The Ultimate Guide to the Best Time to Cruise Alaska with Your Family

Alaska, with its awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse wildlife, and captivating culture, offers a truly unique family vacation experience. With a land mass the size of four Californias, an Alaskan cruise is the best way to explore and experience the beauty of this magnificent state.

If you’ve been considering taking your extended family to Alaska, one of the most important questions is: “When is the best time to visit Alaska by cruise?”

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The Magic of Alaska by Sea

Imagine kayaking through crystal-clear waters, with glaciers glistening in the distance as you paddle alongside playful sea otters. Picture the excitement of witnessing majestic humpback whales breach the surface or spotting a family of brown bears fishing for salmon along the riverside.

With the sun shining brightly and nature in full bloom, summer in Alaska promises a thrilling and magical experience for every member of your multigenerational clan.

In this article, we’ll delve into the best time to visit Alaska for weather, budget-friendly options, and experiencing the best wildlife. We’ll also highlight the top things to see and do month by month between May and September. So, gather your loved ones, pack your sense of adventure, and let’s discover the best time to visit Alaska with Holland America!

BONUS SAVINGS!! Anniversary Sale: April 3–30, 2025 – In honor of their 152nd anniversary, Holland America is offering guests up to 30% off fares, up to $300 Onboard Credit per stateroom, and 50% reduced deposits, with special $1 deposit bookings available exclusively on April 18. They’re also offering free and reduced fares for guests 3 and 4, perfect for family or group travel. 

Best Time to Visit Alaska – Cruise Season

From May to September (Alaskan cruise season), Holland America offers various departures from Vancouver and Seattle, Washington. You can also extend your trip with cruisetours—combining land excursions with a cruise.

You can travel across Alaska by land, but with over 600,000 square miles to explore, it’s best to see the state from the comfort of a Holland America cruise ship. Whether you’re visiting Alaska for the first time or returning for an encore, there are plenty of options available.

Holland America’s Eurodam in Glacier Bay is a sight to behold, with the majestic ship perfectly framed against towering glaciers and snow-capped mountains. As the only cruise line with 75 years of Alaskan cruising experience, Holland America knows exactly how to showcase the best of this remarkable destination.

Be prepared for your cruise and use our Alaskan cruise packing list for assistance!

Best Time to Cruise to Alaska for Good Weather

During the peak summer months from late June to early August, there are 17 to 18 hours of daylight each day. In mid-June, on the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, the sun rises and sets at midnight, providing an astonishing 19 hours of daylight. With such long days, you can explore and experience more of the state’s beauty.

Here’s a look at the average temperatures (Fahrenheit) in Anchorage:

• May: high 55˚F, low  39˚F
• June: high 62˚F, low 47˚F
• July: (the warmest month) high 66˚F, low 52˚F
• August: high 63˚F, low 49˚F
• September: high 55˚F, low 41˚F

It should be said that the weather in Alaska can change rapidly and multiple times a day. If you want to see snow on the ground, May and September are the best months to visit. May and June are the driest months and the weather is warmer. July and August see higher levels of precipitation.

After Labor Day in early September, the weather and temperatures can start to cool off and the weather can be more unpredictable. So the best advice is to come prepared for anything and have multiple layers. When I visited in late August to early September, this is what I packed with temperatures as low as 32˚F.

Best Time to Visit Alaska for Budget-Friendly Options

If your family is looking for budget-friendly options, the shoulder season months of May and September are great choices. This goes for the Alaska Cruise 2025 and 2026 seasons. Weather during these months is still enjoyable and you’ll find great deals on accommodations and flights. Plus you can take advantage of last-minute deals for 2023 as well as advance booking specials for next year.

If you are looking to travel with school-aged children or teenagers, then late May can be a great time to plan your trip. If they attend public or private school and get out before Memorial Day, check their calendar for their final day of classes and plan to depart on the following day. This way, you get the best of both worlds – budget-friendly rates with warmer weather and longer days.

For more budget friendly cruises, see these deals with Holland America.

Best Time For Alaska Cruise with Fewer Crowds

If you are looking for an Alaskan cruise with fewer crowds and more intimate experiences, then the shoulder seasons of early May and early September can be good choices. While popular destinations such as Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks will still have a few visitors, this is typically less traffic compared to peak season.

Best Time to Cruise to Alaska for Wildlife Sightings

The best time of year for wildlife viewing really depends on the type of wildlife you want to see. If you are interested in seeing the largest variety of wildlife, May and June are the best time to cruise to Alaska. Seals, whales, sea lions, sea otters, dolphins, bald eagles, and more animals can all be spotted in the waterways of Southeast Alaska during this period.

On land, you can expect to see mountain goats, moose, caribou, and other animals. In addition, bird migration occurs throughout the summer months.

If you want to see Humpback whales in Alaska, the best months are June and July when they make their way through the Inside passage. This is also a great time to see orcas and other species of marine life.

Viewing Black Bears and Brown Bears is best during the late summer months, from July to August. During this time, you can find bears fishing for salmon in many of Alaska’s rivers and streams.

What’s the best time of year to visit Alaska on a Cruise?

Depending on what you are looking for, the best time to visit Alaska on a Cruise can vary. June and July are great months for whale watching and have the best weather. For bear viewing, the best time is from July to August. May and September are generally the most budget-friendly months. And if you want to see Northern Lights, September is best.

Things to Do on An Alaskan Cruise – Month by Month

Now that we’ve covered the best times to go on an Alaska Cruise for budget, weather, and wildlife viewing, let’s look at the things to do month-by-month when you visit Alaska.

May: Witness the Awakening of Alaska’s Wilderness

May marks the beginning of Alaska’s cruise season when the landscape awakens from its winter slumber. The snow-capped mountains and glaciers are replaced with lush evergreen forests, majestic waterfalls, and glacial rivers. The wildlife viewing is incredible during this time of year.

Wildlife is also in abundance, as newborn animals venture into the world. Get ready to capture adorable seal pups or glimpse a bear cub taking its first steps alongside its protective mother. You can spot also bald eagles soaring in the sky and whales out in the ocean.

If you are cruising at the beginning of May, there’s a chance you’ll see the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights in Alaska’s interior. These lights put on a spectacular show in the night sky and are sure to take your breath away.

You can also explore historic mining sites in Juneau or Palmer. In Palmer, you can also visit a Musk Ox farm, where you’ll observe long-haired animals native to Alaska whose ancestors date back to prehistoric times.

June: Soak in the Midnight Sun and Glacier Spectacles

In June, the Summer Solstice brings about the phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun barely sets, casting a mesmerizing glow on the landscape. Imagine standing on the deck of your Holland America cruise ship, surrounded by stunning fjords, as the sun bathes everything in its golden embrace.

As temperatures begin to rise and the days grow longer, outdoor activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and rafting become available. In Anchorage, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating cycle. From the port in Ketchikan, bike or hike in the nearby Tongas National Forest which covers nearly 17 million acres, roughly 90% of Southeast Alaska.

You can also take a flightseeing tour to see spectacular glaciers, such as the Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau or the Hubbard Glacier in Yakutat Bay.

June is the perfect time to witness the dazzling calving of glaciers, as chunks of ice crash into the sea, creating a spectacle unlike anything you’ve ever seen. With Holland America, you’ll have more visits to Glacier Bay than any other cruise line, ensuring you don’t miss out on this breathtaking natural phenomenon.

July: Explore Bustling Coastal Towns and Exploring the Wilderness

July is the month of bustling activity in Alaska’s coastal towns, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Stroll through charming streets lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and seafood restaurants offering the freshest catch of the day.

The month of July is the best time to witness whales breaching in Alaskan waters. Humpback whales can often be seen frolicking with their newborns in the pristine waters of Southeast Alaska. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of sea otters, orcas, and seals. Take a whale-watching excursion or enjoy an unforgettable helicopter ride over glaciers with wild bears fishing this month.

Salmon runs make July an exciting time in Alaska’s rivers and streams, as bears flock for their annual catch. You can also spot brown bears feeding on the shoreline or bald eagles fishing with their talons.

August: Capture the Majestic Wildlife of Alaska

August presents a fantastic opportunity to witness Alaska’s diverse wildlife up close. As you sail through the Inside Passage with Holland America, keep your eyes peeled for orcas gracefully gliding through the water, their sleek black fins piercing the surface. Spot bald eagles soaring above, and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of elusive wolves traversing the rugged terrain.

Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or a nature enthusiast, August is the month that promises unforgettable encounters with Alaska’s magnificent creatures. An excursion to Denali National Park is highly recommended, where you can spot caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and even bears.

Holland America has been sailing in Alaska for 75 years and is the only cruise line to take cruisers beyond the ship to the Yukon as well as to Denali. There are some cruises where kids sail free with Club HAL Youth Programs for children ages 3 to 17. 

Related: Read more about my Resurrection Bay Cruise here. 

September: Awe-Inspiring Fall Foliage and Northern Lights

As summer comes to a close, September in Alaska is adorned with breathtaking fall foliage. The landscape transforms into a stunning tapestry of crimson, gold, and amber hues. Explore the trails lined with colorful trees, and capture photos that will leave your friends envious.

As the nights grow longer, you might be lucky enough to witness nature’s greatest light show—the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights. Imagine standing on the deck of your Holland America cruise ship, gazing up at the vibrant ribbons of green, purple, and pink as they swirl and twirl across the night sky, creating a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.

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Why Holland America Is Your Best Choice for Alaska

75 Years of Alaska Expertise

Holland America Line has been cruising Alaska waters for 75 years, longer than any other cruise line. This unparalleled experience means they know the best routes, the hidden gems, and how to provide the most authentic Alaskan experience possible.

Go Beyond the Ordinary

Holland America is the only cruise line that takes you beyond the ship to the Yukon as well as to Denali. Their cruisetours combine a seven-day cruise and an escorted land tour, allowing your family to explore Alaska’s greatest wildlife and nature spots without feeling rushed.

More Glacier Bay Visits

Holland America offers more visits to Glacier Bay than any other cruise line. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to tidewater glaciers, abundant wildlife, and stunning scenery that you can’t miss on your Alaskan adventure.

Sustainable Seafood Certification

Holland America has become the first cruise line certified sustainable for Alaska Seafood by Responsible Fisheries Management. This means you can enjoy the freshest, most delicious Alaskan seafood knowing it’s been responsibly sourced.

Exciting Shore Excursions

From hiking on glaciers to the Bering Sea Crab Fishing Tour (made famous by “The Deadliest Catch”), Holland America offers a variety of shore excursions to suit everyone in your family. Don’t miss the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, following the same route gold-seekers took in the past, now offering safe and scenic exploration.

Family-Friendly Activities

Holland America caters to families with Club HAL Youth Programs for children ages 3 to 17. On select cruises, kids even sail free, making it an affordable option for multigenerational travel.

Create Lasting Memories with Your Loved Ones

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of embarking on a multigenerational cruise to Alaska with Holland America is the opportunity to create lasting memories and strengthen bonds with your loved ones. Whether it’s witnessing a breaching whale together, marveling at the beauty of a glacier, or sharing laughter over a delicious seafood feast, these shared experiences will become cherished stories that you’ll reminisce about for years to come.

Cruising Alaska allows for quality time with your family, away from the distractions of everyday life, and offers a chance to reconnect, have fun, and forge deeper connections that will endure.

Book Your Dream Alaska Cruise Today

As a newly certified Travel Advisor with Flora Travel, I’m thrilled to help you plan the perfect Alaskan adventure with Holland America. With my expertise and Holland America’s 75 years of Alaskan cruising experience, we can create a vacation tailored to your family’s preferences and needs.

There are still appealing deals available for this season, but it’s not too early to start planning for 2026. Reach out to me directly via email at [[email protected]] for personalized assistance in booking your dream Alaskan cruise. I can not only help you sort through the many options but get you some extra perks on board too!

Alaska is calling, and there’s no better way to answer that call than with Holland America. Pack your sense of adventure, bring your loved ones along, and get ready for an unforgettable journey to the Last Frontier.

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Ready to Start Planning Your Trip? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

• AIRFARE
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• Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners.