What is the weather like in Juneau in May and June?
The average temperature in Juneau in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 47°F (9°C) to a low of 38°F (3°C). Some would describe it as cold, humid but cool. For comparison, the hottest month in Juneau, July, has days with highs of 58°F (15°C) and lows of 48°F (9°C).
The best time to visit Juneau is between May and August. You'll have to compete with hordes of cruise passengers at the area's top attractions, but the days will be long and sunny. Plus, these months correspond with whale migration season, meaning you're guaranteed to see some activity in the water.
Weather typically ranges from the 30s to a high of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. May itineraries invite guests to pack sweaters and jackets for easy layering. Feel the warm embrace of the summer sun throughout June when the Land of the Midnight Sun experiences the height of its daylight.
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.
Weather in Alaska in May: May is the driest month of Alaska's cruise season with just a 25 percent chance of rain. Average highs are in the mid-50s with lows in the upper 30s and lower 40s.
Can you view the Northern Lights in Alaska in Summer? It is not possible to see the Aurora Borealis during the summer in Alaska. The long summer days (up to 21 hours of daylight) make it impossible to see any aurora activity.
We wear waterproof/resistant clothing as a top layer because it is essential for Alaska's climate. For cooler days, wool/fleece sweaters and socks work well in layering and are very warm. Clothing Quick Tip: In May, you wear a waterproof jacket, water-resistant shoes, and waterproof pants on most days in Alaska.
Alaska's northern lights season is between late August and late April, peaking in March, though it's a season defined more by its long, dark nights than by solar activity.
The driest month in Juneau is April with 2.96 inches of precipitation, and with 8.30 inches October is the wettest month.
May is a great month to visit Alaska! The weather in May is usually sunny and warm with very few days of rain. May is still considered part of the off season in Alaska. Therefore, you will find much better prices on hotels, rental cars, and airfare.
What is the weather like on an Alaskan cruise in June?
If you're planning an Alaska cruise in June, temperatures average a low of 45 and a high of 62. June is tied with July as the least rainy month, with Ketchikan receiving an average rainfall of less than 7.5 inches. Alaska cruise weather in late June is some of the best, with 18 hours of daylight and plenty of sun.
Ambient temperature on the vessels ranges between 18 – 20°C (64 – 68°F) in public areas, while cabin temperatures may be adjusted according to your preference.
| Winter (Dec 21 – Mar 20) | Spring (Mar 20 – Jun 20) | Summer (Jun 20 – Sep 22) |
|---|---|---|
| Rain jacket | Rain jacket | Rain jacket |
| Warm Hat & Warm Gloves | Hat / Cap & Thin Gloves | Hat / Cap & Thin Gloves |
| Thermal Underwear | ||
| Winter Coat |
Juneau is a stunning destination that is particularly beautiful in the summer months. From June to August, you can expect warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and abundant outdoor activities to enjoy. One of the must-see attractions during the summer is the Mendenhall Glacier.
Alaska Cruise Weather in June
Most of the month of June in Alaska is either cold or pleasantly cool with very cold temperatures being less frequent than in May. The lows can be as low as forty-three degrees Fahrenheit, and the highs can get up to the sixties on average.
Swimsuit. Bringing a swimsuit on your cruise to Alaska might sound unnecessary, but remember, all of our ships have solariums with heated pools, spas, and hot tubs. Bring at least one swimsuit just in case you feel like taking a dip during your vacation.
The best time to see the aurora borealis in Alaska is from Aug. 21 to April 21. We call it the Aurora Season. So yes, there are some very lucky cruise passengers who will see the northern lights in the Inside Passage late in the summer and fall, but don't bank on it.
May in Alaska
If you're looking for dry weather and lots of wildlife, then May is a great time to join a cruise as it's one of the state's driest months and features spring migrations and lots of newborn wildlife.
The snowless period of the year in Juneau lasts from May to October. The most snow falls around January, with an average accumulation of 4.8 inches.
| 2023 | Sunrise/Sunset | |
|---|---|---|
| Jun | Sunrise | Sunset |
| 6 | 3:56 am ↑ | 9:56 pm ↑ |
| 7 | 3:55 am ↑ | 9:58 pm ↑ |
| 8 | 3:55 am ↑ | 9:59 pm ↑ |
How much daylight does Juneau get in June?
Juneau falls in the Alaska Time Zone, one hour earlier than Pacific Time and we follow Daylight Savings. Longest day of the year: June 21, 18 hours and 18 minutes; shortest day: Dec. 21, 6 hours and 21 minutes. Juneau summers are really light; Juneau winters are really dark.
For the most part, jeans and hiking pants (polyester/wool blends) are good for an Alaskan vacation. With jeans, you just want to keep in mind that when cotton gets wet it is no longer warm. Along with layers, it is important to bring a backpack.
In May, temperatures in Alaska range from an average low of 40°F (4°C) to an average high of 55°F (13°C). Heat wave! It's clear about 50% of days on average and while there might be a late season snow or rainy day, May is a good month to visit Alaska based on the weather.
You'll need a sturdy pair of hiking boots or shoes to tread upon Alaska's mountainous terrain, which can be muddy or even snowy during cruise season. Member sue450 recommends bringing "a pair of waterproof hiking shoes (they look like tennis shoes but the Gore-Tex makes them absolutely waterproof).
| Current Time: | May 11, 2023 at 5:20:23 am |
|---|---|
| Sun Distance: | 93.897 million mi |
| Next Solstice: | Jun 21, 2023 6:57 am (Summer) |
| Sunrise Today: | 4:37 am↑ 52° Northeast |
| Sunset Today: | 9:11 pm↑ 308° Northwest |
| Month | Jan | May |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. High (F) | 30 | 55 |
| Avg. Low (F) | 19 | 39 |
| Avg. Rainfall (Inches) | 4.3 | 3.5 |
| Avg. Daylight (Hours) | 6.5 | 16 |
The months of April, October and November (near the spring and fall equinox) are peak viewing times; it's when solar particles are most likely to react with the Earth's magnetic field, producing ribbons of blue, green, pink and violet light. But the northern lights happen year-round.
Daily high temperatures increase by 7°F, from 53°F to 60°F, rarely falling below 44°F or exceeding 71°F. Daily low temperatures increase by 7°F, from 38°F to 45°F, rarely falling below 32°F or exceeding 50°F.
These winds occur an average of four times a year from October through April. Hurricane force wind gusts (72 mph or greater) occur roughly once every two years during these Taku wind events.
With an average high of 54°F (12°C) and a low of 44°F (7°C), it generally feels cold, humid but cool.
Is May too early to visit Alaska?
May is a great value time to visit Alaska, as the hotels and the railroad tend to lower their rates for the first couple weeks of the summer season, which historically starts around May 15th. During this time our days are getting longer; the trees and grass are blooming, and wildlife is on the move after a long winter.
Half-jokingly known as the Alaska state bird, mosquitos are a fact of summertime life in Alaska. With mild temperatures, regular precipitation, and many marshlands, lakes, and rivers, the environment is well-suited for these pesky insects. Fortunately, most guests travel where large swarms are rare.
Gray whales are the first to arrive, typically in April when they're often spotted off of Seward. By May, we start to see more orcas, then humpback whales come June. Alaska's peak whale season is considered to be May through September, and it's during this time that the boat tours operate.
This makes April through September the best time to cruise to Alaska to see the northern lights, especially near the autumnal and vernal equinoxes, when activity peaks. Now that you know when and where to go to see the northern lights, you can start preparing to enjoy the incredible experience.
How do you pick a cabin for an Alaskan cruise? You want to look at which way you are sailing. If you are cruising north, it's best to select a starboard (or right side) stateroom since the land is on that side. When sailing south from Alaska to Vancouver or Seattle, choose a port (left side) stateroom.
Even on the Alaskan cruises, swimming is definitely an option. Here's why: the pools are heated when the outside temperature drops below 75.
Even on summer sailings or cruises to tropical destinations in the Caribbean or South Pacific, it's always a good idea to bring a warm layer for unexpectedly cool or rainy days or overly air-conditioned spaces. Jackets can take up a lot of space in a suitcase.
While climates will vary depending on which region you're sailing, expect temperatures to range from the upper 80s during the day to the mid-60s in the evening.
Cruise ship cabins do have air conditioning and you are able to control this yourself using a thermostat in the room.
(A) Requirement. All individuals must wear a mask or cloth face covering over their nose and mouth when they are indoors in public settings or communal spaces outside the home.
What to wear on Mendenhall Glacier Tour?
Come prepared with clothing that is warm even when wet - such as wool and polar fleece - and with items that can be layered. Raingear, hats, gloves and sturdy shoes or hiking boots are strongly recommended.
What to wear in Alaska in June: Shirts. You'll want to bring a mix of short sleeve and long sleeve shirts for your summer trip to Alaska. Ideally you'll even have a few that you can layer together so adjust for changing temperature throughout the day.
With so much to do and see, you would ideally want to spend a full week in Juneau, but with proper planning, you can experience the highlights over a long weekend getaway. If you're planning a 3-day trip to Juneau, you won't be hard-pressed for things to do.
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Far North Alaska.
| Daily | 74 |
|---|---|
| Place | Nome |
| Morning | 80 |
| Afternoon | 70 |
The moist and mild climate of Southeast Alaska allows lush vegetation to flourish at high latitudes. Rainfall is abundant throughout the year, though April, May, and June mark a distinct dry season.
There's no need to be formal – jeans, slacks, casual tops, sweaters, sneakers and boots are all perfect. It can be windy on deck, especially when the ship is moving, so have a warm, windproof jacket on hand for impromptu deck strolls and wildlife spotting.
Alaska Cruises Can Be Bumpy in the Gulf of Alaska
Rough Waters: The majority of sailing on an Alaska cruise is done in the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but ships sailing to Seward, Whittier or Anchorage must cross the Gulf of Alaska, which is much rougher.
Alaska is known for its Midnight Sun, and in the Mat-Su Valley, we have nearly 20 hours of daylight at the summer solstice in June. Even when the sun is down, it remains twilight lighting throughout the entire night.
Snowfall. The snowless period of the year in Juneau lasts from May to October. The most snow falls around January, with an average accumulation of 4.8 inches.
Alaska Cruise Weather: June
If you're planning an Alaska cruise in June, temperatures average a low of 45 and a high of 62. June is tied with July as the least rainy month, with Ketchikan receiving an average rainfall of less than 7.5 inches.
What is the temperature on an Alaskan cruise in June?
A June cruise to Alaska is popular for two reasons: the long daylight hours and the low chance of rain. In June, daylight lasts between 18 to 20 hours and the average temperature varies from a high of 40 degrees to mid 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Alaska Weather in May:
Coastal temperature in Alaska in May: 40-55 degrees & 16 hours of daylight. Interior temperature in Alaska in May: 30-55 degrees & 18 hours of daylight. Arctic temperature in Alaska in May: 15-24 degrees & 22 hours of daylight.
May is a great value time to visit Alaska, as the hotels and the railroad tend to lower their rates for the first couple weeks of the summer season, which historically starts around May 15th. During this time our days are getting longer; the trees and grass are blooming, and wildlife is on the move after a long winter.