Thread: Is Mid May too early?

Is Mid May too soon to go to Alaska? The rates are cheaper, the tourist are not there in force, and the itineraries are better.

But the big question is "the weather". Is the weather warm enough to enjoy the area and are the animals out yet?

Neal, we've never been to Alaska nor wish to go ... but if we did it would be when the weather was still somewhat cold. My aunt has been many times and thinks the views are way better before it warms up too much.

Hey Neal...we are going May 8th! My answer is that it is NOT too early. I don't think I would go any earlier than we are, though. Our first stop in Alaska is May 13. Temps can vary widely. It will be cool in the morning and warm up as the day goes on. Many times I have started with a windbreaker, sweater and long sleeved cotton blouse. By 1PM I had shed the windbreaker and sweater.

The weather is usually (your milage may vary) dryer than later in the season. June starts the rains and we have had a lot more rain during our September cruises.

It depends on what kind of wildlife you are looking for. The whales will just be getting back to Alaska and the bears will just be starting to be active again. The salmon should be jumping! The Eagles are always there in abundance.

I have been up there several times in May. The weather is a bit unpredictable but sometimes it is great. Last year we were there the last week of May and it was in the 70's almost every day. It only rained for about 2 hours the whole week. The pricing is much lower, partially because schools are not out yet.

My usual cut-off date is May 20th - "normally" we get dramatic warming at about that time. This year, however, I'm going 10 days earlier than that - sometimes there are other considerations than weather So I'll be doing what I ell everyone else to do - "Hope for the best and prepare for anything".

Alaska is site to behold and May is normally cooler than the mid summer months, but if you have a jacket, go for it. Or buy one.

Originally Posted by explorenorth

My usual cut-off date is May 20th - "normally" we get dramatic warming at about that time. This year, however, I'm going 10 days earlier than that - sometimes there are other considerations than weather So I'll be doing what I ell everyone else to do - "Hope for the best and prepare for anything".

Okay, what other considerations? We currently are looking at May 3of next year.

All of my previous Alaska cruises have been in early May and for the most part the weather has been great.

Hubby and I are planning to go May 21, 2010. I am considerring May 14th instead because of all the recent reports of "a lot of kids" on our chosen ship for the same time period this year. I was hoping to avoid that by perhaps going a week earlier, the first cruise of the season.

The positives of going May 21 were that I was hoping to squeeze out a little more daylight time and more warmth to enjoy our wraparound veranda I also thought we might be able to get a little further up Tracey Arm if it were warmer? Anyone correct me if I am wrong.

Any thoughts or perhaps experience with this?

Originally Posted by SailKeyWest

Hubby and I are planning to go May 21, 2010. I am considerring May 14th instead because of all the recent reports of "a lot of kids" on our chosen ship for the same time period this year. I was hoping to avoid that by perhaps going a week earlier, the first cruise of the season.

The positives of going May 21 were that I was hoping to squeeze out a little more daylight time and more warmth to enjoy our wraparound veranda I also thought we might be able to get a little further up Tracey Arm if it were warmer? Anyone correct me if I am wrong.

Any thoughts or perhaps experience with this?

Hey there!

I do believe you meant to write May 21, 2011 otherwise your ship has sailed! LOL!

We had a marvelous repositioning cruise leaving May 8th... it was the first sailing of the season for the Radiance of the Seas and we arrived at our first Alaska port on the 13th.

There were a few children on board but we rarely saw them.

Weather wise, it was still pretty chilly, but sunny 95% of the time. We didn't go to Tracey Arm, our glacier was the Hubbard and it was magnificent! It was the most active I have ever seen it (this was the 6th time)

Here is a spectacular youtube video!

YouTube Video