Juneau in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Juneau

-1°C (30°F) High Temp

-9°C (16°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Extended daylight hours - March gains 5 minutes of daylight daily, reaching 12.5 hours by month's end with impressive sunrise at 7:15am and sunset at 7:45pm
Peak Northern Lights season continues through mid-March with 65% visibility rate and optimal viewing from 9pm-2am during new moon periods (March 1-3 and March 29-31)
Shoulder season pricing saves 40-60% on accommodations compared to summer cruise season, with hotel rates averaging $89-149 versus summer's $200-350 range
Last chance for winter activities like dog sledding and ice climbing before seasonal operators close by March 25th, while avoiding February's -20°C (-4°F) extreme cold

Considerations

Unpredictable weather transitions between winter and spring create challenging conditions - temperatures can swing 15°C (27°F) in 24 hours, making outdoor planning difficult
Limited ferry service to outer areas with Auke Bay Ferry running reduced winter schedule (3 departures weekly versus summer's daily service)
Muddy hiking conditions as snow melts create impassable trails on popular routes like Mount Roberts Trail below 300m (984 ft) elevation

Best Activities in March

Mendenhall Glacier Winter Photography Tours

March offers the perfect combination of accessible glacier viewing with dramatic ice formations still intact from winter, plus increasing daylight for better photography conditions. The glacier face shows impressive blue ice crevasses that disappear during summer melt. Tours operate in heated vehicles with professional guides who know the best viewpoints for changing light conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified glacier guides. Tours typically cost $85-145 per person and include transportation and professional photography instruction. Early morning tours (8am start) offer best lighting conditions. Reference booking widget below for current certified operators.

Northern Lights and Stargazing Expeditions

March maintains excellent aurora viewing with 65% visibility rate while offering more comfortable temperatures than January-February. Clear nights reach optimal viewing conditions with minimal light pollution outside downtown. Professional aurora guides use weather tracking and solar activity monitoring to maximize viewing chances during the 9pm-2am peak window.

Booking Tip: Book aurora tours for new moon periods (March 1-3, 29-31) when possible. Tours range $95-165 per person with pickup service and hot beverages included. Many operators offer aurora guarantees with free rebooking if conditions don't cooperate. Check current tour availability in booking section below.

Dog Sledding Adventures

Final month for authentic dog sledding experiences before operators close for spring. March snow conditions provide excellent trail access to glacier camps while avoiding extreme February cold. Teams of 12-16 Alaskan huskies traverse 10-15 km (6-9 mile) routes across Mendenhall Glacier or nearby snow fields with opportunities to drive your own sled team.

Booking Tip: Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead as operators limit March bookings before seasonal closure around March 25th. Full-day experiences cost $280-420 per person including helicopter glacier transport. Half-day tours run $165-245. Weather-dependent with 24-hour advance confirmation required. See current availability in booking widget below.

Indoor Cultural Experiences and Museum Tours

March weather makes indoor cultural activities particularly appealing. Alaska State Museum features rotating exhibitions while Juneau-Douglas City Museum offers local mining history perfect for weather backup days. Traditional Native Alaskan cultural demonstrations at Sealaska Heritage Institute provide real feels away from summer cruise crowds.

Booking Tip: Most cultural sites offer walk-in admission $12-18 per adult, with combination passes available for $25-35 covering multiple venues. Native cultural demonstrations require advance booking and typically cost $45-65 per person. Indoor venues provide excellent weather alternatives during March's variable conditions.

Tracy Arm Fjord Winter Boat Tours

Limited but spectacular winter boat access to Tracy Arm Fjord offers intimate glacier viewing without summer crowds. Ice conditions create unique viewing opportunities with icebergs and seals on ice floes. Tours use heated cabins and provide specialized winter wildlife viewing including possible whale sightings as humpbacks begin returning to Southeast Alaska waters.

Booking Tip: Very limited availability - only 2-3 operators run March tours weather permitting. Full-day tours cost $195-275 per person including lunch and heated indoor viewing areas. Book 3-4 weeks ahead and confirm 48 hours prior due to ice conditions. Alternative indoor seating essential for March weather conditions.

Historic Downtown Walking and Brewery Tours

March offers comfortable downtown exploration without summer cruise ship crowds. Historic buildings from gold rush era provide shelter between stops while local breweries offer warm indoor tastings. Self-guided tours allow flexibility for weather changes while guided historical tours provide insider stories about mining history and local characters.

Booking Tip: Self-guided options cost $8-15 for historical walking maps. Guided tours with brewery stops range $55-85 per person including 3-4 tastings. Indoor portions make these ideal for March weather variability. Tours operate regardless of weather with indoor alternatives. Multiple daily departures allow flexibility for changing conditions.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Juneau Jazz & Classics Annual Festival

Multi-venue music festival featuring local and visiting musicians performing jazz, classical, and contemporary music across downtown venues. Provides excellent indoor entertainment during March weather with intimate concert settings and local food partnerships.

Late March

Alaska Folk Festival

Week-long celebration of traditional and contemporary folk music with free concerts at Centennial Hall and local venues. Features local Alaskan musicians alongside visiting artists with workshops, jam sessions, and community performances creating authentic cultural experiences away from tourist attractions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -15°C (5°F) - essential for glacier tours and outdoor activities with good traction for icy sidewalks downtown

Layered clothing system: merino wool base layer, insulating fleece mid-layer, waterproof outer shell - temperatures vary dramatically throughout the day

Warm waterproof gloves plus liner gloves for camera operation - outdoor activities require dexterity in cold conditions

Wool or synthetic insulated hat covering ears - wind chill factor can drop feels-like temperature to -15°C (5°F)

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - snow reflection increases UV exposure especially during glacier activities

Hand warmers and toe warmers - disposable heat packs essential for extended outdoor photography and aurora viewing

Waterproof day pack 20-30L (1,200-1,800 cubic inches) - weather changes require carrying extra layers

Headlamp with red light setting - essential for aurora viewing and early morning activities with 4am sunrise early in month

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated in cold weather while avoiding frozen bottles during outdoor activities

Lip balm with SPF and moisturizer - dry cold air and wind cause chapping and dry skin conditions

Insider Knowledge

Local weather patterns: Check marine weather forecasts rather than city forecasts - most activities depend on Gastineau Channel conditions which can differ significantly from downtown readings

Best aurora viewing spots locals use: Out the Road past Mile 12 or North Douglas Island beaches avoid downtown light pollution and offer unobstructed northern sky views

March mud season reality: Locals call it 'breakup season' - many hiking trails below 300m (984 ft) become impassable due to snowmelt, but higher elevation trails remain snow-covered and accessible

Shopping strategy: Safeway and Fred Meyer stock up on supplies midweek - weekend ferry delays can cause temporary shortages of fresh produce during March weather disruptions

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming winter gear isn't necessary because it's 'spring' - March remains winter conditions with potential for -15°C (5°F) wind chills and snow accumulation

Booking only outdoor activities without weather backup plans - March conditions change rapidly requiring flexible itineraries with indoor alternatives

Expecting summer ferry and tour schedules - many operators run reduced winter schedules through March with weather-dependent cancellations common