Juneau in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Juneau

37°C (100°F) High Temp

29°C (84°F) Low Temp

7.6 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Extended daylight hours with sunrise at 7:30am and sunset at 4:30pm - perfect for maximizing outdoor photography and whale watching windows during the brief daylight period
Northern lights season begins with peak aurora activity between 10pm-2am when skies are darkest, and November has 60% clear night probability
Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to summer cruise season, with most hotels offering November-specific packages
Fresh snow coverage on surrounding peaks creates dramatic contrast for glacier tours and scenic flights, while sea ice hasn't formed yet for better boat access

Considerations

Only 6.5 hours of daylight severely limits outdoor activity windows - most tours must start by 8am to maximize light
Frequent weather cancellations affect 25-30% of scheduled flights and helicopter tours due to low visibility and high winds
Many tourist services operate reduced schedules or close entirely - several restaurants and tour operators shut down between November 15-December 15

Best Activities in November

Mendenhall Glacier Winter Access Tours

November offers the best glacier viewing conditions with fresh snow highlighting ice formations and minimal tourist crowds. The visitor center stays open with heated viewing areas, and ice caves become accessible as temperatures drop. Clear November days provide impressive contrast between blue ice and white snow that summer visitors never see.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead as weather-dependent tours get cancelled frequently. Winter glacier tours typically cost $85-120 per person and include transportation from downtown. Look for operators offering indoor backup activities when weather prevents glacier access.

Aurora Borealis Viewing Experiences

November marks the start of prime northern lights season with 15+ hours of darkness and relatively mild temperatures around -1°C (30°F). Juneau's location provides excellent aurora viewing without extreme cold, and the mountains create dramatic silhouettes against the green lights. Peak viewing occurs between 10pm-2am with 60% clear night probability.

Booking Tip: Aurora tours run $75-150 per person with midnight pickups. Book flexible cancellation policies as tours depend on clear skies. Many operators offer multiple night packages with better success rates for viewing.

Whale Migration Tracking Tours

Late-season humpback whales concentrate in Auke Bay and Stephens Passage during November migration south. Fewer boats mean more intimate wildlife encounters, and whales display increased feeding behavior before their long journey. Calm November seas provide better viewing conditions than choppy summer waters.

Booking Tip: Limited operators run November whale tours - book 2 weeks ahead. Tours cost $140-180 and run 3-4 hours in heated boats. Success rates are 70-80% for whale sightings during peak migration windows.

Downtown Historic Walking Tours

November's crisp air and smaller crowds make exploring Juneau's historic downtown ideal. The Alaska State Museum and Last Chance Mining Museum offer warm indoor exploration between outdoor sites. Fresh snow on Mount Juneau creates perfect backdrops for photography at the Governor's Mansion and State Capitol.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well in November with most historic sites staying open regular hours. Guided walking tours cost $25-35 and run 90 minutes with indoor warming stops. Afternoon tours (1-3pm) maximize available daylight.

Mount Roberts Tramway Winter Rides

November tram rides offer spectacular views of snow-covered peaks and the Gastineau Channel below. The mountaintop nature center provides heated viewing areas and the gift shop stays open with extended November hours. Clear days reveal views extending 80 km (50 miles) across the Inside Passage.

Booking Tip: Tram operates weather-dependent schedule in November with $36 adult tickets. Purchase morning rides (9-11am) for best visibility before afternoon clouds form. Indoor nature center provides backup activities during poor weather.

Tracy Arm Fjord Ice Explorer Tours

November fjord tours encounter dramatically different conditions than summer visits. Fresh icebergs from Sawyer Glaciers create constantly changing scenery, and the fjord's waterfalls often freeze into impressive ice formations. Wildlife like harbor seals concentrate around ice floes in greater numbers.

Booking Tip: Full-day fjord tours run $180-250 in heated vessels with indoor viewing areas. Book 10-14 days ahead as November weather limits sailing days to 60% schedule reliability. Tours include hot meals and warm beverages.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Alaska Day Celebration Extended Weekend

October 18th Alaska Day celebrations often extend into early November with community events, historical reenactments at the Alaska State Museum, and traditional Native Alaskan cultural demonstrations. Local businesses offer Alaska Day weekend specials through the first week of November.

Mid November

Juneau Christmas Craft Fair

Long-running local artisan market featuring Alaska Native crafts, handmade winter gear, and regional food products. Held at Centennial Hall with over 100 vendors, this event draws locals stocking up for winter and provides authentic Alaska-made souvenirs unavailable during tourist season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -10°C (14°F) - essential for icy sidewalks and outdoor activities, most visitors underestimate how slippery downtown becomes

Layered clothing system with merino wool base layers - temperatures swing 8°C (15°F) daily and indoor heating can be intense

High-SPF sunscreen (50+) for snow reflection - UV index reaches 8 on clear days with intense glare from snow-covered surfaces

Waterproof gloves and warm hat - 70% humidity makes cold feel more penetrating, and you'll be outdoors for aurora viewing

Headlamp or small flashlight - with only 6.5 hours of daylight, you'll be walking in darkness by 5pm

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster, critical for navigation and emergency communication

Slip-on shoe grips (Yaktrax or similar) - black ice forms frequently on sidewalks, even locals use these devices

Warm, waterproof pants - not just jeans, November involves sitting outdoors for whale watching and aurora tours

Moisturizer and lip balm - combination of cold air and indoor heating creates extremely dry conditions

Small daypack for layers - you'll be adding and removing clothing frequently as you move between heated indoor spaces and cold outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Local Juneau residents avoid downtown between 2-4pm when cruise ship day-trippers from late-season repositioning cruises crowd the few open businesses - plan museum visits or indoor activities during these windows

November is when Juneau locals stock up on winter supplies, so hardware stores and sporting goods shops offer their best gear sales - perfect timing for buying quality Alaska-made outdoor equipment at local prices

The real November weather often differs from forecasts due to microclimates created by surrounding mountains - locals check NOAA marine forecasts, not general weather apps, for more accurate conditions

Most tour operators offer 'local resident rates' in November that they'll extend to visitors who ask - savings of 15-25% on activities like the Mount Roberts Tramway and some glacier tours

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor activities without flexible cancellation policies - November weather cancels 25-30% of tours, and rigid bookings mean losing money when flights or boats can't operate

Expecting summer operating hours and availability - many restaurants, shops, and tour operators significantly reduce schedules or close completely between November 15-December 15

Underestimating how early darkness affects planning - with sunset at 4:30pm, outdoor activities must begin by 8am to maximize the 6.5 hours of usable daylight