Alaska in Sept weather????

[snorkler8]

My Mom and sisters are thinking of a cruise in Sept (Alaska) but are concerned the weather might be foggy or rainy as it it near the end of the season...any advise?

[Berick1234]

Hi to You,

I'm going there late August and Early Sept...bring warm clothes:-)...Layers of clothing are the order of the day...I was there in early May and work Minnesota Winter Jackets...In June and had shorts on a few days...but do bring sweaters, long pants, and a warm jacket....it will get cold...and some rain gear isn't a bad choice either....Mean temps now are around 62 days and upper 40's nights...plus it does get COLD out on the water...You can always take clothing off if it does get too warm....I'm going to have a great time and I'm sure you will too...Happy sailing in Alaska..

Bob E

[Dave]

but are concerned the weather might be foggy or rainy as it it near the end of the season.

It doesn't matter. Alaska weather can be that way any time of the year. All you can do is bring layers as Bob recommends, and adjust according to what the weather is on a particular day.

[Berick1234]

Just leave your Sorel boots at home...You won't need them....but snowshoes...well you never know...

Bob E

[snorkler8]

Thanks guys! So you are saying it doesn't matter if you go in June or Sept, the weather is unpredictable, just pack layers. As far as fog and rain..that is unpredictable too huh? But the beauty is well worth it...and the whales will still be there too?

[Berick1234]

Just go and bring warm clothes....and have a Grand Time....Alaska is like a religious experience....It's beautiful and breathtaking..

Happy Sailing...

Bob E

[snorkler8]

Another question..hope you don't mind...we have narrowed it down to 2 cruises. One we will see Tracy Arm, which my Mom prefers as she says she is nervous about going by Glaciers. My sisters and I really want to go with the cruise that goes to Hubbard Glaciers. Will we see glaciers some where on the cruise if we end up going on the cruise that goes to Tracy Arms? Thanks so much!

[wwide]

Looks like no one replied - I'm no expert here, but had the same question when my mom and I were choosing our itinerary.

From what I gathered in the Alaska Ports section posts and elsewhere is that the big ships rarely make it all the way to Sawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm - too much ice, etc.

This prompted us to choose the Hubbard Glacier itinerary (Northbound) for this September instead. We are trying for a small boat day excursion to Tracy Arm while docked in Juneau as apparently the smaller boats don't have the same issues getting to Sawyer Glacier - we shall see.

[snorkler8]

Thanks for your reply. As I have read on various forums, Alaska any time (summer months) is great. And it sounds like Sept is a better time to see calving from the glaciers. Even if it is cold and rainy we are having lots of fun planning it all...shopping for new clothes, bonuculars (sp?), choosing excursions...its gonna be great! We are going on Sept 5th...which one are you on?

[wwide]

Snorkler - sounds like we are on the same cruise - we are going on Sept. 5th as well - the Millenium from Vancouver to Anchorage.

This is our first trip to Alaska and we feel the same way - it's a blast planning it and it will be fabulous even if it rains the whole time (although, of course, I hope it doesn't!)