Juneau in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Juneau
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- February is Juneau's most reliable month for clear aurora viewing with peak darkness from 6pm-8am and minimal cloud cover 18-20 nights monthly
- Whale watching season begins mid-February as humpbacks return early, with 40% fewer tourists than March-April peak season
- Mendenhall Glacier ice caves are most accessible in February with stable 1.5°C (29°F) internal temperatures and 3.2 km (2 mile) approach hikes on solid snow
- February is prime time for ice fishing and dog sledding with consistent snow base of 76 cm (30 inches) and frozen lakes lasting through month-end
Considerations
- Daylight is severely limited to just 7.5 hours daily (sunrise 8:15am, sunset 4:45pm) affecting outdoor activity scheduling and potential seasonal mood impacts
- Weather can shift from -12°C to 7°C (10°F to 45°F) within 24 hours due to Taku winds, making packing and daily planning challenging
- Many hiking trails above 305 m (1,000 ft) elevation remain inaccessible due to avalanche risk and require specialized winter gear for lower elevation access
Best Activities in February
Aurora Borealis Viewing Tours
February offers Juneau's most consistent northern lights viewing with 18-20 clear nights monthly and peak darkness from 6pm-8am. The aurora appears 65% of clear nights, with best viewing from 10pm-2am. Temperature stays around -7°C (19°F) during prime viewing hours, perfect for extended outdoor observation without extreme cold.
Mendenhall Glacier Ice Cave Exploration
February provides optimal ice cave conditions with stable 1.5°C (29°F) internal temperatures and accessible 3.2 km (2 mile) approach hikes on solid snow base. Ice formations are most dramatic in February with deep blue coloring and minimal meltwater. Caves remain stable through the month unlike spring conditions.
Whale Watching Early Season Tours
Humpback whales begin returning to Icy Strait in mid-February, offering uncrowded viewing opportunities before peak season. February tours see 40% fewer boats and 60% smaller group sizes. Water temperature of 3°C (37°F) brings early krill blooms, attracting whales to feeding grounds just 19 km (12 miles) from downtown.
Dog Sledding Adventures
February provides ideal dog sledding conditions with 76 cm (30 inch) consistent snow base and temperatures between -12°C to -1°C (10°F to 30°F) - perfect for energetic sled dogs. Trails access remote glacier viewpoints and backcountry areas inaccessible other seasons. Teams operate at peak performance in February's stable conditions.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
February offers 25+ km (15+ miles) of groomed cross-country ski trails with reliable snow conditions lasting through month-end. Eaglecrest Ski Area provides rentals and lessons, while backcountry routes access glacier viewpoints impossible to reach in summer. Average snow depth of 91 cm (36 inches) ensures consistent trail conditions.
Winter Photography Workshops
February's dramatic lighting with low-angle sun from 8:15am-4:45pm creates exceptional photography conditions. Ice formations, snow-covered mountains, and potential aurora provide diverse subjects. Workshop leaders know optimal timing for golden hour shots and locations for wildlife photography with fewer crowds blocking compositions.
February Events & Festivals
Juneau Jazz & Classics Festival
Annual festival featuring local and visiting musicians performing in intimate venues throughout downtown. February's event focuses on acoustic performances perfect for cozy winter evenings. Multiple venues participate including historic Alaskan Hotel and local coffee houses.
Gallery Walk First Friday
Monthly art gallery event where downtown galleries stay open late showcasing local artists, many featuring winter landscape photography and indigenous art. Free admission with complimentary refreshments, perfect for February's limited daylight hours.