Juneau in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Juneau

11°C (52°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

152 mm (6.0 inches) Rainfall

80% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Autumn colors peak in mid-September - fireweed turns brilliant magenta across mountain slopes and muskeg meadows create spectacular photography opportunities
Northern Lights season begins - September 15th onwards offers your first chance to see aurora borealis, with 8+ hours of darkness by month's end
Cruise season winds down after Labor Day weekend - major attractions like Mendenhall Glacier and Mount Roberts Tramway see 60% fewer crowds than July-August
Salmon runs continue strong - coho salmon fishing peaks in September, plus you'll witness brown and black bears actively feeding at Steep Creek and Pack Creek

Considerations

Rain increases significantly - expect precipitation 18 days of the month with frequent all-day drizzle that can limit outdoor activities and flight schedules
Daylight shortens rapidly - you lose 5 minutes of daylight daily, dropping from 15 hours early September to 12 hours by month's end
Cool temperatures require layered clothing - mornings often feel like 3°C (37°F) with wind chill, making summer clothing inadequate

Best Activities in September

Mendenhall Glacier Photography Tours

September's autumn colors create impressive contrast against the glacier's blue ice. Lower cruise ship crowds mean better parking and trail access. Frequent overcast skies provide soft, even lighting perfect for photography without harsh shadows. The Nugget Falls trail offers spectacular views without the summer crowds.

Booking Tip: Book glacier access tours 7-10 days ahead through certified operators. Prices typically range $85-150 per person. Look for small group tours (8 people max) that include rain gear. Check current availability in the booking section below.

Northern Lights Viewing Expeditions

September 15th onwards offers prime aurora viewing as darkness returns. Clear nights (about 6 per month) provide excellent viewing conditions away from Juneau's lights. Tours head to Eaglecrest Ski Area or out the road system for optimal darkness. Best viewing typically 10pm-2am.

Booking Tip: Northern lights tours start mid-September and cost $125-200 per person. Book tours that offer multiple departure dates since weather cancellations are common. Look for operators providing warm beverages and photography assistance. See current tours in booking section below.

Bear Viewing at Pack Creek

September brown bear viewing is exceptional as salmon runs continue and bears actively feed before winter. Cooler weather means bears are more active during daylight hours. Pack Creek offers the region's most reliable bear viewing with naturalist guides ensuring safety and optimal wildlife photography.

Booking Tip: Pack Creek permits required and tours typically cost $450-650 per person including floatplane transport. Book 14-21 days ahead as September is popular for bear photography. Only licensed operators can access Pack Creek. Check current availability in booking section below.

Mount Roberts Tramway and Alpine Hiking

September offers clear mountain views on occasional sunny days, plus autumn colors at treeline elevations around 550m (1,800 ft). Cooler temperatures make hiking comfortable, and reduced crowds mean peaceful trail experiences. Alpine Loop Trail showcases fall colors and provides excellent Gastineau Channel views.

Booking Tip: Tramway operates daily through September, $37 adults roundtrip. Purchase tickets day-of unless combining with guided nature walks ($65-85). Hiking boots recommended for wet trails. Weather can change rapidly at elevation - check conditions before ascending.

Whale Watching Tours

Humpback whales remain active through September as they feed heavily before migration. Cooler air temperatures create better conditions for spotting whale spouts. Smaller tour groups and calmer seas (compared to summer) provide more intimate wildlife experiences in Lynn Canal and Stephens Passage.

Booking Tip: Whale watching tours operate through September, typically $140-180 per person for 3-4 hour excursions. Book 5-7 days ahead through operators offering rain gear and heated cabins. Success rates remain high (85-90%) through September. See current options in booking section below.

Tracy Arm Fjord Day Cruises

September offers dramatic lighting in the fjord as autumn storms create moody skies perfect for photography. Sawyer Glaciers remain active with frequent calving. Wildlife viewing includes harbor seals with pups on icebergs, and mountain goats visible on steep cliffs as vegetation changes color.

Booking Tip: Full-day Tracy Arm tours cost $165-225 per person and operate through September with reduced frequency. Book 10-14 days ahead as weather cancellations increase. Choose tours with indoor heated viewing areas and included meals. Current tour availability shown in booking widget below.

September Events & Festivals

First Friday of September

Gallery Walk First Friday

Monthly art gallery crawl featuring local Alaska Native artists and contemporary works. September showcases autumn-themed exhibitions and is less crowded than summer months. Free event with wine and appetizers at participating downtown galleries.

Mid September

Juneau Maritime Heritage Festival

Celebrates Juneau's fishing and maritime history with boat tours, seafood tastings, and demonstrations of traditional net mending and fish processing. Features local salmon bake and live bluegrass music at Marine Park.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket with hood - expect 18 rainy days with frequent all-day drizzle, not just quick showers

Insulated, waterproof hiking boots - trails remain muddy through September and temperatures drop to 6°C (43°F)

Merino wool base layers - essential for 6°C (43°F) morning temperatures and 80% humidity that makes cotton uncomfortable

Lightweight fleece or down jacket - temperature swings of 5°C (9°F) daily require easy layering options

Waterproof gloves - necessary for glacier tours and Northern Lights viewing when temperatures feel like 3°C (37°F)

Rain pants - full leg protection needed for hiking and outdoor activities in frequent precipitation

Quick-dry synthetic pants - avoid jeans and cotton which stay wet in 152mm (6.0 inches) monthly rainfall

Warm wool hat - essential for early Northern Lights viewing and morning glacier tours

Waterproof day pack cover - protect cameras and electronics during outdoor excursions

Headlamp with red filter - crucial for Northern Lights photography and early morning activities in increasing darkness

Insider Knowledge

Local berry picking season peaks in early September - salmonberries and blueberries are abundant on Perseverance Trail and Douglas Island trails that most tourists miss

September 15th marks the unofficial start of 'Juneau winter mode' when locals switch from outdoor festivals to indoor activities - book restaurant reservations earlier as dining becomes more popular

Floatplane tours have best weather windows 10am-2pm in September - morning fog and afternoon storms frequently cancel early/late flights

Eaglecrest Ski Area opens for hiking and mountain biking in September with spectacular views and no crowds - locals use this as their secret autumn playground for photography

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothing - September feels like early winter with 6°C (43°F) mornings requiring warm layers

Not booking Northern Lights tours until arrival - popular September aurora tours fill up 2 weeks ahead, especially on predicted clear nights

Expecting consistent sunny weather for outdoor photography - plan flexible itineraries as rain occurs 60% of days and can last all day