When is the best weather for a visit to Juneau and Southeast Alaska?


Southeast Alaska is a mid-latitude rain forest. For this latitude of 58 degrees North, temperatures are mild due to the moderating influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean. But, the ready availability of ocean source moisture and the orographic lifting mechanism provided by steep, complex terrain produces a high frequency of light precipitation. There can be up to 250 wet days per year.

The Dry Season

The normal "dry season" in Juneau is March, April, May, and June. The driest months are April and June with 2.77 inches and 3.15 inches respectively. April, May, and June usually have a few sunny periods lasting several days. But, these multi-day sunny periods can occur into September. Cloudy days and the probability of precipitation start to increase after the middle of July reaching nearly 70% every day during October, which is the peak of the "wet season". This late summer transition into the wet season also has an increasing frequency of foggy mornings.

Temperatures

The warmest months are June, July, and August. Normal high temperatures in June and July are in the lower 60s continuing through most of August reaching the middle 60s late in the month. The record high for Juneau is 90 degrees set on July 7, 1975. Mild temperatures, with highs near 60 degrees, extend into the month of September. Normal low temperatures for June through August are in the mid to upper 40s.

Winds

Gale winds can occur in any month of the year in Southeast Alaska, with June and July having the least chance for windy days. There is an increasing chance for strong winds from October onward through winter.

Summary

So the answer is: The best chance for both warm temperatures and dry periods, for a visit to Southeast Alaska, is from April through early July. Mild temperatures, with a few sunny days continue well into September. Please come and enjoy a visit to see Southeast Alaska's spectacular waterways, islands, mountains, glaciers, marine wildlife, and emerald green forests anytime of the year.

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