When rain falls in Juneau, Alaska’s capital offers excellent indoor alternatives for cruise visitors. Explore the Alaska State Museum’s native artifacts and natural history exhibits, visit the Juneau-Douglas City Museum for gold rush history, browse local art galleries downtown, sample fresh seafood at covered markets, tour the state capitol building, or enjoy wildlife viewing at Macaulay Salmon Hatchery’s sheltered facilities.
Quick Facts: Juneau Weather
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Annual Rainfall | 92 inches (more than Seattle) |
| Rainy Days in Summer | About 17 days per month |
| Rain Probability in Cruise Season | 50-60% |
| Average Temperature (Summer) | 55-65°F |
| What Locals Call It | “Liquid sunshine” |
Want to know more about Alaska cruise ports and what to expect at each destination?
Why Juneau Rain Shouldn’t Ruin Your Day
Here’s something cruise passengers don’t always realize: Juneau gets rain like other places get sunshine. The locals have perfected the art of enjoying themselves in wet weather, and honestly, some attractions are actually better when it’s drizzling. The rainforest looks more magical, the wildlife is more active, and you’ll have indoor museums mostly to yourself while everyone else is canceling their plans.
Plus, Juneau is compact and walkable from the cruise docks. Most indoor attractions sit within a fifteen-minute walk of where your ship docks, so you won’t spend much time getting soaked between destinations.
Top Indoor Attractions Near the Cruise Docks
Alaska State Museum
This recently renovated museum deserves at least two hours of your time. The collection spans 10,000 years of Alaska history, and the Native gallery on the second floor showcases Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian art that rivals anything you’ll find in major metropolitan museums. The admission is reasonable at around $7 for adults, and children under 18 get in free.
Pro tip: Ask about the “behind the scenes” vault tour if you’re a history buff. They don’t advertise it widely, but guides sometimes offer glimpses into their storage areas where thousands of additional artifacts live.
Juneau-Douglas City Museum
Much smaller than the State Museum but packed with gold rush stories and historic photos. The museum sits right downtown on Fourth Street, and the staff genuinely loves talking about Juneau’s mining history. Admission is minimal, and they have a hands-on area where kids can try gold panning indoors.
Alaska State Capitol Building
Free tours run every half hour during cruise season, and this unassuming building holds surprises. Unlike ornate capitol buildings in other states, Alaska’s looks modest from outside, which somehow makes it more interesting. You’ll learn why Alaska’s legislature meets in winter (when it’s dark and cold) rather than summer, and you might catch lawmakers in session if you visit during legislative periods.
Covered and Partially Sheltered Activities
Mount Roberts Tramway
Yes, visibility might be limited on foggy days, but the Juneau tramway experience offers more than views. The nature center at the summit stays dry and warm, the restaurant serves surprisingly good food, and there’s something atmospheric about wandering the elevated boardwalk trails through misty rainforest. The gift shop also stocks quality Native art, not just tourist trinkets.
The tram departs every few minutes, and you can stay up top as long as you want. On rainy days, they sometimes offer discounted tickets, though don’t count on it during peak cruise season.
Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
About half the facility sits under cover, including the main viewing areas where you can watch salmon through underwater windows. The aquariums stay dry obviously, and the tour guides provide context about Alaska’s fishing industry that you won’t get anywhere else. If you time it right during salmon runs, you’ll see hundreds of fish fighting their way upstream just outside the covered viewing area.
Food and Drink Destinations
Rainy weather calls for comfort food, and Juneau delivers. Check out the best restaurants in Juneau for cruise visitors for specific recommendations, but here are rain-friendly highlights:
- Tracy’s King Crab Shack: Partially covered outdoor seating with heaters, serving giant crab legs you crack yourself
- Alaskan Brewing Company: Free tours with samples, completely indoors, about 20 minutes from downtown by taxi or bus
- Hangar on the Wharf: Massive indoor space right on the waterfront with decent pub food and local beers
- Heritage Coffee: Local favorite with strong coffee and homemade pastries, perfect for warming up
- Pel’meni: Tiny spot serving Russian dumplings until late, ideal for a quick hot bite
Shopping and Galleries
Downtown Juneau’s shops cluster under awnings, making it relatively easy to browse without getting drenched. Skip the obvious tourist trap stores and seek out these gems:
- Juneau Artists Gallery: Cooperative gallery featuring only local artists, with everything from paintings to carved bowls
- Wm. Spear Design: Enamel jewelry and art pieces with distinctive Alaska themes
- Observatory Books: Independent bookstore with excellent Alaska section and cozy reading nooks
- Annie Kaill’s: High-end Native art and crafts, pricey but authentic
Activities for Families
Keeping kids entertained in the rain requires strategy. Beyond museums, consider these family activities in Juneau that work in wet weather:
- The library downtown has a children’s section and free WiFi if kids need screen time
- Gross Alaska mineral and fossil shop lets kids touch specimens
- Most hotels near the docks have lobbies where families can hang out, even if you’re not guests
- The Glacier Gardens rainforest tour happens partially under cover in a heated vehicle
What to Wear and Bring
Locals dress in layers and own good rain gear. You should too. Here’s what actually works:
- Waterproof jacket with hood (not just water-resistant, truly waterproof)
- Quick-dry pants, never jeans which stay wet and cold
- Waterproof hiking boots or rubber boots
- Small packable umbrella as backup
- Waterproof bag or cover for cameras and phones
- Extra socks in your daypack
Many cruise passengers make the mistake of wearing cotton, which holds moisture and makes you miserable. Synthetic fabrics or wool keep you warmer even when damp.
Comparing Rainy Day Options Across Alaska Ports
If you’re visiting multiple Alaska ports, check out rainy day activities in Ketchikan which also sees plenty of precipitation. Each port handles rain differently, and knowing your options helps you plan flexible itineraries.
For broader weather planning, review this comprehensive Alaska cruise weather guide covering all major ports throughout the cruise season.
Shore Excursions That Work in Rain
Many shore excursions continue despite rain, though some get canceled in heavy weather. These rainy day shore excursions specifically work well in wet conditions:
- Mendenhall Glacier visitor center (mostly indoor viewing)
- Gold mine tours (you’re underground anyway)
- Wildlife viewing by boat (marine animals don’t care about rain)
- Helicopter tours (usually run unless visibility is severely limited)
- Cooking classes and culinary tours
The tour operators know rain is likely and plan accordingly. Don’t automatically cancel outdoor excursions just because of drizzle.
Bonus Tips
- The public library offers free computer use and bathrooms without requiring purchases
- Rainy days mean shorter lines at popular attractions since some passengers stay on the ship
- Many restaurants offer happy hour specials during afternoon rain showers
- The Red Dog Saloon is touristy but provides authentic dive bar atmosphere and stays dry
- Local buses cost only a few dollars and can get you to outlying attractions without walking in rain
- The Centennial Hall convention center sometimes hosts events or exhibits worth checking
- Coffee shops typically don’t mind if you linger for hours as long as you buy something
- Rain often clears by late afternoon, so consider touring museums early and saving outdoor activities for later
- Waterproof phone cases cost less than replacing a water-damaged phone
- The cruise ship is also an option for rainy hours, with amenities you’ve already paid for
Common Questions and FAQ
Do shops close when it rains heavily?
No, Juneau businesses stay open regardless of weather. They’re accustomed to rain and would lose too much business if they closed during precipitation. Cruise ship days bring guaranteed foot traffic rain or shine.
Can I still see whales in the rain?
Absolutely. Whale watching boats operate in rain unless seas are too rough. Whales surface regardless of weather, and some guides say marine mammals are more active during overcast conditions. Bring waterproof gear and prepare for spray.
Will my shore excursion be canceled due to rain?
Rain alone rarely causes cancellations. High winds, rough seas, or dangerous conditions trigger cancellations, but light to moderate rain is considered normal operating weather. Check with your tour operator if you’re concerned about specific conditions.
Are taxis readily available on rainy days?
Taxis get busier when weather is poor since more passengers choose them over walking. Consider calling ahead or using ride-sharing apps if available. Some cruise lines also run shuttle buses to popular attractions.
What’s the wettest month during cruise season?
September typically sees the most rainfall, followed by August. June and July are relatively drier but still average 10-12 rainy days per month. No month in Juneau qualifies as truly dry.
Do I need waterproof gear if I’m only visiting indoor attractions?
Yes, because you still need to walk between buildings. The walk from cruise docks to downtown takes 10-15 minutes, and even with awnings, you’ll get wet without proper rain gear. Also, you might spontaneously decide to do something outdoors.
Are there any advantages to visiting Juneau in the rain?
Several actually. Fewer crowds at indoor attractions, more dramatic scenery with low clouds and mist, waterfalls flowing at full volume, and the temperate rainforest looks exactly as it should with moisture dripping from every surface. Photography can be stunning in moody weather if you protect your equipment.
Personal Experience
We stepped off our cruise ship in Juneau to find thick clouds and a steady drizzle, but honestly, it turned out to be perfect weather for exploring the town’s indoor gems. My family and I ducked into the Alaska State Museum first, and I’m so glad we did – the Native art collection was incredible, and we spent way longer than planned learning about Tlingit culture. After working up an appetite, we found this adorable little café called Heritage Coffee where we warmed up with salmon chowder and massive cinnamon rolls while watching the rain streak down the windows. The barista gave us great tips on what else to see nearby.
Later, we took the Mount Roberts Tramway up through the clouds, and even though we couldn’t see much of the view, the nature center at the top was fascinating, and there was something magical about being surrounded by misty forest. We finished the day at the Alaskan Brewing Company for a tour – nothing beats learning about beer-making while sampling their seasonals as the rain drums on the roof. By the time we headed back to the ship, we realized we’d had just as much fun, maybe even more, than if it had been sunny. Juneau really knows how to embrace its rainy days!