When to Visit Juneau

January in Juneau brings average highs of around 2°C (35°F) and lows near -3°C (27°F). Snow falls mainly above town. The waterfront sees cold rain and sleet. Daylight is short. The city is quiet.

February edges slightly warmer, with highs around 3°C (37°F) and lows near -2°C (28°F). Days begin to lengthen noticeably. There's a collective optimism among residents. The worst of the dark season passes. Still firmly off-season.

March brings the first real signs of change. Highs reach around 6°C (43°F). Snow is less frequent at sea level. The surrounding mountains begin to show their full vertical drama against the skyline. Precipitation remains steady.

April sees Juneau warming to highs of about 10°C (50°F) with lows around 3°C (37°F). Spring wildflowers begin appearing in the Mendenhall Valley. The days are long enough now to do a proper hike after a morning of other activities. Cruise ships start arriving in small numbers.

May is an appealing month. Highs around 14°C (57°F), lows near 6°C (43°F). A green intensity floods the surrounding forest. The colour is almost overwhelming after the grey months. The Jazz and Classics Festival draws visitors. Juneau begins to feel energised.

June marks the real opening of Juneau's tourist season. Highs hover around 17°C (63°F) with lows near 8°C (47°F). The evenings simply refuse to get dark. The sky holds a deep blue glow until well past 10 p.m. This is peak daylight. The energy in town reflects it. Crowds arrive in earnest with the cruise ships.

July is Juneau's warmest and most reliably dry month. Highs reach around 19°C (66°F) and lows sit near 11°C (51°F). The Mendenhall Glacier is fully accessible. Hiking conditions are excellent. Whale-watching tours fill quickly. The harbour is thick with cruise traffic.

August remains warm and lively through the first half. Highs of about 18°C (65°F) and lows around 11°C (51°F). Rainfall begins ticking upward toward month's end. The salmon runs are in full force. The berries are ripe along the trails. The long days start perceptibly shortening.

September flips the switch. Highs ease to 14°C (57°F), lows settle near 8°C (46°F), and rain starts its steady drumbeat. The Tongass National Forest turns painterly: deciduous trees flare gold against dark conifers. Cruise traffic thins week by week. By late September, Juneau exhales. Quiet returns.

October soaks the city. Highs hover at 8°C (47°F), lows dip to 4°C (39°F). This is Juneau's rainiest stretch. Peaks wear fresh snow and mirror themselves in the channel. Spectacular views, yes. Keep outdoor plans loose.

November ushers in the dark. Highs barely reach 4°C (39°F), lows flirt with 0°C (32°F). Daylight shrinks fast. The city slips into winter rhythm. Snow can dust the streets. Yet it may not. Expect quiet.

December is cold and dim. Highs struggle to 2°C (36°F), lows sink to -2°C (28°F). Only seven hours of daylight at the solstice. Holiday lights matter. They fight the dark and win hearts. Brave the chill and you will find Juneau small, intimate, stripped of summer crowds.