Alaska June vs July

[Rambler5678]

We can travel anytime from June to Mid July. What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling in June vs July in regard to weather and scenery?

 

[Weedy]

We went in early June. The salmon weren't running yet, so less bears The ice was still heavy in Tracy Arm so we couldn't get as close to the glacier as later cruises.
Still the best cruise ever.

 

[Geomom]

We went in early June. The salmon weren't running yet, so less bears The ice was still heavy in Tracy Arm so we couldn't get as close to the glacier as later cruises.
Still the best cruise ever.

This summer it didn't matter when you travelled--they never made it down Tracy Arm, it was Endicott Arm all season. (We were on the 8/8 sailing.)

OP, I would think that prices might be lower in early June. July is likely to have the highest prices. I'd say the weather is variable and can be warm/cold, wet/sunny no matter when you go.

 

[sharksfinatic17]

We went June 22, 2015 and had great weather. The only rainy day was Juneau, and that worked as that was our whale watching excursion. We saw a few bears while on our tour in Skagway. We didn't see any salmon running. We were able to do Tracy Arm. As we sailed closer to the glacier is did get pretty cool, but layers did the trick.

Our decision about when to travel was purely financial - June much cheaper than July, and since my parents paid for the entire vacation for 10 people, I tried to keep the cost down as best as I could. We went as soon as we could after school was out.

 

[xlxo]

Thoughts....

• you get more sunlight in June.
• June is cooler in Alaska
• Cascadia is dryer in the 2nd half of July.
• Vancouver's cruise terminal has a fireworks show on July 1st if you are in town pre/post-cruise

 

[RedSox68]

We sailed in May -- still a lot of snow and ice, but we loved it. I have friends who have done both June and July and they liked June better. I know there is a huge mosquito infestation (I think in July) depending on the areas. We avoided July for that reason.

 

[xlxo]

Alaskan mosquitos are Zika and Dengue free. It's perfectly safe to feed Alaskan wildlife.

 

[Pooh2]

We sailed in May this year and had wonderful weather except for Glacier Day (rainy) and a bit of rain Ketchikan day. Our biggest reason for going that week was price. It jumped each week after that.

 

[Kaleea]

I live in Alaska. Typically July is hotter which means more moderate temperatures for you southerners Highs are typically about mid 70's and sometimes get up to the 80's. June is still beautiful, but just a bit cooler, so you can expect mid 60's to low 70's regularly and cooler on the water. Southern Alaska is known for it's rain. We have over 30 different species of Mosquitoes in the state and before June 20th is the best time to avoid them but it doesn't guarantee you wont get eaten.

 

[amberwc]

We were on the June 6th 2016 sailing and had perfect weather. I can't imagine that the weather is so much better in July to justify paying more. Spend more on your excursions.

 

[MUN]

It's perfectly safe to feed Alaskan wildlife.

Really? Even, bears?

 

[xlxo]

We were on the June 6th 2016 sailing and had perfect weather. I can't imagine that the weather is so much better in July to justify paying more. Spend more on your excursions.

It's not just Alaskan port weather...

• Cascadia's Vancouver/Seattle has nice dry weather to as your bonus port.
• For those who are eager to visit Tracy Arm.... going in July increases the likelihood for ice free passage to meet up with Sawyer. In 2016.... ice did not clear until mid-August.... just before the Wonder was sent to dry-dock and reimagining.

 

[Kaleea]

Really? Even, bears?

I'm pretty sure OP was referring to feeding the mosquito's as feeding the wildlife. They are so large and in such abundance that they are often called the Alaska state bird and getting mosquito bites is referred to as feeding the wildlife.

 

[MUN]

I'm pretty sure OP was referring to feeding the mosquito's as feeding the wildlife. They are so large and in such abundance that they are often called the Alaska state bird and getting mosquito bites is referred to as feeding the wildlife.

The OP asked about whether June or July is better for Alaska, he/she didn't mention anything about feeding wildlife. Nevertheless, I don't think you are suppose to feed Alaska wildlife. When we were in Alaska 2 years ago in June, we saw some people try to get close to some black bears near the Mendenhal Glacier visitor center. Not a good idea!

 

[Kaleea]

The OP asked about whether June or July is better for Alaska, he/she didn't mention anything about feeding wildlife. Nevertheless, I don't think you are suppose to feed Alaska wildlife. When we were in Alaska 2 years ago in June, we saw some people try to get close to some black bears near the Mendenhal Glacier visitor center. Not a good idea!

The OP as in the original poster you quoted who stated "It's perfectly safe to feed Alaskan wildlife." This individual I assume was speaking tongue in cheek talking it is ok to feed the Mosquito wildlife. As I said here in Alaska (I live here) when you get bitten by a mosquito it is commonly referred to as "feeding the wildlife" as the mosquito is eating you. It is never ok to feed the real wildlife. It endangers both them and you.

 

[Rambler5678]

Is mid- June or Mid July a better time to see wildlife in Skagway/ketchikan?

 

[CamColt]

Hey gang, let's try to keep this thread on topic to avoid any misunderstandings. Thanks!

 

[MUN]

We can travel anytime from June to Mid July. What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling in June vs July in regard to weather and scenery?

We cruised to Alaska in mid June 2 years ago because it was less expensive than July. I thought the weather was nice. We had a little rain in Ketchikan, but not enough to cancel our float plane trip. We spent time in Vancouver b/4 the cruise, and their weather was fantastic!