Ketchikan and Southeast Alaska Weather and Climate

Warmed by ocean currents, the Inside Passage enjoys mild summers, with high temperatures in July averaging in the mid-60's. Sunny days often push temperatures into the 70's and 80's. Spring and fall both provide comfortable traveling weather as the temperature remains mild. Springtime rainfall levels, on the average, are lower than any other time of the year. Winter brings mixed snow, rain and sunshine, with a January average temperature of 29.

The climate of Southeast Alaska is typically cool and damp. Annual rainfall exceeds 160 inches at Ketchikan and in other parts of Southeast Alaska. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 70 degrees F. and average in the fifties. In this maritime climate, travelers should always be prepared rain. fog and low visibility. Weather can vary greatly, even in the summer.

Be prepared for cold weather and precipitation at all times. If you travel in the back country, be prepared for insects. Mosquitoes and black flies are plentiful and ravenous. Even on short hikes, be aware of the danger of hypothermia, the lowering of the internal body temperature that may lead to mental and physical collapse. Hypothermia is caused by exposure to the cold, and it is aggravated by wetness, wind, and exhaustion-all circumstances which can occur rapidly in Alaska's changing climate.

Clothing

Anytime you come, you'll want to enjoy being outside. Plan to dress in layers and remember to bring comfortable, weather resistant walking shoes.

Spring, Summer, Fall:

A light shirt, short or long sleeved, makes an excellent first layer. Your second layer should consist of something for warmth like a sweater or fleece pullover. The ideal outer layer is a light waterproof jacket. Layers should be lightweight and easy to remove depending on weather changes or your activity. Don't forget shorts or sleeveless shirts for those warmer days!

Winter:

Use a heavier jacket as your outer layer. Be sure to bring a hat, scarf and pair of gloves.

Did you know?

Alaska state law requires that no airman may make a flight inside the state with an aircraft unless emergency equipment is carried as follows:

The minimum equipment to be carried during summer months:
(for all single engine and for multi-engine aircraft licensed to carry 15 passengers or less)

food for each occupant sufficient to sustain life for two weeks

one axe or hatchet

one first aid kit

one pistol, revolver, shotgun or rifle and ammunition for same

one small gill net and an assortment of tackle such as hooks, flies, lines, sinkers, etc.

one knife

two small boxes of matches

one mosquito headnet for each occupant

two small signaling devices such as colored smoke bombs, railroad fuses or very pistol shells, in sealed metal containers

Personal Survival Gear

When traveling in the wilderness there are fifteen essential items that must always be brought with you. These essentials are your survival insurance against a wide variety of situations you are likely to encounter by design or by accident. Visit the Outfitters page for a check list and more information.

Daylight Hours

The longest day, Summer Solstice, is 19 hours; the shortest day is only 6 hours.