Juneau in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Juneau

18°C (64°F) High Temp

11°C (52°F) Low Temp

137 mm (5.4 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak wildlife viewing - salmon runs bring bears, eagles, and whales closer to viewing areas with 85% success rates for whale watching tours
Warmest temperatures of the year at 18°C (64°F) highs make outdoor activities comfortable with proper rain gear
Longest daylight hours with 17+ hours of usable light, sunrise at 5:30am and sunset after 9:00pm
Peak cruise season means maximum tour availability and daily glacier helicopter flights (weather permitting 60% of days)

Considerations

Highest tourist crowds with 4-6 large cruise ships daily bringing 12,000+ visitors, making popular attractions very crowded 11am-5pm
Premium pricing across accommodations (40-60% higher than shoulder seasons) and tours due to peak demand
Frequent light rain on 18 out of 31 days requires constant rain gear and limits some outdoor photography opportunities

Best Activities in August

Mendenhall Glacier Access and Ice Cave Exploration

August offers the most stable helicopter access to glacier surfaces with 60% flight success rate due to clearer weather windows. Ice caves are most accessible before September freeze-ups make them dangerous. Morning flights (7-10am) have highest success rates before afternoon cloud buildup.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead for August as helicopter tours fill quickly. Costs typically range $450-650 per person for 2-hour glacier landings. Look for operators with flexible rebooking policies for weather cancellations. Check current helicopter tour options in the booking section below.

Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife Tours

Peak humpback whale season with 85% sighting success rates. August brings salmon runs that attract whales closer to shore in Auke Bay and Stephens Passage. Orcas follow salmon runs with 40% encounter rates. Best viewing times are early morning (6-9am) and late afternoon (4-7pm) when cruise ship traffic is minimal.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost $180-280 per person. Book morning departures to avoid cruise ship crowds and afternoon weather deterioration. Licensed operators offer wildlife guarantees with free rebooking if no whales spotted. See current marine tour options in booking section below.

Bear Viewing at Pack Creek and Admiralty Island

August salmon runs create optimal brown bear viewing conditions with 90% bear sighting rates. Bears are most active during salmon runs, feeding 14-16 hours daily. Pack Creek offers guided viewing from safe observation platforms 45 km (28 miles) from Juneau via floatplane or boat.

Booking Tip: Full-day bear viewing tours cost $550-750 per person including transportation and permits. Limited to 24 visitors daily so book 4-6 weeks ahead. Tours include Forest Service permits and professional guides. Weather backup plans typically include Mendenhall area black bear viewing. Check current bear viewing tours in booking section below.

Salmon Fishing Charters in Gastineau Channel

Peak coho and pink salmon runs make August the premier fishing month. Daily bag limits of 6 salmon per person with guided charter success rates above 80%. Fishing is productive throughout daylight hours due to salmon feeding patterns, with peak action 6-10am and 5-8pm.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters typically cost $280-380 per person, full-day $450-600. Price includes tackle, bait, and fish cleaning. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as local and cruise passengers compete for spots. Licensed guides provide all equipment and Alaska fishing licenses. See current fishing charter options in booking section below.

Mount Roberts Tramway and Alpine Hiking

August offers the only reliable access to alpine hiking with minimal snow above 600 m (1,970 ft). The tramway operates daily 9am-9pm with extended summer hours. Alpine wildflowers peak in August above treeline, and clear weather windows provide Gastineau Channel views 40% of days.

Booking Tip: Tramway tickets cost $37-42 for adults with hiking trail access included. Purchase morning tickets for best weather windows - afternoon clouds reduce visibility after 2pm on 60% of days. Combine with nature center visits during rain breaks. Check current tramway schedules and mountain tour options in booking section below.

Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier Day Cruises

August provides optimal ice conditions with active glacier calving and navigable waterways. Full-day cruises cover 80 km (50 miles) round trip through dramatic fjord scenery with 70% chance of reaching glacier face depending on ice conditions. Wildlife includes seals on icebergs, mountain goats, and occasional whales.

Booking Tip: Full-day fjord cruises typically cost $180-250 per person including lunch. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as tours often sell out in peak season. Choose larger vessels (100+ passengers) for stability in choppy waters. Weather and ice conditions occasionally require itinerary changes. See current fjord cruise options in booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Mid August

Golden North Salmon Derby

Alaska's longest-running salmon derby with $50,000+ in prizes. Three-day tournament attracts serious anglers competing for largest king and coho salmon. Weigh-ins at Aurora Harbor create community festival atmosphere with local food vendors and live music.

Late August

Juneau Maritime Festival

Celebration of Southeast Alaska's maritime heritage featuring traditional boat races, Native canoe demonstrations, and Coast Guard ship tours. Free family event at Douglas Harbor with local seafood vendors and live performances by Native dance groups.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket and pants - essential for 18 rainy days, choose breathable fabrics over cheap plastic

Waterproof hiking boots with good tread - trails are muddy and slippery, ankle support needed on uneven terrain

Moisture-wicking base layers - avoid cotton which stays wet in 75% humidity, merino wool or synthetic fabrics dry faster

Warm fleece or down jacket for 11°C (52°F) evenings and boat tours where wind chill drops temperatures further

Waterproof gloves for glacier helicopter landings where temperatures drop to -5°C (23°F) on ice surfaces

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV reflects off water and ice even with low UV index 3, glacier glare is intense

Quick-dry pants and hiking pants - jeans stay wet for hours in constant moisture

Waterproof backpack cover or dry bags - protect electronics, cameras, and documents during outdoor activities

Warm hat that fits under rain hood - heat loss through head significant in cool, windy conditions

Non-slip shoe grips or microspikes for glacier walking tours - ice surfaces require extra traction for safety

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities for early morning (6-10am) - afternoon clouds roll in by 2pm reducing glacier flight success rates from 60% to 20%

Eat lunch away from downtown 11am-2pm when cruise passengers overwhelm restaurants - try Auke Bay or Mendenhall Valley areas

Book glacier helicopter tours for first available morning slot with weather backup days built into your schedule

Locals fish Douglas Island shore for salmon during evening high tides avoiding crowded charter boats - check tide charts and buy day license at Fred Meyer for $25

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking only one day for glacier helicopter tours without weather backup - August cloud cover cancels 40% of afternoon flights

Wearing cotton clothing expecting mild weather - cotton kills in Southeast Alaska's wet conditions even at 18°C (64°F)

Planning downtown activities during cruise ship hours 10am-6pm - crowds make simple tasks take 3x longer with 12,000 daily visitors