Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park: Season-by-Season Guide
When is the best time to visit Glacier Bay National Park? That depends on what kind of adventure you’re after. Want to see glaciers calving? Spot whales breaching? Go for a kayaking tour or camping under the midnight sun? We’ve visited this park and experienced its beauty firsthand. In this guide, we’ll break down what to expect each season—so you can plan around wildlife activity, cruise ship schedules, and Glacier Bay weather conditions for your adventure. If you’re dreaming of an Alaska trip that includes Glacier Bay, this article will help you choose the perfect time to go.
This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.
Best Overall Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park
The best overall time to visit Glacier Bay is from June through early September. That’s when the weather is mildest, most wildlife is active, and visitor services are fully open.
This is also Alaska’s peak travel season, which means more options for tours, ferries, and accommodations—especially if you’re arriving by ferry or flying into Gustavus.
During this summer window, days are long, temperatures range from the mid-50s to 60s°F (12–20°C), and you’re most likely to enjoy clear views of tidewater glaciers.
Whales return to Glacier Bay in late spring, and bears, sea otters, puffins, and mountain goats are often visible along the shoreline throughout summer.
If you want to kayak, hike, camp, or take a small-boat tour—this is the most reliable time to go. It’s also when most cruise lines include Glacier Bay in their Alaska cruise itinerary.
Quick tip: Book early. Lodging in Gustavus and guided tours inside the park fill up fast, especially in July and early August.
Agnes’ Advice: If you’re planning a visit to Glacier Bay, don’t miss my related articles—How to Get to Glacier Bay and Tips for Cruising Glacier Bay if you’re seeing it on an Alaska cruise. Both are packed with firsthand tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Glacier Bay has a cool, wet, and often unpredictable coastal climate, heavily influenced by ocean currents. Weather can shift quickly—sunshine can turn to rain or fog in minutes. Rain is common year-round, especially from late summer into fall. Layered clothing is essential, no matter the season, due to the damp air and frequent wind.
Services and Seasonal Activities in Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay is remote, and its services are seasonal. Most tours, ranger programs, and visitor activities run from late May through early September.
Glacier Bay Lodge and the Visitor Center close each year from Labor Day through Memorial Day. You’ll need a free permit for backcountry camping in Glacier Bay and to stay at Bartlett Cove Campground between May 1 and September 30.
Outside of summer, access becomes more difficult, and amenities are extremely limited. If you plan to visit, especially in the shoulder seasons, it’s essential to plan ahead.
How To Prepare For The Unpredictable Weather
Like other Alaska national parks—such as Gates of the Arctic, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, or Kenai Fjords—Glacier Bay is remote and requires preparation.
- If you’re visiting on a cruise ship, it’s easier. You’ll view the park from a safe distance and can always return to your cabin. Still, you should be ready for cold, wind, and rain. Check out my Alaska cruise packing list to help you prepare.
- If you’re planning land adventures like hiking, camping, or kayaking, be ready for extreme conditions, sudden weather changes, and wildlife encounters. My detailed Alaska packing list will help you pack smart.
Glacier Bay in Spring (April–May)
Spring is a quiet, often underrated time to visit Glacier Bay National Park. The season runs from late April through May and marks the beginning of Alaska’s visitor season. It offers solitude, stunning scenery, and early-season wildlife sightings—but it also comes with unpredictable weather and limited services.
What to Expect
In spring, Glacier Bay starts waking up from winter. Snow still caps the mountains, giving the park a dramatic, untouched look. The air is crisp. Days are getting longer. You’ll likely see icebergs floating and the landscape still frozen in parts, especially in early April.
The weather is moody and changeable. Expect chilly temperatures, cloud cover, fog, and light rain. Daytime highs usually range between 36–59°F (2–15°C). Winds can pick up, especially in open areas near the glaciers.
If you’re visiting by cruise ship, you’ll enjoy a peaceful Glacier Bay scenic cruising day. Fewer ships sail in April, so it feels more intimate. Chris and I cruised Glacier Bay in late April—it was cold, misty, and moody, but truly magical. We felt like we were gliding through a fairy tale.
Most lodges and park services in Gustavus don’t fully open until mid to late May. Bartlett Cove’s visitor center begins staffing for the season in mid-May, and guided tours are limited earlier in the spring. However, independent travelers can still enjoy hiking, photography, and peaceful landscapes.
Glacier Bay Weather Overview (April-May)
Below is an infographic showing Glacier Bay weather in April and May—average temperatures, precipitation, wind, and daylight—to help you prepare for your adventure.
Spring Highlights & Travel Notes
- April and May bring crisp spring air, melting snow, and fewer crowds. Rainfall is moderate—so a waterproof jacket is essential.
Wildlife in Spring
Spring brings early wildlife sightings. You may spot:
- Humpback whales returning to the bay (especially in May)
- Sea otters floating on ice
- Bald eagles, ravens, and seabirds
- Bears beginning to emerge from hibernation along the shore
Birdwatchers love this time of year. Migratory species start arriving, including shorebirds and ducks.
Glacier Bay in Summer (June–August)
Summer is the most popular time to visit Glacier Bay. Most visitors come between mid-June and mid-August. Days are long, the weather is warmer, and tour options are at their peak.
Summer is also the peak season for Alaska cruises, but don’t worry about crowds like in typical ports of call. First, cruise passengers don’t disembark—Glacier Bay is a scenic cruising day. Second, only two ships per day are allowed to sail through the park, keeping the experience quiet and intimate.
What to Expect
Average daytime temperatures in July are around 62°F (17°C), but it can get warmer on sunny days. Nighttime lows usually hover around 48°F (9°C). Summer in Glacier Bay still brings clouds, drizzle, or fog, so bring rain gear and warm layers.
You’ll enjoy up to 18 hours of daylight in June, perfect for outdoor adventures or scenic cruising. This is the season with the highest number of cruise ships entering Glacier Bay. Kayaking tours, ranger programs, and wildlife viewing opportunities are all in full swing.
Summer is also the best time to explore Bartlett Cove on foot. Hiking trails are open and accessible. The Forest Loop and Bartlett River Trail are especially scenic this time of year. Campgrounds are open too, and it’s a great time to kayak the calm waters near the shore.
But this season also brings more visitors. Lodging in Gustavus and tours often book out early. Plan in advance and make reservations ahead of time.
If you’re visiting Glacier Bay on an Alaska cruise, this is when you’re most likely to cruise the park. June and July have the highest chance of clear views of glaciers—though fog and mist still happen.
Glacier Bay Weather Overview in Summer (June-July-August)
Below is an infographic showing Glacier Bay weather in June, July and August—average temperatures, precipitation, wind, and daylight—to help you prepare for your summer adventure.
Summer Highlights And Travel Notes
- July is Glacier Bay’s warmest month—with highs around 64 °F (18 °C) and the lowest average winds, making it ideal for scenic cruising and clear views, hiking and camping.
- August stays mild but sees slightly more rain and shorter daylight—still plenty of time for touring and wildlife spotting.
- Rain is still possible—even in summer—so waterproof gear and warm layers remain essential.
Wildlife in Summer
Wildlife is very active. Humpback whales return to feed in the nutrient-rich waters. Harbor seals lounge on ice floes. Bald eagles soar overhead. On land, you might spot mountain goats, black bears, or moose from a distance.
Glacier Bay in Fall (September–October)
Fall brings a quiet shift to Glacier Bay. The days get shorter, the air feels crisper, and the summer crowds disappear.
What to Expect
Temperatures drop fast. Rain is common, and wind increases. Be ready for unpredictable conditions and fewer visitor services.
This season is best for those who don’t mind rougher weather and want solitude. If you’re planning to visit this time of year, flexibility is key.
September still offers scenic cruising. Some cruise lines include Glacier Bay in early September itineraries. But by mid-to-late September, most cruise ships stop visiting.
October is the shoulder season. Access becomes more limited. Most tour services in Gustavus wrap up for the year. Flights and ferries may be reduced depending on demand and weather.
This is when the landscape begins to transform. Fall colors start to show, and fog often rolls across the bay. It’s peaceful and moody—a totally different feel from the vibrant summer months.
Glacier Bay Weather Overview in Fall (September-October)
Below is an infographic showing Glacier Bay weather in September and Ocober—average temperatures, precipitation, wind, and daylight—to help you prepare for your fall adventure.
Fall Highlights & Travel Notes
- September offers a mix of mild weather and fall colors, but precipitation is high. Layers and a rain jacket are recommended.
- October is colder, wetter, and shorter in daylight—ideal for solitude but limited visitor services and daylight.
- The wettest months in Glacier Bay are September and October. These seasons bring more clouds and rain at sea level—and even snow in higher elevations
Wildlife in Fall
Wildlife activity slows down, but you may still spot sea otters, harbor seals, or bald eagles. Bears start heading into hibernation, and humpback whales begin their migration south.
Glacier Bay in Winter (November–March)
Winter is the longest and quietest season in Glacier Bay National Park.
From November through March, the park becomes a remote and snowy wilderness. Most facilities close, including the visitor center, park lodge, and campground. Tour boats and cruise ships stop running.
Heavy snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures dominate the months. Average highs hover around 25°F (-4°C), and lows drop well below 10°F (-12°C). Daylight is limited to just 6–8 hours a day.
Still, winter has its magic. Locals from Gustavus and nearby areas sometimes enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or backcountry adventures. But this is not the time for most tourists. Roads in and out of Gustavus aren’t maintained. Ferry and flight services are limited and often canceled due to weather.
The wildlife activity is also lower. Bears hibernate. Whales migrate. But you may still spot sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles.
Agnes’ Advice: Winter in Glacier Bay is for experienced adventurers only. There are no services, no ranger-led programs, and access is extremely limited. If you’re dreaming of snowy Alaska landscapes, consider places like Fairbanks or Denali in winter, where services are more consistent.
Final Thoughts
Glacier Bay is wild, remote, and unforgettable—no matter the season.
Whether you’re cruising past tidewater glaciers, hiking coastal trails, or kayaking quiet coves, each time of year offers something special. Summer brings long days and vibrant life. Spring and fall offer solitude and changing colors. Winter is for the bold few who crave total stillness.
Plan based on what you want to experience. And remember: weather can change quickly in Alaska, so always come prepared.
Do You Like It? Pin It For Later!
