Alaska June -vs- July Cruises

[Rambler5678]

What are the advantages and disadvantages for each month? Do you get to see and do more in July? Is the price increase worth it?

 

[Pens Fan]

The only two advantages I can think of is that the salmon start running in late July and on into August. A lot of the bear watching excursions aren't offered until then. Also, early in the season there can still be a lot of ice in Tracy Arm which makes it less likely you will get up close to the glacier. That's not a given, though. I'm sure each year is different.

Weather is honestly a crap shoot when it comes to Alaska, so while you might have a slightly better chance of warmer weather in July, I wouldn't bet on it.

 

[sambycat]

we went on the first cruise of the season last year (beginning of june). we had fantastic weather, no salmon or bears. i would go again that time. or anytime!

 

[Mrs Green]

I think the "rainy" season starts in August, but as has been said the weather is pretty unpredictable.

 

[JimmyV]

Also, depending on how early in June you are thinking about going, there might be fewer children. But as you get later into the month, the difference narrows. We went in the second week of August (non-Disney cruise) and the bears, whales and salmon were plentiful. And the weather was spectacular, but as noted, that is hit and miss.

 

[Rambler5678]

We could go from Early June to mid-July. School starts early here. Worried if we go to early in June we cant get to close to Sawyer Glacier due to Ice and seal birthing season.

 

[sharksfinatic17]

We went June 22. Our weather was fantastic for every day except Juneau when it rained a bit. Luckily whales aren't bothered by a bit of water. Cost was one of the factors for us choosing June. If given the opportunity to cruise Alaska again, I would pick that week without a doubt. We did not see salmon, but we did see two bear cubs when we were in Skagway.

 

[xlxo]

Don't forget about extra time pre/post cruise in Vancouver!

June

• weather is dryer in June than July in Alaska for day excursions. August is the start of the Alaska monsoons that gets stormy in September.
• less kids as most may be still in school
• longest day of the year
• dragon boat races in mid-June
• rates should be a little cheaper than July
• I hear there could be ice build up in Tracy Arm in May that restricts access to Sawyer.... not sure about June. July should be much clearer in the Fjord to get closer to Sawyer. June was tough in 2015 with FIFA. Will not be an issue in 2016.

July

• July 1st has a fireworks show in Vancouver's cruise terminal. Be there on July 1st for the lighting of the Olympic cauldron for pictures.
• Cannibus Day in Vancouver in early July that may cause some traffic congestion
• late July has fireworks competitions in Vancouver
• July is the start of the dry season in Vancouver
• Alaska is warmer
• late July has a long weekend in Vancouver for Pride festivities

August

• something weird about that second week in August.... Was there in 2013 and 2014... got wet. For 2015... Skagway was shutdown.
• first weekend is extremely busy in Vancouver for fireworks and Pride festivities
• some say you see more wildlife

September

• cheapest but highest likelyhood for storms. Ports can be wet for excursions. Vancouver/Seattle starts wet season too.
• ship respositioning opportunties

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

We sailed June 17-24 in 2013 and did not have a single drop of rain the entire vacation, including two days in Vancouver (which I highly recommend). I wouldn't hesitate to sail that time again however in 2016 we are booked on the 8/8-8/15 to just "try something different". I agree with many others, the weather is so subjective so we will just keep our fingers crossed and I don't think I saw mentioned the mosquitos if that's a concern for you. They are *huge* and the White Rail Pass in Skagway was covered with them. We also had them at the Yukon Suspension Bridge and even on our verandah. Again, still wouldn't prevent me from sailing the same time, but just mentioning it.

Heather

 

[Rambler5678]

-

 

[tvguy]

Both our Alaska cruises were in early June. Great weather, all the excursions were operating. The lower fares were a bonus.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

While I'll admit our Alaska cruises weren't on DCL, the weather is the same, regardless of what ship you're on. We've cruised Alaska at the beginning of June and the middle/end of September. The weather on both cruises was similar - mid to high 60s most days, drizzly rain in Juneau, and cool winds in Ketchikan. The biggest difference was there was a lot more daylight in June than September.

That being said, I will echo the fact that weather in Alaska is highly variable. I believe the comment is "if you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes".

 

[tvguy]

While I'll admit our Alaska cruises weren't on DCL, the weather is the same, regardless of what ship you're on. We've cruised Alaska at the beginning of June and the middle/end of September. The weather on both cruises was similar - mid to high 60s most days, drizzly rain in Juneau, and cool winds in Ketchikan. The biggest difference was there was a lot more daylight in June than September.

That being said, I will echo the fact that weather in Alaska is highly variable. I believe the comment is "if you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes".

Yeah, we were in Juneau in early June on a day when they had a record high and my wife got sunburned.