Your ultimate guide to Alaska in the summer
Sun's out, school's out and you've got some PTO to burn. Where is your heart calling you for your next grand adventure?
One of the most beautiful options for a summer vacation is Alaska. With stunning views, spectacular wildlife and charming cities and villages, the northernmost U.S. state beckons adventurers and nature lovers. From the breathtaking views to the delicious seafood, this state has it all. And one of the best ways to soak in as much of the region's splendor as possible is to take an Alaska cruise.
A cruise will take you to all of the highlights of this large state with ease. There’s no better way to see Alaska than by booking a Princess® vacation. Here's everything you need to know about visiting Alaska in the summer.
Scenic ride through Alaska's stunning Kenai Peninsula on the Alaska Railroad.
The best time to visit Alaska
Cruising in Alaska during the summertime is a truly singular experience. Visiting between May and September sets you up to see the best of flora and fauna — as well as the most wildlife — under the warm sunshine, with all the amenities of a Princess Cruises® vacation.
These are a few of the top reasons why summer is the best time to cruise Alaska.
Peak wildlife viewing
Summer offers opportunities to see amazing animals in Alaska. For lovers of marine life, the best time to cruise Alaska for whales is in summer. In April and May, gray whales migrate north and are often spotted from Alaska cruise ships. These whales are massive and can weigh up to 40 tons — which is about the equivalent of 60 cows!
May and April bring the perfect opportunity to witness orcas, highly intelligent and social porpoises, thriving in our nutrient-rich waters. Their language and 90-year lifespan rival human complexity. However, their appearances become even more frequent with the summer arrival of Chinook Salmon.
As early as April and May, humpback whales start to migrate to our waters, replacing the orcas as the main attraction by June. Renowned for their haunting underwater songs, these gentle giants put on a breathtaking show. On top of that, some lucky visitors can spot the occasional blue whale or sperm whale. You might even see a white beluga whale peeking above the surface.
Meanwhile on land, the summer months are when bears, moose and deer concentrate around streams and are often visible from the roadside. Grizzly and black bears stay close to the rivers because salmon start spawning from July to November. June is the best month to spot unusual birds such as Asian accidentals in western Alaska. This is the time when these beautiful birds take advantage of the long summer days to raise their young. July is the best month to visit seabird colonies from Southeast to Northwest Alaska.
The summer is also when fur seal pups are born, so you might get lucky and spot one of the cute new babies. You can expect to see sea lions and even walruses lounging on the shores or diving through the waves.
Green leaves and flowers in bloom
During Alaska's summer, the entire landscape is bright green and lush — fields of wildflowers, Lupine and Fireweed sit next to alpine lakes and pine forests. When you visit in the summer, you get the best of Alaska’s flowers and plant life.
Lengthened daylight
Imagine sunshine all day long! In summertime, Alaska is known as the “land of the midnight sun” because of its lengthened daylight due to its high latitude. In fact, in northern Alaska, the community of Barrow gets a full 24 hours of daylight on the summer solstice. Near Fairbanks, Alaska's 'Land of the Midnight Sun', 19 hours of daylight fuel our chef's garden at Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, bringing fresh flavors to our garden-to-table cuisine.
These long days mean more time to explore and take in the scenery around you. The sun won’t even truly set and you’ll enjoy a dusk-like sky during the middle of the night.
Ideal temperature
When you visit mainland Alaska during the summer, you’ll enjoy ideal temperatures, with daytime highs between 60 and 70 degrees. It's the perfect atmosphere to go exploring without breaking too much of a sweat or getting sunburned. The summertime is also one of the driest seasons of the year, with only 25% chance of rain on a given day.
During winter, fall and even spring, it can be quite cold and snowy in Alaska. In the winter, it sometimes gets below zero and will be dark almost the whole day. While Fairbanks has 19 hours of daylight in the summer, it has fewer than four hours during the winter.
Looking for more reasons why you should experience Alaska in the summer? Check out 5 reasons to cruise during Alaska summers.
Top Alaska summer activities
When you set sail for Alaska during the summer, you get to enjoy some of the most exciting and memorable activities around. These are just a few of the activities to enjoy this summer during an Alaska cruise:
- Hiking. One of the best ways to see this state is on foot: Experience a stunning mountain vista by taking a walk along the coast or a stroll to an old boom town in the forest. Or get up close to an ancient glacier and see the icy side of Alaska. Plus, Alaska is home to eight national parks with scenic trails waiting to be explored.
- Fishing. Alaska is internationally known for its fish, particularly salmon and halibut. You can watch the salmon jump up salmon ladders and you can hit some of the best fishing holes around.
- Kayaking. Alaska has oceans, rivers, lakes and even fjords to explore. Hop in a kayak and get on the water to see some of the views accessible only on the water.
- River rafting. Home to thrilling river rapids, Alaska beckons rafting adventurers in summer. Drift through a national park to enjoy unbeatable scenery, or take on the iconic Six Mile Creek for extreme river rafting with Class IV rapids. You can experience some of the best rafting in America during your cruise.
- Wildlife viewing. Whether you’re onboard a Princess cruise ship or exploring a nearby port during an excursion, wildlife abounds, so keep your eyes peeled. Take a whale-watching tour, visit a bald eagle sanctuary or watch black bears feast on salmon.
- Cultural discovery. It's not just nature you'll enjoy in Alaska; there's also a rich culture and history to discover. For example, you might explore Skagway, a historic gold-rush town, or visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage to learn more about the Native people who have called Alaska home for centuries.
- Lodge stays. Enjoy a night in a cabin away from the crowds with a lodge stay. You can hike to a cabin or enjoy one right off the shore. The Princess lodges put you right at the doorway of some of the best spots in Alaska. You can stay in the shadow of Mt. Denali or experience the wilderness in Kenai, all with the Princess amenities.
- Day cruises. A cruise ship is a great way to take it all in, but you can get up close and personal with a day cruise. Take a smaller ship to whale-watch, explore a fjord or cruise through a national park. You can see the ancient Mendenhall Glacier, see cultural landmarks like lighthouses and totems or sail into Kenai Fjords National Park.
Top attractions in Alaska
There are so many top attractions in Alaska in the summertime, it can be hard to decide what to choose. But, worry not: We've compiled some of the best and most beloved.
- Hike Tongass National Forest. During cruises with a port call in Ketchikan, travelers have the chance to explore this temperate rainforest — a rare ecosystem that exists in only a few spots in the world. There are 17 million acres to explore and you might spot mountain goats, bears, moose, bald eagles and deer.
- Dogsled on a glacier. This is one activity you'll remember forever: A helicopter ride from Skagway takes you to a musher’s camp at the top of Denver Glacier. There, you'll experience dogsledding firsthand as expert dogs guide the packs atop the glacier. There’s no better way to see a glacier and learn more about Alaska’s dogsledding.
- Explore a ghost town. It's a little spooky and a whole lot of fun: When you dock in Skagway, you can explore Dyea, a gold rush ghost town in the woods found at the start of the Chilkoot Trail. Rent a bike, explore the few skeletons of the buildings, and learn more about the town’s history and Alaska’s culture.
- Ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. Take a ride on a train and dive into gold rush history. The train climbs nearly 3,000 feet in 20 miles, paralleling the route of the stampeders. From the comfort of your train seat, you'll enjoy the scenery of rocky, steep slopes as you discover what the bygone era was like.
- See Totem Bight State Historical Park. This historical park near Ketchikan features about a dozen totem poles and a Clan House in the forest. Stroll through the nearby rainforest as you learn more about Alaskan culture.
Top summer destinations
During a summer cruise through Alaska, you'll see some of the most spectacular sights in the world. But where to explore first? Here are some of the top summer destinations not to miss during your Alaska adventure.
- Denali National Park. This national park features stunning views, amazing wildlife and the tallest peak in the U.S. This park was created to help protect and preserve the unique Dall Sheep found only in Alaska and Northern Canada and you can spot herds in this area.
- Katmai National Park. This national park features tundra, forests, lakes and mountains. It’s particularly known for the many bears that come to catch the salmon on Brooks Falls. There are lookout platforms to get great views of the bears over the falls.
- Kenai Fjords National Park. This spot is known for ancient glaciers and the fjords they carved. It’s also a particularly good spot to watch for orcas.
- Chugach National Forest. This is the northernmost U.S. national forest with 96 watersheds which are a crucial habitat for hundreds of birds like the bald eagle. Plus, there are 500 miles of trails to explore. It’s also a place where you can learn more about the native Chugach people and their connection to the land.
- Glacier Bay National Park. This remote national park is only accessible by plane or ship. Most travelers to the attraction visit via cruise ship because it’s a great way to see the glaciers and enjoy the wildlife like whales, sea otters, seals and puffins. Often, rangers come aboard cruise ships to educate guests about the park.
Ready to set sail for Alaska this summer?
Alaska is a land of wonder and stunning scenery that’s unlike any other place in the world. There are endless possibilities of things to do and see in this beautiful state. As you consider your Alaska cruise packing list, don’t forget to bring your hiking shoes, a swimsuit, a sturdy jacket and a rain jacket.
Get ready to see the breathtaking vistas of Alaska. Cruise in Alaska this summer!
