When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Juneau, Alaska?
Choosing a location for your dream vacation or tour can be a challenge when you’re not a local. Things like the weather can greatly enhance or ruin your plans. If you’re looking for hiking in wooded trails, you need to know the best season for green pastures and flowering fields in Alaska. Conversely, if you are interested in skiing, ice fishing, and winter sports, you may find yourself aiming for a more chilly time of the year. If you’re wondering if you should travel to Alaska in the winter or the summer let’s look further into the best time of the year for your vacation in Juneau.
Between May and August
Many visitors (particularly first-timers) may believe that this is the only time that is best to visit Juneau. The weather isn’t particularly hot and uncomfortable, as the average highs are in the mid-60s. However, during the day, it is always bright and for a long time. With 18 hours and 18 minutes of daylight, June 21 is the year’s longest day, in comparison to December 21, when the daylight lasts for just 6 hours and 21 minutes.
In addition to the pleasant weather, the top attractions in the area such as the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventures and Mount Roberts Tramway are usually open and accessible for business.
The only drawback is that airfare and hotel rates will almost certainly be higher during this time of the year. You can expect to see a lot of people in Juneau, as it becomes irresistibly enjoyable this time of year.
Some of the notable events that happened during this time are the Gold Rush Days in June, Pride Picnic and Celebration in June, and the Golden North Salmon Derby in August.
Between September and April
You can enjoy the city of Juneau and create a memorable experience at a pocket-friendly rate if you visit in the early fall before it closes for the winter season. However, the months of September and October have the most precipitation. Plan on cloudy, rainy days.
Though some Juneau businesses close their doors after the summer high season, there are some benefits to visiting during this chilly weather, with lows in the upper 20s. You’ll be able to enjoy Juneau’s snowy landscape without all the crowds if you ski, heli-ski, or go dog sledding.
This season is also the best time to see the awe-inspiring northern lights. Furthermore, because demand is low, lodging and airfare will most likely be discounted.
Some key events that take place during this period are Alaska Folk Festival in April and Juneau Public Market in November.
Things to Consider When Visiting Juneau, Alaska
- The Temperature in the Region: The temperature ranges from 60°F to 80°F during the day. Lows at night are cool and refreshing, leaning more to the 40s to 50s. Temperatures should be 5°to 10° cooler between May and September. May is usually the driest month, with a 25% chance of precipitation on any given day. As the summer progresses, the chance of rain increases, reaching 50% in September.
- The Period of the Northern Lights and Summer: Because it does not get dark enough at night during the majority of the summer, the Aurora Borealis is usually not visible. If you want to combine summer activities with a trip to see the northern lights, plan to go on your trip between August 15 and September 15.
- The Duration of Daytime: The longest day of the year occurs on June 21st, with 19 hours of pure daylight in Anchorage, 18 hours in the Southeast, and 22 hours in Fairbanks. From the later days of May to later in July, it’s light almost all daylight until past 10 p.m. Long days allow you to cram in as many activities as possible while still enjoying our Midnight Sun period.
- Best Time for Viewing and Exploring Wildlife: In general, the months of May to September are ideal for viewing wildlife. The best time to see bears is in July, when you can fly above in a floatplane tour. Moose are visible all year, depending on where you are in Alaska. Gray whales come up into the interior in March and April, humpbacks from May to September, and orcas all year round. As you can see, we’re teaming with amazing wildlife and breathtaking scenic views!
Call Us Today!
At Above & Beyond Alaska, we are a team of tourism experts who can guide you on how, when, and what best to do when planning your tour or vacation to the city of Juneau. We’ve lived here for decades and by know we know the best time of year to visit Juneau, Alaska. With a stream of services that range from treks to exploration of the tourism centers in the area, we guarantee a beautiful experience in Juneau, so reach out to us today!
