Juneau weather by month
Juneau Weather: A Month‑by‑Month Guide
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, sits on the southern tip of the Alexander Archipelago and is known for its temperate maritime climate. The weather here is shaped by the Pacific Ocean, dense rainforest, and the influence of the Gulf of Alaska. Whether you’re planning a road trip, hiking the Tongass National Forest, or just curious about the seasonal patterns, this guide breaks down what to expect in every month of the year.
1. Seasonal Weather Summary
- Summer (Jun—Aug): Warm, dry, and bright — the best time for outdoor adventures and beach outings.
- Fall (Sep—Nov): Mild temperatures with increasing rainfall; excellent for scenic drives.
- Winter (Dec—Feb): Cool, wet, and often snowy, especially with occasional blizzards.
- Spring (Mar—May): Transition period with thawing lakes and blooming ferns; frequent drizzle.
2. Monthly Details
2.1 Daily Patterns for Each Month
- Daylight Hours: In summer, it can stay light until 9 pm; in winter, daylight can be as brief as 6 hrs.
- Fog & Mist: Common in late evening during fall and early spring.
- Rainfall: The highest totals in September; most months see at least one rainy day per week.
- Snow: Typically starts snowing by late November; accumulations often exceed 20 inches by January.
2.2 Temperature Ranges & Extremes
- Average highs (in °F): 60–75 °F (16–24 °C) in summer, 30–40 °F (−1 to 4 °C) in winter.
- Average lows: 45–55 °F (7–13 °C) in summer, 20–30 °F (–6 to –1 °C) in winter.
- Extreme temperatures: Juneau rarely experiences temperatures above 90 °F or below 0 °F.
3. Juneau Weather By Month – Table
| Month | Avg. High (°F) | Avg. Low (°F) | Avg. Precip. (in) | Avg. Snow (in) | Days > 50 °F | Typical Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33 | 22 | 2.2 | 17 | 1 | Cloudy, rain, light snow |
| February | 35 | 24 | 2.0 | 16 | 1 | Overcast, rain, occasional sleet |
| March | 39 | 28 | 2.2 | 10 | 2 | Misty, drizzle, some sunny |
| April | 46 | 33 | 1.7 | 4 | 5 | Mild, rainy, rare sunny |
| May | 53 | 39 | 2.6 | 1 | 10 | Warm, showers, occasional clear |
| June | 63 | 47 | 2.0 | 0 | 20 | Warm, mostly sunny, light rain |
| July | 70 | 52 | 1.4 | 0 | 27 | Hot, dry, sunny |
| August | 70 | 52 | 1.5 | 0 | 26 | Warm, dry, sunny |
| September | 64 | 48 | 2.0 | 0 | 18 | Mild, rainy, partly cloudy |
| October | 53 | 37 | 2.4 | 2 | 8 | Cool, rainy, foggy |
| November | 42 | 28 | 2.5 | 6 | 2 | Cold, rain, snow beginning |
| December | 34 | 23 | 2.8 | 12 | 1 | Short daylight, rain, snow |
Source: NOAA, Alaska State Climate Office.
4. Practical Tips for Visitors
- Layer Up: Even summer evenings can be cool; bring a lightweight jacket.
- Rain Gear: Pack an umbrella or waterproof jacket—rain can be sudden.
- Sun Protection: UV rays are strong during the long summer daylight hours; sunscreen is a must.
- Check Harbor Alerts: In winter, the tide can swell, affecting ferry schedules.
- Plan for Fog: In late fall, mornings may be shrouded—watch for reduced visibility when driving.
5. FAQ – Quick Answers About Juneau Weather
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1: Does Juneau get snow every winter? | Yes—snow begins as early as late November and typically peaks in January and February. |
| Q2: When is the best time to visit for outdoor adventures? | July and August offer warm, dry conditions and long daylight. |
| Q3: How much rainfall does Juneau receive annually? | About 60–70 inches, with the heaviest in September. |
| Q4: Are there any extreme temperature warnings to watch? | Temperatures rarely exceed 90 °F or drop below 0 °F. |
| Q5: What’s the typical wind speed in Juneau? | Mild to moderate, averaging 5–15 mph, but can increase during storm fronts. |
6. Resources for Further Reading
- NOAA’s Alaska Climate Office – Detailed climate summaries and datasets.
- Alaska Weather.com – Real‑time weather, radar, and forecast tools.
- Alaska State Department of Transportation (DOT) – Ferry operations and traffic updates.
- Alaska Tourism Board – Seasonal activity guides and safety tips.
- World Weather Online – Historical weather data for Juneau.
Remember to double‑check local advisories before planning any outdoor activities.
