What is the weather like in Alaska?

What is the weather in Alaska like you ask?

Alaska had a cool and wet start for 2013 with the18th coolest March to May since 1918. It also had it’s 14th wettest May. A late snowfall on May 18th, broke a few records. It made the 2012-13 snow season a total of 232 days long, the longest on record for the city of Anchorage. The high temperature on May 17th was 37 degrees, which set a new daily record for the coldest maximum temperature.

In June temperatures soared into the 80s and 90s. There was an unofficial 98°F measured at Bentalit Lodge on Monday, June 17, smashing the previously set record of 91°F from 1969.

Anchorage had a relentless heat wave setting a new record in July. Nineteen days reached 70 degrees or better and 15 of those were consecutive making it the 4th warmest on record.

In Fairbanks the temperature hit 80 degrees for the record 36th time and only 1.44 inches of rain had fallen over summer, that was 2.25 inches below normal making it the 4th driest summer on record.
According to the National Weather Service, we matched a record that’s nearly a hundred years old. On Sept 13th, 2013 Anchorage had 18 consecutive days of measurable rain which had began on August 27th. This tied the record set back in 1919. It was also the 4th wettest September on record.

We're not certain what’s in store for winter either but if the snow stays at bay a few more days it will be the first time since 1938 that Fairbanks had Halloween without snow!

If you're planning a visit to Alaska and want to know what the weather is like... don't read those websites that predict it 30 days out.  Can your weather forecasters accurately predict 30 days out?  Just plan on wearing layers.  You'll peel them off and put them back on everytime the sun goes behind the clouds.  Definitely bring a rain coat.  It will not only protect you from showers but serve as a good windbreaker.  Most of all, don't worry about.  The only constant is that the weather will change.

Pre and Post Cruise Alaska Land Tour Options

   Inside Passage Alaska cruises northbound and southbound connect with Southcentral Alaska ports of Seward, Whittier and Anchorage Alaska.  Few cruises actually depart from Anchorage and a connecting land transfer between Anchorage and Whittier or Seward is most often required.
  Quick and mass transfers are available via motor coaches from various Anchorage departure and arrival points.  The Alaska Park Connection departs from the Anchorage museum and Egan Center on a daily schedule. The Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic has a daily departure in either the glass-dome or traditional railcars, additional connections between your hotel or airport and rail depot are required on both ends.
  For personal service and direct transfer on a tight schedule arrangements with limo or taxi service is a possibility.  Direct drive time between Anchorage airport and Whittier cruise dock should allow a minimum of 2 hours and pay special attention to the timed tunnel openings in route.  Direct drive time between the Anchorage airport and Seward cruise dock should allow a minimum 3 hours.  Both routes travel highway that can experience unplanned closures and possible construction delays. 
  To make the most of an Alaska vacation, allow as many days on land pre or post cruise that you possibly can.  Small tour operators like Alaskan Tour Guides provide the custom tour options for extended family and small group travelers.  Spend a week or more for the full tour, 3-5 days for a Denali Adventure.  At the very minimum you should allow a full day to explore the spectacular landscape, glacier and wildlife viewing opportunities in route between the city of Anchorage and these two cruise port destinations.  Numerous activity options are available to custom your trip before or after you join your Alaska cruise.