Hi there! I’m Ella, and I grew up in Ketchikan, Alaska. Year after year, I would watch literally millions of cruise ship passengers arrive either perfectly prepared or freezing and cold because they packed all the WRONG gear for Southeast Alaska. I get the confusion. Alaska is a big place, but to be best prepared for your cruise, you’ll need to pack for Southeast Alaska.
☔ Alaska Cruise Weather: What to Expect
Weather in southeast Alaska can be …well…unpredictable. In the morning, you can have a crisp 45°F morning near a glacier, a rainy 55°F afternoon in port, and then a beautiful 65°F sunny evening on deck. This can make packing difficult, but don’t worry! I’ve listed 10 essential items that you should pack for your Alaska cruise so you’re prepared for any weather.
👕 Essential Clothing for an Alaska Cruise
Base Layers (Merino Wool or Synthetic):
- Long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, whatever layers you choose to wear, avoid cotton. In Ketchikan, we have a saying that “cotton kills” because cotton holds in moisture, which can keep you cold and miserable. Opt for shirts made out of merino wool or moisture-wicking synthetic shirts.
Mid Layers: Sweaters/Cardigans/Fleece Vests
- Sweaters, cardigans, and fleece vests are smart casual mid layers that will help you pivot from damp afternoon port exploration to the dining room without having to change into a completely different wardrobe.
A True Waterproof Jacket (not just “Water-Resistant”)
- Yes, it does rain A LOT in southeast Alaska, but you shouldn’t fear the rain! In Ketchikan, where it gets 300 days of rain a year, we call rain “liquid sunshine”. If it’s raining when you pull into port, just know you’re getting the true local experience. Plus, I think it helps contribute to the moody, beautiful scenery. That being said, you need to dress for the weather. Nothing can ruin a day faster than being wet and cold. The best jacket you can pack for an Alaska cruise is a true waterproof jacket, not just a water-resistant one.
Lightweight Water-Resistant Pants
- You don’t need heavy ski pants (please leave those at home!), but you will want at least one pair of pants with water resistance when you pull into port, and it’s drizzling outside. Also, if you’re planning a big excursion like a Zodiac Tour or Kayaking, you won’t need to pack a super expensive, bulky jacket. Tours will provide the heavy-duty waterproof gear.
Warm Accessories – Lightweight Beanie and Gloves
- While you’re standing out on the open deck enjoying the views in Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm Fjord, you’ll want to keep your ears and fingers warm!
👟 Best Shoes for an Alaska Cruise
Waterproof Boots
- You’ll see the locals wearing brown tall boots called Xtra-Tufs. They’ve become quite a fashion staple. First, Mike Rowe started wearing them on the TV show “Dirty Jobs” and now a company called Salmon Sisters makes cute designs for the ladies. But you don’t need Xtra-Tuffs to stay dry. Pack any rubber boots or waterproof hiking boots, and those should do the trick.
- If you want to grab yourself a pair of XtraTufs to blend in with the locals, Tongass Trading Company in Ketchikan sells them in their original design, and the cute Salmon Sister designs on the second floor.
Other Shoes to Pack
- While waterproof boots are great for walking around town, you’ll want a few other options while you’re onboard the cruise ship. Make sure to pack a pair of sandals/flip flops and sneakers for when you’re relaxing, and a pair of more formal shoes if you plan on eating at the fancier restaurants onboard.
🕶️ Alaska Cruise Accessories You Shouldn’t Forget
Polarized Sunglasses
- When you’re looking out at glaciers, the flare can be intense, even on overcast days. Protect your eyes (and look stylish) with some shades.
Binoculars
- If you hope to see wildlife on your cruise, I HIGHLY recommend packing a pair of binoculars. While you’re cruising along the Inside Passage, whales may be visible off in the distance or there may be a bear feasting on some salmon in a stream. You’ll have major regret if you miss the whale breaching or the bear on the shoreline because you didn’t have these handy.
Backpack with a Waterproof Cover
- Exploring a new city with your hands full can be, well, a handful. Make your life easier with a backpack so you can go hands free. Ensure it has some type of waterproof protection to keep your cameras and souvenirs dry.
Journal and Pens
- My personal favorite thing to do while traveling is to journal about my experiences so I can look back and remember every detail of the trip! Tuck in a small journal with some nice pens to scribble down thoughts and memories while you’re on the balcony.
Vitamins and Medication
- Just like airplanes and airports, cruise ships can be a major hub of germs from all over the world. Help keep your immune system up with vitamins, and make sure to pack any medication you have with you!
Extra Camera batteries
- Make sure to keep extra camera batteries handy, like in a coat pocket. Batteries drain faster in the cold, so when you’re watching glaciers on deck, you don’t want to miss a shot because your battery drained too quickly.
⭐ What to Pack for Alaska Cruise Excursions
This really depends on what type of excursion you booked. Whale watching, glacier hikes, floatplane tours, and kayaking all have slightly different gear recommendations. Most cruise excursions will provide the heavy-duty gear if it’s required, so don’t worry about packing super bulky gear. A few things I’d recommend bringing if you plan on doing a specific tour:
- Whale Watching/Kayaking/Floatplane Tour: Waterproof camera/phone bag, extra socks, extra camera batteries
- Hiking: Collapsible hiking poles, water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray (A MUST!)
If you’re still looking for tours to book, check out my post about the 10 Top Alaska Cruise Excursions You Need to Book Today!
📅 Alaska Packing Guide by Month
May
Cruise ship season is just beginning in Alaska, and you’ll experience cooler temperatures with fresh snow still visible on the mountains. It’s one of the driest months in Southeast Alaska, but mornings and evenings can feel especially chilly, especially out on deck during glacier viewing. Expect daytime temperatures around 40–55°F (4–13°C).
Pack these extras:
- A warm scarf or a neck gaiter
- Hand warmers for glacier viewing
- Wool socks
Local Tip: May is one of my favorite months because the mountains are still snow-covered, making the scenery even more dramatic. Also, even if there is a sunny forecast, don’t let it fool you. Standing on the open deck while cruising past glaciers can feel much colder than the air temperature!
June
June has some of Alaska’s longest days, with nearly 18 hours of daylight around the summer solstice. Temperatures become warmer, generally ranging from 50–60°F (10–16°C), and it’s typically the driest month, but you’ll still likely enjoy a mix of sunshine and passing showers.
Pack these extras:
- Sunscreen
- Baseball cap or sunhat
- Lipbalm with SPF
Local Tip: Even if it’s sunny in port, temperatures can drop quickly once you start moving on the cruise ship again. I’d recommend keeping a lightweight jacket in your backpack so you’re prepared if the breeze picks up.
July
July is typically the warmest month for Alaska cruises, with average daytime temperatures around 55–65°F (13–18°C). Some unusually warm days can even reach the 70s, but rain is still common.
Pack these extras:
- Sunscreen
- Reusable waterbottle
Local Tip: Many people expect July to feel like summer back at home, but Alaska’s weather can often change several times in one day. I’d recommend wearing layers that are easy to take off and put back on instead of relying on one heavy jacket.
August
August stays on the warmer side, but rainfall usually becomes more frequent as summer winds down. Temperatures generally range from 50–65°F (10–18°C). You’ll want to be prepared for wetter conditions, especially if you’re planning on outdoor excursions.
Pack these extras:
- Extra pair of socks
Local Tip: If you’re planning excursions like whale watching or kayaking, August is when waterproof gear really earns its place in your suitcase.
September
September marks the beginning of fall in Alaska. Temperatures cool to around 45–55°F (7–13°C), daylight hours become noticeably shorter, and rainy weather becomes more common. It’s still a beautiful time to cruise, with fewer crowds.
Pack these extras:
- Wool socks
- More base layers
- Hand warmers
Local Tip: September mornings can feel cold, especially if you’re out on deck searching for whales or watching your ship sail through glacier-filled fjords. You’ll be happier and warmer if you can easily add or remove layers throughout the day.
❌ What NOT to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
- Heavy ski pants
- Furry boots (these will get SOAKED)
- Suade clothing (these will also get SOAKED)
- Heavy winter coat
- Too many formal outfits
- Umbrellas (Locals hardly ever use these because rain jackets are much better, especially if it’s really windy!)
- Brand new hiking boots
- Foreign currency (unless you’re stopping in Vancouver, but Alaska only accepts USD)
Rest assured, if you forget anything on this list, chances are you can find it on board the cruise ship or in port. But having packed everything and having them on hand makes it way less stressful and saves you time and money (since convenience also means it costs a bit more).
🐋 Continue Planning your Alaska Cruise
8-Must Try foods on an Alaska Cruise (and where to find them): Not your typical list! All these foods are uniquely Alaskan.
10 Incredible Animals to See on an Alaska Cruise (and Exactly Where to Spot Them): Learn where to find whales, bears, bald eagles, sea otters, and more.
The Top 10 Alaska Cruise Excursions Worth Booking: These are the tours that you’ll be talking about for the rest of your life!
Want to make sure you don’t miss anything crucial on your Alaska cruise? Check out my printable Alaskan Cruise Bucketlist bundle that has over 100+ activities and challenges to keep your cruise fun and exciting!
If you have any questions about anything specific you think you might need to pack on your Alaska cruise, drop it in the comments below, and I’ll let you know my opinion on it.
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