Early July or early August?

[Kensington-cruiser]

We are planning our first Alaska cruise. Would be interested in advice about best time to travel for weather (understand its very changeable!) and wildlife viewing (bears and whales of most interest) - first 2 weeks of July or first 2 weeks of August? Thank you

[wolfie11]

More rain and more wildlife in early August.

[Kensington-cruiser]

yep - that's what my research was showing me, but good to have it confirmed by a local! Weather v wildlife - that's the dilemma!! Thanks for responding

 

 

[Northern Aurora]

The early July time frame would also offer more hours of daylight.  I live in Fairbanks, Alaska, which is considerably farther north than southeast Alaska.  On June 20 (summer solstice) we have 21 hours and 49 minutes of daylight.

[karatemom2]

Early August is a better time if you want to catch the salmon run, which will improve your opportunities to see bears. Whales are there all summer, so either time would be fine in that regard. We have been in both time frames, and had a wonderful time - but slightly sunnier in July in most instances.