As May is getting closer and closer my mind is turning to the weather we will be likely to encounter.  Judging by the Alaska websites on line and visitor reviews I believe it can be anything from very cold to boiling hot at this time of year.  Thus I believe lots of layering with spare hat, gloves and a set of under thermals are the order of the day.  BUT I'm not sure about the evenings.  We are told that Alaska has a VERY casual dress code but will we be attending any events which require 'dress up' clothing at all?  How casual is casual?  Also, how cold is cold?  Are we likely to be wading through snow and ice or will that have cleared by the end of May?

Is the number going on this date still 10 or have more travellers joined our small (but select) group?

I'm starting to get excited now! I'm sure the next few weeks will fly by!!  😃 😃

Bridget

May can be a complicated time of year for Alaska, though typically much of the snow and ice is gone, especially in the more accessible areas.  Certainly in the higher elevations there may still be a bit of snow and the weather will be cooler, but you can typically expect daytime temperatures averaging 15 degrees, but at night things are still quite a bit cooler with temperatures averaging 3-5 degrees.  

As you mentioned, layers are the general rule so you can easily adjust to current weather conditions for maximum comfort.  Unless you plan on hiking anywhere, you're not likely to have to worry about the snow and ice.  Even a late-season snowfall will only last a short time and the places you visit on the trip will have paths and outdoor staircases cleared immediately.

As for dress code, there is no where for which you should be concerned about being underdressed. As always, comfort and practicality are the highest priority, so just wear something you will feel relaxed and warm in.

There are now 17 people booked on this trip and with ages ranging from the early-40's to the late-70's, you'll have a blast.

I hope this helps.

Kindest regards,

Monty

I hope you have an amazing time on this tour - I hope either you or Mandy will write a review when you get back as I'd love to do this tour a couple of years down the road - fingers crossed it's still on offer!

Best wishes,

Bob

No Worries, Bob. I will certainly be writing you a review and, if I finally get to see a moose (after 15 years of trying) you'll never hear the end of it :D

All the best

Mandy

Looking forward to hearing all about it!  I see on another thread you're interested in Nepal - I am too but not the JY tour as I don't want to do the hiking (the joy of having fallen arches!).  I am keeping an eye on the Travelsphere tour and hope to do it over the next couple of years.

All the best,

Bob

Yes, I like the sound of Nepal - I've a few friends who have been and say the people are very welcoming and friendly, despite having nothing. It's on my radar for the back end of next year but I've also got my eye on a (non-JY) tour to Zagan - scene of the Great Escape. I know there is not much there to see but it's always been a pilgrimage I've wanted to make.

Then again, I'm also keen on the sound of the JY New Zealand trip.... but let's focus on Alaska and Rapa Nui this year first :angel:

All the best

Mandy

Here's a link to the Travel Alaska website which gives a clothing guide dependent on season and region visited. Now where's my Alaska guide book.....?

https://www.travelalaska.com/Planning/Alaska%20Climate/Southcentral.aspx 

Regards

Sylvia