Alaska Cruise weather in late July and early August

[moreisgood]

We are sailing this summer and I am really confused about what to expect weather-wise for our week that will span late July to early August. It sounds like the cold day will be Glacier Day and it can rain at any time. But typically how warm is it in the ports? And what about on the ship? Will I be wearing sundresses to dinner or long sleeves and pants for cooler weather. I'd love to her everyone's advice.

 

[tvguy]

Done two Alaska cruises on HAL. Both in June. Hit "heat waves" both times. But as noted, it can rain anytime, so you really need to be ready for anything. Just no way to say.

 

[jimmymc]

Anything from 50s and rainy to 80s and sunny. Alaska weather really is unpredictable.

 

[CaptainMarvel]

My family and I cruised Alaska in August 2023 and have relatives who did so last July/August (both on DCL) and the weather is just truly unpredictable. We had rain on Glacier Day (which made things very cold on deck) and on multiple other sea and port days, whereas my relatives had no rain at all their entire cruise. In general, I found that most people wore pants (as opposed to shorts or dresses) in port, but there was a lot variance in terms of how much, if any, upper body layering there was. (We had port days that ranged from the 50s and wet to high 60s/low 70s and dry). On the ship, I think how cold or not cold people were/dressed depended a lot on how much time they spent on deck.

 

[MsOnceUponATime]

I've been to Alaska (not on a cruise) a number of times and what everyone says above is true. You're going to need to bring it all. I've been there several times over summer solstice and I was wearing shorts and a sweatshirt, and was comfortable. Then next day went to the fjords and needed cold weather clothes. I'm always cold in the dining room on cruises so I would pack layers for your sundresses if you want to take them. Have so much fun! We are in the midst of planing an Alaskan cruise (or maybe Norweigan fjords - haven't decided) ourselves!

 

[OKW Lover]

Don't base your decision on the weather. Just pick a sailing and go. To many variables to judge how it's going to be. Instead be ready for a range of conditions when you do sail.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

With Alaska you need to go with the flow. We are new englanders so the cold of Alaska in the summer months (we went the beginning of August) is relative (not cold for us). Layers are the key along with rain gear. Glacier day (we did the explorer) damp, rainy and once you get wet, you are cold-waterproof layers (pants, rain jacket, hiking boots etc.)- cold feet and hands are the worst. Skagway-cloudy, cool- layers. Juneau- lighter layers, not a lot of sun at Mendenhall, but sunny in town-the flowers were blooming and the hummingbirds were out. Ketchikan,-sunny, upper 60's, but breezy, light layer. I found leggings that I could throw waterproof pants over, easy to pack and wear. Long sleeve and short sleeve performance tops, with a fleece layer and then lightweight pack-able down jacket. Raincoat to throw over any of the above. That got me through everything. The ship is much more relaxed than other cruises. Evenings I wore my dresses, but not real summery ones that I would wear in the Caribbean. Some were sleeveless- I always had a shawl, light jacket, or in the spirit of Alaska, a flannel shirt to throw over my arms. Alaska is so beautiful. I can't wait to go back.

 

[moreisgood]

With Alaska you need to go with the flow. We are new englanders so the cold of Alaska in the summer months (we went the beginning of August) is relative (not cold for us). Layers are the key along with rain gear. Glacier day (we did the explorer) damp, rainy and once you get wet, you are cold-waterproof layers (pants, rain jacket, hiking boots etc.)- cold feet and hands are the worst. Skagway-cloudy, cool- layers. Juneau- lighter layers, not a lot of sun at Mendenhall, but sunny in town-the flowers were blooming and the hummingbirds were out. Ketchikan,-sunny, upper 60's, but breezy, light layer. I found leggings that I could throw waterproof pants over, easy to pack and wear. Long sleeve and short sleeve performance tops, with a fleece layer and then lightweight pack-able down jacket. Raincoat to throw over any of the above. That got me through everything. The ship is much more relaxed than other cruises. Evenings I wore my dresses, but not real summery ones that I would wear in the Caribbean. Some were sleeveless- I always had a shawl, light jacket, or in the spirit of Alaska, a flannel shirt to throw over my arms. Alaska is so beautiful. I can't wait to go back.

Your detailed information is extremely helpful! Thank you!

 

[Akck]

The driest time for Alaska is from May to mid-June. It can also be cold. Late July-August likely to be warmer, but you should plan for rain and wind. You can get lucky, where it will be sunny and in the seventies, but it can’t be counted on. Your best hope is for cloudy days with no rain, so plan accordingly.

 

[jcarwash]

Based on our July 15-24 2024 Alaska cruise, my biggest takeaway is that next time I want waterproof everything. We got completely drenched in our first port stop in Ketchikan. An umbrella can only do so much when the rain is blowing at you sideways.

We had great waterproof boots, but the North Face jacket that I thought was waterproof definitely isn't. My son was fine in an actual waterproof Helly Hansen raincoat.

Also, having a waterproof backpack would have been helpful. Turns out a "water resistant" Fjallraven Kanken backpack only resists for so long and then gives up.

The company we used for our Juneau hiking excursion offered ponchos for everyone (real ones, not like the WDW plastic ones), and I finally learned how good those can be because they cover you and your backpack.