Expert: Michael Donaldson - 11/14/2005

Question
Michael,

A simple question but with hopefully, a multitude of answers.
We are planning on taking a cruise tour to Alaska next year - probably the 7-day cruise to Anchorage and then 3-4 days in Denali. However, we don't know if its best to go at the start of the season in Spring (mid to late May) or the end of the season for Autumn(late August, early September).
What are the differences between the seasons and is there any time you would recommend?

Our specific concerns are:
- when is the wildlife (eagles,whales,bears,etc) more abundant for viewing?
- what are the temperatures like at Spring/Autumn?
- how much daylight do you get in Spring/Autumn?
- does either season give you a chance of seeing some northern lights?
- is it ever too cold for casual kayakers?
- any other good stuff that you can only see/do in one season or the other?

The cruise brochures tend to only say all the good stuff (apparently theres never a bad time to go?!?!) but I'd appreciate any "realisitic" opinion you can offer, that includes the good and the bad.

Thanks for any help you can offer,
Dave  

Answer
Hi Dave,

Personally, I would take the latter choice and go in late August, early September. There's pro's and con's to either season, but my primary reasons are (1) many of your photos will be more spectacular with the fall leaves in the background; (2) the bull moose, grizzlies, and caribou just LOOK better in the fall than they do in early spring; and (3) the temps are still perfect with a little chill in the evening air and perhaps a slight dusting of snow high in the mountains.

- As far as when the animals are more abundant?  It's Alaska...they're just as abundant in the Spring as they are in Autumn, so no big difference there.

- As far as temperatures between Spring and Autumn?  Tricky question, but let me see if I can explain it correctly: it all depends on what month within the bracketed season, but as far as the time period you mentioned, the temps would be very similar (approx 50-55F degrees during the day & 30-40F degrees at night), but then again it all depends what PART of Alaska you're in at the time.  There's a huge difference in climate between Juneau and Fairbanks.  

- As far as daylight between Spring and Autumn?  Again, not a huge difference since by May you're gaining light each day and September you'd be losing light each day. Typically, the sunrise/sunset times in Anchorage in May or September is pretty much equivalent to what you would have down in the lower 48 states at that time of year...now Summer or Winter is a whole different ballgame!
 
- As far as the best time to see the Northern Lights?  To be truthful, Winter time is the best time, only because it's typically darker longer which gives everyone a better chance to SEE them. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are not controlled by seasons, but by sun activity.  So in other words, if you have a very active sun with sunspots or solar flares in the middle of Summer while in Alaska, you'd never really know it except of course when your cable TV starts going bonkers or cell phones keep cutting out.  

- As far as being ever too cold for casual kayakers?  Well, not to sound sassy, but yes...I'm sure kayaking in Fairbanks in January at -45F degrees would be a wee bit chilly.  <ahem>   But seriously, the areas you mentioned are ideal for kayaking but you would have to dress for cooler season for either one, including good rain gear.

- Aaaaand finally, any other differences of what's better to see and/or do between the two seasons?  Spring (or what Alaskans commonly call "breakup") is better for: bigger waterfalls from mountain meltoff, more impressive avalanches, less tourists, and Alaskan citizens in such great moods since they know Summer is right around the corner after being in subzero darkness for the past 5 months.  Don't be shocked if you're wearing coats or sweaters and Alaskan's are wearing T-shirts & shorts...seriously.  Autumn (or what Alaskans commonly call "autumn") is better for: Please refer to my first paragraph above.  

Anyway Dave, I hope that helps answer some of your good questions.  Like I said, if I had to choose between the two seasons, and speaking from experience, I would go in late August or early September.  You will never ever forget your small trip up there and I guarantee you'll want to return to see more...and trust me, I lived up there for over 4 years and traveled all OVER that state doing my photography and feel like I've only seen the tip of the iceberg of what's really all out there!  Let me know if you have any other questions.

  Michael