Juneau, Alaska cruise July 2023 (2024)

FAQs

Is July a good month to cruise Alaska? ›

Alaska basks in gorgeous 24-hour daylight during two months of the year surrounding the summer solstice. This is when Alaska residents get their outdoor activities in, including 2:00 am hikes, dog walks, and beach volleyball. Mid-May through mid-July are the best months to cruise to Alaska to soak in the midnight sun.

Is Juneau a walkable city? Juneau is a very walkable city. Most cruise ships dock right in downtown, and visitors can leave the ship and walk all throughout downtown, shopping and exploring.

Even during the prime cruising months of June, July, and August, temperatures are generally fairly mild during this time, with average highs in the 60s and lows in the high 40s and 50s. Ketchikan receives the most rain, with weather conditions becoming progressively drier the farther north you go.

Alaska's northern lights viewing season stretches from late August through late April. The best time to visit Alaska for Northern Lights is winter or early spring. As far as cruises go, Alaska cruises in September is a good pick because nights are long and dark.

In July, the days are long, wildlife is lively, hiking trails are fully accessible, and the weather is usually warm (although there tend to be more rainy days than you see in May and June). July is the busiest month of the year for travelers in Alaska and for a good reason.

Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska's scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship.

Alaska Cruises Can Be Bumpy in the Gulf of Alaska

Rough Waters: The majority of sailing on an Alaska cruise is done in the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but ships sailing to Seward, Whittier or Anchorage must cross the Gulf of Alaska, which is much rougher.

The Inside Passage is the most popular Alaska cruise route.

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is located approximately 13 miles from downtown Juneau and cruise ship docks. There are several transportation options from the Juneau cruise ship docks.

Can the northern lights be seen in Juneau, Alaska? ›

Juneau is a wonderful place in Alaska where you can watch the Aurora phenomenon. Go hiking on some of the trails at Juneau to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Better still, kayak off the coast of Juneau to explore the Tongass National Forest or see the still waters of the Mendenhall glacier.

Juneau has a vibrant local community, fun activities, historical sites, and stunning nature. If you have the chance to visit Juneau, consider yourself very lucky!

Holland America Line (HAL) — which recently snapped up a 2023 World's Best Award in the large-ship ocean cruise line category — has been cruising Alaska for over 75 years. HAL prides itself on having more permits for Glacier Bay National Park visits than any other cruise line.

Clothing for Summer Tours (between May and September)

It is a good idea to bring both light and warmer layers with you. Light layers include t-shirts, thin long-sleeved shirts as well as shorts. For your warmer set, make sure to bring some trousers or jeans, and layers such as a fleece or light puff jacket.

Alaska Cruise Weather in July

Temperatures range on average between fifty and sixty degrees with mostly cool afternoons and evenings and chilly mornings and mid-day hours. The late nights and early mornings can be very cold, but these are also the hours when most people are asleep in their cabins.

Every year in summer, more than 500 humpback whales glide into Alaska's Inside Passage, like the wildlife version of spring break. Humpback whales are commonly spotted in June and July and are a joy to watch, especially if they're bubble-net feeding.

April, May, and June usually have a few sunny periods lasting several days. But, these multiday sunny periods can occur into September. Cloudy days and the probability of precipitation start to increase after the middle of July reaching nearly 70% every day during October, which is the peak of the "wet season".

July is peak season in Alaska and also typically the warmest month of the summer. Because of the popularity of July travel, it is best to book reservations in advance for train transfers, lodging and activities. August is the beginning of the end for the Alaskan Summer.

If you're wondering, do I need warm clothes for an Alaska cruise, the short answer is yes, no matter what month you visit. Alaska's temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day and with your chosen activities.