The climate of Juneau
Located in the northern part of the United States,
Juneau,
Alaska, falls under the Dfc category as per the Köppen climate classification. This signifies a subarctic climate with extremely harsh winters, no dry season and a rather cool summer.
High temperatures shift within the span of the year from 25.7°F (-3.5°C) to 55.8°F (13.2°C) whereas the lows fluctuate between a frigid 17.1°F (-8.3°C) and a modest 45.1°F (7.3°C). The sizeable stretch from 4.13" (105mm) to 9.88" (251mm) in rainfall volume demonstrates a notable wet season. Moreover, snowfall incidents extend significantly from zero days in
May to
July to around 21.8 days in
December, with snowfall depths ranging from zero inches to a phenomenal 62.8" (1595mm).
The amount of daylight in Juneau varies from 6.5 hours in December to an astronomical 18.2 hours in
June, alongside sunshine duration amid the entire year from 2.6 to 5.7 hours. Additionally, the UV index peaks at 3 between May and July, signifying a moderate risk from unprotected exposure to the Sun.
The climate of Juneau »The best time to visit Juneau
Reviewing the climate figures, the optimal months to travel to
Juneau would be from
May to
July. The town experiences considerably mild temperatures during these periods, with highs soaring between 47.5°F (8.6°C) and 55.8°F (13.2°C). Yet, it is essential to carry warm clothing as the temperatures plummet to lows between 35.2°F (1.8°C) to 45.1°F (7.3°C) at night. These months also register lower precipitation, descending from 4.13" (105mm) to 4.61" (117mm), and daylight hours peak at around 16.8 to 18.2 hours.
The best time to visit Juneau »The worst time to visit Juneau
The winter months from
November to
January arguably present the least hospitable conditions to visit
Juneau. During these months, the temperature drops to lows between 19°F (-7.2°C) to 23.7°F (-4.6°C) and rarely ascends above a chilly 29.8°F (-1.2°C) to 25.7°F (-3.5°C). Snowfall also escalates, reaching up to 62.8" (1595mm) during
December while facing snowfall events for nearly 20 days each month. Coupled with the limited daylight of a mere 6.5 to 7.9 hours, these considerations make outdoor activities greatly unfavorable.
The worst time to visit Juneau »Spring weather in Juneau
Spring in
Juneau, which spans from
March to
May, welcomes a gradual rise in temperature from 29.5°F (-1.4°C) to 47.5°F (8.6°C) in the daytime, while the nights are substantially cold with lows between 26.4°F (-3.1°C) to 35.2°F (1.8°C). Rainfall is prominent across these months, with averages ranging from 6.02" (153mm) to 4.13" (105mm) with about 13 to 18 rainfall days. Light snowfall in March gives way to completely snow-free conditions by May. Visitors also witness extended hours of daylight from 11.9 hours to 16.8 hours.
Spring weather in Juneau »Summer weather in Juneau
Juneau's summer from
June to
August offers temperatures between 51.6°F (10.9°C) to 55.8°F (13.2°C) at the peak of the day, dropping to a colder 40.6°F (4.8°C) to 45.1°F (7.3°C) in the late hours. Rainfall is moderate during this time, with averages between 4.53" (115mm) to 7.56" (192mm), and there is no incident of snowfall across these months. Daylight is at its peak, with the city basking in the sun for around 17.4 to 18.2 hours, urging explorers to squeeze every drop of Alaskan summer they can.
Summer weather in Juneau » Autumn weather in Juneau
Heading into autumn, from
September through
November,
Juneau cools down significantly as daytime temperatures fall from 48.2°F (9°C) to 29.8°F (-1.2°C) and night temperatures decline to a chilly 23.7°F (-4.6°C) to 39.7°F (4.3°C). Rainfall peaks at 9.88" (251mm), with about 20 to 21 days of rain per month. The first signs of snow appear in November, with 9.29" (236mm) of snowfall. The sunlight contracts, with daylight duration shrinking from 12.8 hours to 7.9 hours.
Autumn weather in Juneau »Winter weather in Juneau
Winter in
Juneau kicks off in
December and runs through
February, recording frigid temperatures from 25.7°F (-3.5°C) to 18.7°F (-7.4°C) during the day, and falling to a harsh 19°F (-7.2°C) at night. December experiences the peak snowfall at a staggering 62.8" (1595mm). Rainfall also remains high, fluctuating between 8.98" (228mm) to 9.76" (248mm), with around 20 days of precipitation per month. As winter sets in, daylight dwindles to about 6.5 to 7.3 hours on average, and sunlight is scarce with just 2.9 to 2.8 hours.
Winter weather in Juneau »
Weather in January
The year in
Juneau,
Alaska begins with cold and snowy winter days.
January brings the heaviest snowfall of the year, reaching as high as 58.74" (1492mm), and the lowest average temperatures, ranging between 18.7°F (-7.4°C) and 25.7°F (-3.5°C).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitions in
Alaska's weather patterns start to become apparent in
February. Snowfall decreases compared to
January, but it is still a prominent feature of the season. With a subtle rise in temperature, the days become slightly warmer, offering residents a hint of the coming spring.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
March unfolds in
Juneau, winter loosens its hold and gradual signs of the upcoming spring begin to appear. There is a noticeable rise in temperature and a significantly reduced snowfall to 42.28" (1074mm), compared to
February's snowy days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a clear shift in weather in
Juneau, as winter officially gives way to spring. The landscape transforms as the snow retreats, reduced to just 29.45" (748mm). Along with this, a noticeable rise in temperature induces a freshness in the air and the environment.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As the peak of spring arrives in
May, the weather becomes noticeably milder in
Juneau. The last traces of snow vanish, replaced by sporadic rain showers, particularly as the month progresses. As the temperature continues to rise, the landscape bursts with the freshness of the budding greenery.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is the onset of summer in
Juneau, and it comes with a clear upward shift in temperatures. Snow is a thing of the past, giving way to moderate rainfall. As the city drifts into the warmest season, there are more hours of daylight than any other month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings classic summer weather to
Juneau; it is the hottest month with temperatures reaching up to 55.8°F (13.2°C). The days are long and sunny, and the sea warms to 50.7°F (10.4°C), the highest of the year. Despite the heat, the humidity remains comfortable, making July a perfect time for picnics and hikes under the blue, sunny skies.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer season in
Juneau, though temperatures mildly decrease compared to
July. Regardless, it is an exceptionally pleasant time, with plenty of sunshine and warmth. The sea temperature remains consistent, preserving options for various water activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the transition from summer to fall in
Juneau. Temperatures start to drop once again, indicating upcoming changes in the weather. The warmer weather fades, and the rain starts to increase, reaching an average of 8.27" (210mm).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is the definitive arrival of fall in
Juneau, characterized by lower temperatures and a significant increase in rainfall. Damp and chilly, it brings the first sign of the approaching winter as snow begins to fall, registering an average of 9.29" (236mm).
Weather in October » Weather in November
As the late fall sets in during
November,
Juneau's weather turns considerably cold and wet. The arrival of heavy snowfall at 35.75" (908mm) contrasts with the receding rainfall. The noticeable drop in temperature and short daylight hours strongly hint at the approaching winter.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December welcomes winter back to
Juneau with cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. An average accumulation of 62.8" (1595mm) of snow, the highest after
January, blankets the city. While temperatures mirror those in January, daylight hours are at their shortest for the year.
Weather in December »