Weather & Best Time to Visit in Juneau

Best time to visit Juneau

Summer (late May through early September) is peak season: the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is fully open, humpback whales feed in peak numbers, Pack Creek bear permits are active (July 5–August 25), and Juneau's 18+ hours of daylight let you hike and kayak well into the evening. July offers the warmest days (avg high 64°F) and the highest probability of clearer skies, though rain is always possible — Juneau averages 230 rainy days a year. May and early September offer a rewarding balance of mild weather, thinner cruise-ship crowds, and lower prices. Fall (September–October) brings aurora borealis viewing as darkness returns, vivid fall colors, and salmon spawning at Steep Creek. Winter is quiet, dark, and snowy; Eaglecrest Ski Area and northern lights are the main draws.

Juneau weather by month

MonthHigh (°F)Low (°F)Notes
Jan3024Cold and wet; roughly 12 inches of rain/snow; ~6 hours of daylight.
Feb3124Still cold; precipitation eases slightly; days slowly lengthening.
Mar3527Crisp and wet; daylight expanding; Mendenhall wetlands come alive.
Apr4334Crisp and wet; Alaska Folk Festival and Jazz & Classics Festival.
May5441Cool and wet; cruise season begins; whale watching and kayaking open.
Jun6150Mild with 18+ hours of daylight near the solstice; Celebration (biennial) in early June.
Jul6454Warmest month; peak whale watching and bear viewing; long bright evenings.
Aug6453Warm and wet; salmon spawn at Steep Creek; peak bear activity at Pack Creek.
Sep5748Cool and very wet; aurora returns; thinning cruise crowds; beautiful fall color.
Oct4638Cool and wet; aurora season underway; Eaglecrest ski area preps to open.
Nov3428Crisp and wet; locals' season; northern lights viewing on clear nights.
Dec3023Cold and dark; ~6 hours of daylight; Eaglecrest skiing and aurora viewing.