Juneau in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Juneau
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak aurora viewing season - January offers 18-19 hours of darkness with Northern Lights visible on 60% of clear nights, typically appearing between 10pm-3am when magnetic activity is strongest
- Winter wildlife abundance - Steller sea lions gather in massive colonies at Benjamin Island, bald eagles congregate by the hundreds near salmon streams, and harbor seals are easily spotted on ice floes in Gastineau Channel
- Authentic Alaskan winter experience without extreme cold - temperatures rarely drop below 18°C (0°F), making outdoor activities comfortable with proper layering while still providing snow-covered landscapes and frozen waterfalls
- Significant cost savings - accommodation rates drop 40-60% from summer peaks, with mid-range hotels averaging $89-120/night versus $180-250 in July, and flight prices from United States typically $200-300 cheaper
Considerations
- Extremely limited daylight - sunrise around 9:15am, sunset by 3:30pm gives just 6.5 hours of daylight for outdoor exploration and photography
- Weather-dependent activities - glacier helicopter tours and whale watching have 60-70% cancellation rates due to cloud cover, high winds, and poor visibility conditions
- Reduced transportation options - Alaska Marine Highway ferry runs limited winter schedule with only 2-3 departures weekly, and many charter boat operators suspend services until March
Best Activities in January
Mendenhall Glacier Winter Exploration
January transforms Mendenhall Glacier into a winter wonderland with ice caves accessible only during freezing months. The 2.4 km (1.5 mile) trail is snow-packed but manageable with microspikes. Frozen Nugget Falls creates dramatic ice formations, and the visitor center's heated viewing areas provide perfect aurora watching spots after dark. Clear January days offer spectacular blue-ice photography opportunities impossible during summer's crowded conditions.
Aurora Borealis Viewing Expeditions
Juneau's location at 58°N latitude provides excellent Northern Lights viewing during January's long nights. Best viewing occurs 1-3 hours after astronomical twilight (around 11pm-2am) when solar activity peaks. Douglas Island and Eagle Beach offer darkest skies within 30 minutes of downtown. January's dry weather pattern means 45% more clear nights than December, with aurora activity visible on average 12-15 nights per month.
Winter Wildlife Photography Safaris
January concentrates Southeast Alaska's wildlife in predictable locations. Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines hosts 2,000-4,000 eagles feeding on late salmon runs - accessible via 2.5-hour scenic drive on maintained highways. Local Steller sea lion colonies are most active during January pupping season, while harbor seals use ice floes as warming platforms, creating unique photo opportunities unavailable in ice-free months.
Historic Downtown Winter Walking Tours
January's crisp air and snow-dusted buildings showcase Juneau's gold rush architecture at its most photogenic. The compact downtown core remains walkable with heated sidewalks along major routes. Red Dog Saloon, Alaska State Capitol, and St. Nicholas Orthodox Church offer warm indoor stops every 200-300 meters (650-980 feet). January's low tourist numbers mean personal interaction with local historians and authentic local stories.
Mount Roberts Tramway Winter Scenic Rides
January tram rides offer unobstructed views of snow-covered peaks and Gastineau Channel ice formations from 550 meters (1,800 feet) elevation. The summit's Nature Center provides heated viewing areas and local wildlife exhibits during shortened daylight hours. Clear January days reveal panoramic vistas of the Juneau Icefield extending 80 km (50 miles) to the Canadian border - views often obscured by summer's marine layer.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Adventures
Eaglecrest Ski Area and Mendenhall Valley provide groomed trails perfect for January's consistent snow base averaging 61-91 cm (24-36 inches). The 8 km (5 mile) Mendenhall Lake Loop offers beginner-friendly terrain with glacier views, while Perseverance Trail's winter route challenges experienced adventurers with 305 meters (1,000 feet) elevation gain through old-growth forest to historic mining sites.
January Events & Festivals
Alaskan Brewing Company Winter Beer Festival
Annual celebration featuring limited-edition winter ales and seasonal brews paired with local seafood. Indoor venue provides warm atmosphere during cold January evenings with live local music and brewery tours showcasing winter brewing processes unique to Alaska's climate.