When is the Best Time to Cruise?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for when to sail: It depends on your own personal priorities. Whether you’re looking to avoid the rough seas or score a bargain deal, there’s a time of year that’s best for you. If you’re looking for low prices, shoulder season — the time between peak and low season — is a great option, but it may come with trade-offs like rainy weather or fewer wildlife sightings. Check out our breakdown of the best time to cruise based on destination, weather, and price:

By Simon Duvall

Cruiseline.com

Destination	Best Price	Best Weather	We Recommend
Alaska	Mid-May to early June and late August to mid-September. The trade-off: Cooler weather, less wildlife activity, and (in September) more rain.	For longer days, dry weather, and warm temperatures, the best time to cruise in Alaska is late June through mid-July.	Salmon run season (mid- to late July) is when the bears are most active. If you’re interested in whales, however, August is when you’re mostly likely to spot them.
Australia & New Zealand	November to mid-March, except for holidays	December and January are warm and dry. Avoid cyclone season (early December and late May) in Australia; New Zealand is rarely impacted.	New Year’s Eve is the highlight of the year in Australia; cruise to New Zealand during reliably sunny December and January.
Bermuda	March, April, and November	Bermuda is often in the path of storms during hurricane season (early June through late November), with the biggest risk from August through October. May through July is usually ideal.	Cruise during Bermuda’s festival season (winter through early summer) for cultural events like the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts, which draws artists from around the world.
Canada & New England	June through early September, as well as late October	Temperatures are warmer in the summer months, and June, July, and September are driest.	Fall “leaf-peeping" season runs from the second or third week of September to mid-October.
Caribbean	January, May, and September	Hurricane season lasts from June through November, so winter is prime time.	Winter is a no-brainer. (Plus, it’s colder up north and kids are in school, so ships are less crowded.)
Hawaii	Between October and early December	The rainy season runs from November through March, so the weather is best between April and October.	Since the prices are stable year-round, choose a sailing between April and October.
Mediterranean	October through February, except for holidays	The peak season is May through August; however, if you’re looking at small-ship cruises, beware of the Meltemi winds in the Aegean Sea.	In summer, tourists overwhelm many ports. If you’re looking to avoid the flocks, consider early fall, when the weather is still warm but kids are back in school.
Mexican Riviera	September and January	Summer is often uncomfortably hot along the Pacific Coast, so sail during late fall or winter.	Score great deals by sailing here in winter, which is more likely to be cold back home.
Northern Europe	The season is short (May through August), so there aren’t many bargains. Try to snag a deal on the first or last cruise of the season.	Conditions during summer are perfect.	If you want to avoid crowds, cruise in early May or late August.
Panama Canal	April, September, and early January. Some lines offer longer repositioning cruises in May and September; if you can spare the time, these are the best per diem deals anywhere.	December through February offers warm temperatures and the least rain.	From December through February, the weather is best, shops stay open later, and street festivals abound.
South America	November and late April to early May	December and January are typically most pleasant, but the farther south you travel from the equator, the more varied the climate. Seas are rough near Cape Horn and Antarctica, regardless of the month.	December and January offer the best temperatures and the most wildlife. The Carnival of Brazil is the five days leading up to Ash Wednesday.