What will I see on a small ship Alaska cruise?
Whether you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, spot humpback whales breaching, or find the best value on your trip, the timing of your Southeast Alaska cruise makes all the difference.
UnCruise Adventures operates in Alaska during spring, summer, and fall. Each season offers something unique: the shoulder season brings fewer crowds and more chances to see the Northern Lights, while the peak season offers abundant wildlife, longer days, and warmer weather. Read on to discover what each season has to offer and find the perfect time for your Alaska adventure cruise.
When is the weather best in Alaska?
Weather preferences are subjective, but if you’re looking for drier days, the early shoulder season is your best bet. April, May, and June are Alaska’s driest months—though it’s still Alaska, so don’t ditch your rain gear unless you enjoy a surprise shower as part of your adventure! During this time, temperatures are slightly cooler, averaging between 48 and 62 degrees. By peak season, temperatures can climb a bit higher, reaching up to 65 degrees. If you don’t mind the rain but prefer warmer temperatures, the peak season is a good option—and more rain means fewer pesky mosquitoes when you’re out exploring!
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise?
If seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) is on your list, consider booking your cruise during the early shoulder season, especially in April. While Alaska’s summers are known for long daylight hours, April still provides at least ten hours of nighttime—perfect for spotting the aurora. Our Glacier Bay National Park with Inside Passage and San Juan Islands itinerary is the perfect choice (and did you hear you can get $500 off select dates when you book by March 31, 2025?).
Worried about sleeping through it? Our crew will ensure you’re awake to witness this incredible spectacle. Spring also tends to have clearer skies, so there’s less chance of clouds obscuring the view. And since March is an equinox month, the shoulder season often coincides with increased solar activity, making aurora sightings more likely.
When are the whales most active in Alaska?
Alaska is home to some of the densest whale populations in the world. In its waters, you'll find orcas (killer whales), humpback whales, and more, all thriving in the region's rich marine ecosystem.
Orcas remain in Alaska year-round, unlike many other whale species that migrate south to breed. Several factors contribute to their staying power: abundant food sources, including salmon and marine mammals, their adaptation to cold waters, and their strong social structure. Orcas live in matrilineal pods, where family bonds are central, which means they prefer to stay in familiar areas rather than migrating. As a result, orcas can be spotted throughout Alaska’s cruising season from May to September.
Humpback whales have a different migration pattern and travel to warm, tropical waters to breed during the winter. They typically return to Alaska in the spring, between April and May. For the best chance of seeing them, book your cruise between June and August. By this time, the whales have arrived and are actively feeding. Like orcas, humpbacks take advantage of Alaska's rich food supply, which for this species includes krill and small fish. One of the coolest things you might witness during your cruise is bubble net feeding, where humpbacks work together in groups to create a bubble net around schools of fish, trapping them for an efficient feeding frenzy.
When am I most likely to see bears in Alaska?
Southeast Alaska is home to two primary bear species: black bears and brown bears (grizzlies). Black bears are the smaller of the two, usually weighing between 100 and 600 pounds. Despite their name, only about 60-80% of black bears are actually black; the rest come in colors like cinnamon, brown, blonde, and even gray. This makes it harder to tell them apart from brown bears, but a few key features can help. Black bears tend to have a narrower face, smaller, more pointed ears, and lack the shoulder hump that’s characteristic of grizzlies. Grizzlies are generally larger, with a more prominent hump and shorter, rounded ears. Most UnCruise ships visit Chichagof Island, known for having one of the highest bear populations in the world. We explore remote areas where you're more likely to spot bears, whether from a skiff, kayak, or on foot. On larger ships, it's much harder to spot bears from the deck.
Bears in Alaska are drawn to salmon, making the best time to spot them coincide with the salmon runs. These runs peak from July to September, making it the prime season for bear sightings. While you might catch a glimpse of a bear in the early season (April through June), the likelihood of seeing them is higher later in the season. One of the best places to view bears on an UnCruise itinerary is at salmon hatcheries, where they come to feast on the abundant fish. Our Nothern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka itinerary visits Baranof Island, another popular bear-viewing spot where you may spot a Sitka brown bear.
When is the best time to visit Alaska for cheaper travel?
The best time to visit Alaska for cheaper travel is during the shoulder season, which typically spans spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). This period offers the perfect combination of lower prices, fewer crowds, and more flexibility when booking travel.
- Cheaper UnCruise pricing: UnCruise sailings are notably more affordable during the shoulder season. With less demand compared to the peak summer months, you’ll find more budget-friendly options for our Alaska cruises, making it an excellent opportunity to explore the region at a lower cost.
- Easier travel: Flying into one of our Alaska port towns, like Juneau or Sitka, is also much easier during the shoulder season. Fewer tourists means more flight availability, better options, and lower fares.
- Avoiding crowds: One of the standout benefits of visiting during shoulder season is the ability to explore without the large crowds typically seen in the summer months. With fewer cruise ships and tourists, you can enjoy Alaska's pristine wilderness and charming towns in a more peaceful, relaxed setting.
Ready to book your Alaska adventure cruise?
We hope this guide has given you the insight you need to choose the perfect time to travel to Alaska with us. Whether you're visiting in April to witness the Northern Lights or in July to see humpback whales in action, you're guaranteed the adventure of a lifetime. Click here to book your cruise.
One thing to note: sightings are dependent on nature, and while we strive to provide the best possible experience, we cannot guarantee specific wildlife or weather events.
