’s sleep. King Salmon runs start and other wildlife is waking up too, as mothers and their calves or cubs can be seen ashore. The spring months are also great for viewing moose, sheep, mountain goats, and black bears who are lured back out to feed on the new vegetation.

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska for Good Weather: Summer (mid-June through August). If you prefer warmer temperatures, ranging from 50° to 70° Fahrenheit, and longer days with up to 22 hours of sunlight, a summer Alaskan cruise might be the perfect choice. For the most midnight sun, travel 3 weeks before or after June 21, the summer solstice.

How rough is the Alaska cruise in May?

May is considered to be one of the best times to go to Alaska because it’s one of the driest months of the year. (If not THE driest month of the Alaska cruise season!)

This means that as long as you don’t mind the cold and your priority is not wildlife, then you might actually love going in May. Many of the classic Alaska excursions will have started up, so you can do them too.

Flightseeing tours in May are incredible! You’ll fly over snow-capped mountains and snow-covered glaciers and it’s amazing.

I did a glacier seaplane tour in Juneau on May 4, so you can do them in early May… weather permitting of course! I also did a helicopter tour with a glacier landing on May 5.

How cold is it in Alaska in May?

• Alaska Weather in May:. Coastal temperature in Alaska in May: 40-55 degrees & 16 hours of daylight
• Interior temperature in Alaska in May: 30-55 degrees & 18 hours of daylight
• Arctic temperature in Alaska in May: 15-24 degrees & 22 hours of daylight

• Benefits of Alaska Travel in May:. On average the month of May has the least amount of rain
• Travelers in May will find lower prices and Alaska travel deals
• May has fewer tourist crowds than the prime summer months
• May offers longer northbound positioning cruises from Seattle to Alaska

• Emerging Alaska Wildlife in May:. Water: gray whales, harbor seals
• Birds: migratory songbirds & pelagic seabirds arriving on coast
• Land: Dall sheep, moose, wolves, lynx

Is it cold on Alaska cruise ship?

We did CCL Alaska cruise in August a few years ago. Layers are definitely a must! For outdoors we had a windbreaker over a fleece with a sweatshirt, and a long-sleeved shirt (gloves and hat) when outdoor viewing. Our temps ranged from 40 degrees to 60 degrees in ports, with Ketchikan being 85 degrees when we were there! Indoors temperature was comfortable. Aft pool was always covered and warm enough for bathing suits. Jeans are acceptable in dining rooms on Carnival- even if it wasn’t an Alaska cruise.

What is the best jacket for Alaska in May?

Fleece jacket and gloves Even during Alaskan summer days, it can get pretty chilly when your ship pulls up to a glacier. While you won’t need a parka or anything winter-weight, a synthetic fleece or wool jacket and a sweater make great layers for warmth.

Is May too early for Alaska?

May is still considered the shoulder season in Alaska, so there are fewer travelers. Small cruise ships start sailing, some summer hotels begin to open, and some activities may be available. June is the official start of the summer season in Alaska, but May in Alaska is ideal.

Is Alaska worth it in May?

May is still considered the shoulder season in Alaska, so there are fewer travelers. Small cruise ships start sailing, some summer hotels begin to open, and some activities may be available. June is the official start of the summer season in Alaska, but May in Alaska is ideal.

Is Alaska good to visit in May?

May is a great month to visit Alaska! The weather in May is usually sunny and warm, with very few days of rain.