Inside Passage in April

May kicks off cruise season with fewer crowds and migrating whales, but weather stays unpredictable. Temperatures hover around 50°F, and rain comes without warning. June through August delivers the warmest weather and longest days—sunset doesn't happen until after 9 PM in July. This peak season also brings peak prices and packed ports. September offers shoulder season advantages: fewer tourists, fall colors, and whales still feeding before migration. But some attractions close early, and weather turns stormy. The cruise season essentially shuts down October through April when storms make the passage rough and daylight disappears. Wildlife timing varies—humpback whales arrive in May and stay through September, while salmon runs peak in July and August, drawing bears to streams visible from ship decks.