Juneau, Alaska Port Q&A

It’s 40 to 50 F and rains 3 out of 4 days in October in Juneau, just to give you an example. 50 F and rainy is not enjoyable to me. Plus places start closing up in October.

Answered by jpmato16 on June 19, 2023

the end of September Alaskan cruises are often awesome. weather is still great and the crowds are way down. as always, pack waterproof pants, socks and shoes and bring waterproof upper layers just in case. I can't imagine 2 weeks later would be much different. The only downside is there is often too much ice near the glaciers and they have to cancel those areas.

Answered by cbyron3 on June 20, 2023

Yes, a Texan will undoubtedly find an October cruise to Alaska uncomfortably cold and wet. For reference, I'm from Seattle, where the weather is very similar to SE Alaska, and I found a September sailing to be too cold and wet, and would not do again.

Answered by LisaKitty on June 19, 2023

We did August and the weather was pretty nice. Being from the Texas Gulf Coast, the wet was not a big deal. But, mid October? that sounds like it would be quite a bit colder. I'd still go for it if it was my only chance.

Answered by jallaway on June 19, 2023

We are from warm, sunny Hawaii and did 2 Alaska cruises 10 years apart. Cold and sometimes damp but took winter clothes. Enjoyed each cruise for sights, people, animals and adventures.

Answered by 66gt350ps on June 19, 2023

We cruised with Holland America to Alaska the last week of September and the first week of October. Most days we were in capris and perhaps a light jacket. Rain happened often but never lasted too long. We’re from Michigan so we’re not put off by rainy weather. A lot of the stores are seasonal and had already closed for the season by the time we arrived. The temperature most of the two weeks we were there, the range was from low fifties to high sixties, very do-able. Try the reindeer sausage, it’s delicious. Enjoy!!!

Answered by cruiseluv on June 20, 2023

Usually September is the last time. We went in September and froze our butts off.

Answered by Garylinn on June 20, 2023

We’ve cruised to Alaska three times; most recently October, 2021. Weather in Alaska is unpredictable anytime so layer your clothes with interior warm fleece and outside waterproof jacket, wear waterproof footwear and you’ll be fine. Most disappointing when compared to our two previous summer cruises is that many stores / restaurants had closed at the end of September and both RCCL port excursions were cancelled. At all three ports, Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway we ended up touring these very walkable towns by ourselves but found enough museums, breweries, and local shops to satisfy us. The other very noticeable difference with our October cruise was the lack of wildlife. Many whales had already headed south and eagle, moose, and bear sightings were rare. Cruising Alaska is always special, but we’ll never do an October cruise again because there is just so much more to see and do in June and July. Good luck with your cruise!

Answered by VAcruisenut on June 20, 2023

One more observation about October Alaskan cruises... if you're lucky as we have often been, you'll be the last ships in each port and the shop owners will literally be giving items away because they are planning on heading back to Arizona or Florida or eastern Europe or India for winter and items would expire.

Answered by cbyron3 on June 20, 2023

I did Oct 8-15 2021. I packed for freezing cold. I did not wear my warmest clothing often. I bought a pair of fleece lined sweat pants. the fleece was super thick and I wore them at every port. I never got cold. I never wore my warmest coat. it rained every day and got dark early. it was 35-40⁰. I'm from. Ohio. It really was not bad.

Answered by walkingdeadcrz on June 21, 2023

Temperatures in SE Alaska, where most October itineraries will sail. Expect highs in the 40s and possibly 50s, with lows in the 30s. October is one of the wettest months in Alaska, so prepare for low clouds and rain.

Answered by esrescuer on June 21, 2023

My friend went 2 years ago in October and while the weather was not bad, almost all excursions were cancelled due to fog/weather. So keeping that in mind and having back up plans would be good. Great changes to see the Northern Lights!

Answered by maddie305 on June 24, 2023