The best time to cruise Alaska is generally in either late May/early June or early September, but the best time for you depends on several factors.
The Alaska cruise season runs from May to mid-September.
While it is warmest in the months of July and August, the temperature never gets much above 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 Celsius) on average in most of coastal Alaska.
Therefore, expect the temperature to be cool for most of your cruise, though it may warm up to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 Celsius).
It also is bound to rain at some point on your cruise, no matter when you go, as much of coastal Alaska is a temperate rainforest.
However, I found that the rain and mist only enhanced the beauty and mystique of the fjords, forests, and glaciers. So make sure you bring rain gear and enjoy the respite from the summer heat!
Alaska can be quite buggy in the middle of the summer. I find that early September is the best time to go if you want to avoid the bugs and mosquitoes, as most seem to have died off by then.
However, there are fewer bugs in May too, compared to July and August, so if you hate bugs as much as I do, and if it is possible to book your trip for May or September, I would advise doing so.
May, early June, and September also tend to have the best deals, especially last minute deals, so if you are looking for a bargain, try looking for available cruises during these months.
Finally, the crowds tend to be smaller during these same months, as fewer cruises are operating then, making for less crowded ports.
If you are especially interested in fishing, check here before you book your cruise, as fishing seasons vary and might also influence when you want to book.
So the best time to cruise Alaska varies from person to person, but if I had to choose one time to go, it would be early September, due to the lack of bugs, lower prices, and smaller crowds.
