Your UnCruise Alaska Adventure Awaits! Here Are The Best Times To Visit

If you’re dreaming of drifting past glaciers, watching whales arc through icy waters, or catching the glow of the Northern Lights, UnCruise Adventures has just the journey for you. The season you choose for your small‑ship Alaska cruise will shape your entire experience.

UnCruise Adventures offers itineraries in Southeast Alaska that run from spring through fall, and each part of the season brings its own personality. Early departures offer quieter waterways and a better shot at nighttime sky shows, while mid‑summer brings long days, abundant wildlife, and the warmest weather of the year. Here’s a closer look at what each season has in store so you can pick the perfect window for your adventure.

What kind of weather can I expect?

“Best weather” means something different to everyone, but if you prefer clearer skies, the first half of the season is usually your sweet spot. April through June tend to be the driest months in Southeast Alaska. Temperatures hover in the high 40s to low 60s, so it’s cool but comfortable, as long as you keep a rain jacket handy. By mid‑summer, daytime highs often reach the mid‑60s, and while rainfall increases, the warmer air makes exploring feel easy and refreshing. Bonus: more rain often means fewer mosquitoes.

When can I see the Northern Lights from a cruise?

If the aurora is high on your wish list, spring and fall are your best opportunities. April still offers enough darkness at night to give you a real chance of seeing the lights dance across the sky, something that’s nearly impossible during Alaska’s bright summer nights. Clearer spring weather also helps and often brings stronger solar activity. Fall returns to darker skies and a likelihood of Mother Nature’s light show. Crew will even wake guests when the lights appear so no one misses the moment!

When are whales most active?

Alaska’s waters are some of the richest whale habitats on the planet. Orcas are present year‑round thanks to plentiful food and strong family‑based pod structures that keep them close to home. Because of that, you can spot them throughout the cruising season.

Humpback whales follow a different rhythm. They migrate north in spring after spending winter in tropical breeding grounds. By June, most have returned to Alaska’s nutrient‑dense waters and spend the summer feeding. June through August is the prime window to see them and, if you’re lucky, you may witness bubble‑net feeding, a remarkable cooperative hunting technique unique to humpbacks.

When is the best time to see bears?

Southeast Alaska is home to both black bears and brown bears, and UnCruise Adventures’ small‑ship cruises often venture into areas where sightings are common. Black bears come in a surprising range of colors, from jet black to cinnamon and blonde, while brown bears are larger with the classic shoulder hump and rounded ears.

Your best chance of seeing bears is during the salmon runs, which peak from July through September. Bears gather along streams and hatcheries to feed, making late summer the most reliable time for sightings. Early‑season encounters are possible, but less frequent. Many itineraries visit islands like Chichagof and Baranof, both known for dense bear populations and excellent viewing opportunities.

When is Alaska most affordable to visit?

If you’re hoping to stretch your travel budget, look to the shoulder seasons—spring (April–May) and fall (September–October). These months offer lower cruise fares, more flexible flight options, and far fewer visitors than the height of summer. Towns feel quieter, trails are less crowded, and the overall pace is more relaxed.

Ready to plan your Alaska small‑ship adventure with UnCruise Adventures?

Choosing when to visit depends on what you want most: auroras, whales, bears, sunshine, or savings. No matter when you go, Alaska delivers unforgettable moments shaped by nature, weather, and wildlife. And while sightings can never be guaranteed, each season offers its own kind of magic.

Search the latest specials and discounts available with UnCruise Adventures today then start getting ready for your small-ship adventure of a lifetime!