What to Wear on an Alaskan Cruise

 

I Finally Cracked the Alaska Cruise Packing Code. Here's How You Can, Too.

Picture this: You’re on the deck of a majestic cruise ship, watching a skyscraper-sized chunk of ice calve off a glacier and crash into the sea. The sun is peeking out, but a biting wind is whipping across the water. You look around and see a wild mix of people—some are shivering in shorts and a t-shirt, while others are sweating through a heavy winter parka.

Don't be that person.

Figuring out what to pack for an Alaskan cruise is a puzzle that stumps even the most seasoned travelers. The weather can flip from sunny to sideways rain faster than you can say "is that a whale?" It feels like you need to pack for four different trips in one suitcase.

I should know. I’ve been on three Alaskan cruises, and let’s just say my learning curve was steep.

My first time, I brought a mountain of cozy, heavy sweaters but almost no real rain gear. Big mistake. The second time, I overcorrected and packed so much waterproof stuff that I nearly froze during an early morning glacier viewing. By my third trip, I finally got it right.

So, I'm here to share the code I've cracked. We'll go through how to dress for Alaska's wild weather month-by-month, why layers are your absolute best friend, and how to be prepared for anything without bringing your entire closet.

Let's dive in.

Alaska's Weather: Your Guide to a Glorious Gamble

First thing's first: Alaskan weather makes zero promises. I’ve basked in 70-degree sunshine in June and watched it snow in July. The key is to understand the general patterns but always be ready for a surprise. The famous Inside Passage is a world of its own—the mountains trap moisture (hello, rain!) but also block a lot of wind, which can make it feel warmer than the thermometer says.

May & Early June: The Chilly Shoulder Season

If you're traveling early in the season, think "crisp spring camping trip." The deals are great and the crowds are smaller, but the trade-off is the cold. I vividly remember my May cruise where the deck chairs had a layer of frost on them most mornings. Expect daytime highs to hang out in the 45-55°F range, with nights dropping into the 30s.

Your base layers and thermals are non-negotiable here. Trust me, I learned this the hard way during a 6 AM glacier viewing in Glacier Bay. I skipped the long underwear and spent the entire breathtaking experience shivering instead of soaking it all in. Don't be me. Bring more warm layers than you think you need; you can always peel one off.

Peak Season (Late June-July): Prepare for Anything

Welcome to summer, the season of glorious unpredictability! This is when you're most likely to see tourists in tank tops standing right next to people in puff jackets. And honestly? They both might be dressed correctly for different parts of the day.

Sunny days can climb into the 70s, feeling absolutely perfect. But that warmth can vanish the second the clouds roll in. A rule I live by now: even on the sunniest morning, I never leave my cabin without a light fleece in my daypack. Rain can also pop up without warning. This is a temperate rainforest, after all! A truly waterproof (not just "water-resistant") jacket is essential.

Bonus: Towards the end of July, you might get a chance to see the Northern Lights. This means you'll be on the deck late at night, so pack those warm layers for midnight magic.

Late Season (August-September): Embrace the Rain

As the summer winds down, the rainy season ramps up. August can see rain on more than half its days, and September gets even wetter. On my last late-season cruise, we had days where a steady, misty rain was just the backdrop for everything we did.

The good news? The rain creates the most incredibly dramatic waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides. It’s moody, beautiful, and a photographer’s dream. Just be prepared for it. This is the time to double down on your waterproof gear—jacket, pants, and shoes. Temperatures start to dip back towards those shoulder-season levels, and the nights get properly cold again.

The longer, darker nights also make this prime time for spotting the aurora borealis. Just be ready to bundle up—you’ll need your warmest gear to stand outside and watch the sky dance. Pack smart, and you'll be ready for every incredible moment Alaska throws your way!