Weather

Question

I am taking a cruise to Alaska in August. I have choices of either going in mid August or the end of August. I was wondering if there is a big difference in the weather during those times.

Answer

Alaska’s weather in August is generally mild compared to other months, but there are some differences between mid-August and late August that are worth considering for your cruise planning.

Temperature:

In mid-August, daytime temperatures along the cruise route (Southeast Alaska, including Juneau, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay) typically range from about 55–65°F (13–18°C). Nights are cooler, around 45–50°F (7–10°C).
By late August, temperatures are slightly cooler on average. Daytime highs may drop a few degrees to 53–62°F (12–17°C), and nights may fall to 42–48°F (6–9°C).

Precipitation:

August is part of Alaska’s wetter season, but early/mid-August often has a few more dry, sunny days compared to late August, which can see slightly increased rain as the month progresses.
Rain showers are always possible in coastal Alaska, so a waterproof jacket and layers are recommended for either date.

Daylight:

Mid-August: About 14–15 hours of daylight depending on the latitude. Sunrise around 6:00 AM, sunset around 8:00 PM.
Late August: Daylight decreases slightly, roughly 13–14 hours. Sunrise around 6:30 AM, sunset around 7:30 PM. You still have plenty of light for daytime excursions.

Wildlife and scenery:

Mid-August is still a good time for viewing wildlife like bears, salmon, and birds. Salmon runs are strong in many areas, which can increase bear activity.
Late August may see slightly less wildlife activity as some species start preparing for fall, but glacier and mountain scenery remains unchanged.

Other considerations:

Late August is slightly less crowded than mid-August on many cruise ships and shore excursions, which may give you more flexibility and better photo opportunities.
Mid-August might have more predictable weather patterns, slightly warmer temperatures, and fewer chances of early fall rain.

In summary, the differences between mid and late August are relatively subtle. Mid-August is usually a touch warmer with a few more sunny days, while late August is slightly cooler with marginally higher chances of rain. Either time is excellent for an Alaska cruise, and packing layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes will prepare you for both periods.

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