Alaska is an incredible adventure destination, and UnCruise Adventures is sharing a few reasons why traveling earlier in the spring is a better opportunity for travelers to make the most of their trips to the beautiful destination.
The earliest travelers can cruise in Alaska is April and May, and these months, while colder, offer great opportunities for wildlife viewing without the crowds, as well as the chance to see the Northern Lights!
The Weather
The weather in April and May is actually drier than it would be than it is in August, and because there’s less rain, there’s also more sunshine. April and May enjoy 200 to 250 hours of sunshine on average. So if you’re not a fan of rain, early spring trips are the best for you!
While Alaska weather is known for being unpredictable, it’s generally mild during spring. The average highs are around the 50s and 60s along the Inside Passage and in the southeast portion of the state.
UnCruise Adventures' Safari Explorer. (Photo Credit: UnCruise Adventures Media)
Clearer skies and longer nighttime hours in April also provide great opportunities for viewing the majestic Northern Lights, which travelers cannot see during the summer.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is an integral part of any trip to Alaska, and April and May cruises offer some great opportunities to enjoy this experience.
Humpback whales and orcas make their way up to Alaska in April and May, but one special migration spring cruisers can enjoy is the gray whale migration, which ends by June.
Other migratory animals are birds: they also migrate in both directions during April and May, and they’re especially active in the spring because it’s mating season! Before there are full leaves on the trees, wildlife lovers can spot several bird species flitting from tree to tree during a spring cruise.
Another special animal that spring cruises offer great opportunities to view are bears. They’re just awakening from their hibernations during April and May, and they typically head to the coastlines to forage for clams and mussels because a lot of plants aren’t ready to eat just yet. This means that there are plenty of opportunities to view bears even from your cruise ship!
Special Spring Events
Alaska’s human attractions are also a big reason to enjoy an April or May cruise. Local events happen during the times when there are less cruise passengers.
For example, in Juneau, April and May cruisers can enjoy a variety of experiences, from the Alaska Folk Festival to the Alaska Theater Festival and Magnificent Mendenhall Mud Puddle Meet.
Spring Is Less Expensive & Less Crowded
Travelers who can’t stand large crowds of tourists can enjoy less travelers during the spring, as it’s not peak cruise season. This means that visits to parks or destinations like Sitka won’t be too crowded to enjoy.
Because April and May aren’t peak cruise times, many cruises, accommodations and experiences are also cheaper, saving you your well-earned money!
Visit UnCruise Adventures’ website to learn more about spring Alaska adventures.
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