Alaska Rainy Day Shore Excursions

Alaska shore excursions during rainy weather include indoor activities like visiting museums, cultural centers, and aquariums. Popular options are wildlife viewing from covered areas, scenic train rides, brewery tours, and exploring historic downtown districts. Many tour operators provide rain gear and covered transportation. Indoor attractions showcase Native Alaskan heritage, marine life, and local history while keeping visitors comfortable.

Quick Facts: Alaska Rain Statistics

Want to know more about planning your Alaska shore excursions?

Why Rain Shouldn’t Ruin Your Alaska Adventure

Here’s something most cruise guides won’t tell you: Alaska’s rain is what makes it Alaska. The lush rainforests, thundering waterfalls, and dramatic glacier scenery exist because of all that precipitation. If you’re waiting for a perfectly sunny day in Southeast Alaska, you might spend your entire cruise on the ship.

The good news is that Alaskans have become experts at enjoying their home regardless of weather. That means infrastructure is designed for wet conditions, and the best attractions work beautifully in the rain. Plus, rainy days often mean fewer crowds, better wildlife viewing (animals don’t mind getting wet), and photographs with moody atmospheres that look far more impressive than standard blue-sky snapshots.

Best Rainy Day Excursions by Port

Juneau Rainy Day Winners

The Alaska State Museum offers three floors of exhibits covering 10,000 years of history without a drop of rain touching you. The building itself is architecturally stunning, and you can easily spend two hours here. For specific Juneau rainy day activities, check out detailed port-specific options.

The Mount Roberts Tramway is perfect for drizzly days because you’re enclosed during the six-minute ride up 1,800 feet. At the top, the nature center and restaurant have floor-to-ceiling windows. If the clouds lift even briefly, you’ll get spectacular views. If they don’t, the gift shop and cultural exhibits will keep you entertained.

Mendenhall Glacier actually looks more dramatic in the rain. The waterfalls that cascade down the rock face become roaring torrents, and the ice appears more vibrant blue against gray skies. Most tour operators provide rain ponchos and will have you back to the ship on time, which is crucial information for your understanding of cancellation policies.

Ketchikan Under Cover

Ketchikan gets more rain than almost anywhere in Alaska, so locals have perfected rainy day entertainment. For comprehensive Ketchikan rainy day activities, explore the port guide.

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show happens in a covered amphitheater and is genuinely entertaining even if you think you’re not interested in logging competitions. The athleticism is impressive, the commentary is funny, and you’ll stay completely dry.

Creek Street’s elevated boardwalks have covered sections, and ducking in and out of the galleries, shops, and historic buildings makes for a pleasant afternoon. Dolly’s House Museum is small but fascinating, telling the story of Ketchikan’s most famous madam.

The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is free with your America the Beautiful pass (which many cruise passengers don’t realize they can use in Alaska). The exhibits about the Tongass National Forest are surprisingly engaging, and the building is modern and climate-controlled.

Sitka’s Cultural Treasures

The Sitka Sound Science Center lets you get hands-on with marine life in their touch tanks. It’s small but educational, especially for families. Speaking of which, check out these family-friendly shore excursions for all-ages options.

The Russian Bishop’s House is a National Historic Landmark that’s often overlooked. The ranger-led tours are excellent, and you’ll learn about Sitka’s unique Russian-Tlingit history while staying warm and dry.

Fortress of the Bear is a bear rescue center with covered viewing areas. Unlike wild bear viewing where rain can reduce visibility, here you’re guaranteed to see brown bears being bears regardless of weather.

Skagway’s Covered Options

The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad is the ultimate rainy day excursion. You’re inside vintage railcars for three hours, climbing through incredible mountain scenery. The windows get steamy from all the passengers, but that adds to the nostalgic atmosphere.

The Skagway Museum and Archives occupies the old City Hall building and packs an impressive amount of Gold Rush history into a small space. Admission is only a few dollars, perfect for budget-conscious excursions.

Red Onion Saloon offers brothel tours upstairs from the bar. They’re historically accurate, entertaining, and you’ll definitely stay dry. Plus you can grab a drink afterward to warm up.

Train and Transportation Tours

Scenic train rides are Alaska’s secret weapon against bad weather. You get spectacular views through large windows while remaining warm, dry, and comfortable. The White Pass Railroad in Skagway is most famous, but Juneau’s Glacier Discovery Train and various railroad options near Seward all work beautifully in rain.

Covered boat tours also excel in wet weather. Many vessels have heated cabins with large viewing windows, and captains know where to find wildlife regardless of conditions. Whales surface in the rain just as they do in sunshine, and the splashes are actually more visible against choppy gray water.

When researching options, understanding ship versus independent excursion booking helps you find the best deals on these transportation-based tours.

Indoor Cultural Experiences

Native Alaskan cultural centers and performances typically occur indoors or under cover. Saxman Native Village near Ketchikan, the Sitka Tribe’s cultural performances, and Juneau’s various heritage centers all showcase traditional dance, storytelling, and crafts in climate-controlled environments.

These cultural excursions often provide deeper insight into Alaska than outdoor activities anyway. You’ll learn about totem pole symbolism, traditional fishing methods, and contemporary Native life from people who actually live these traditions.

Many cultural centers also have gift shops selling authentic Native art directly from artists. This supports indigenous communities and gets you genuine pieces rather than the mass-produced souvenirs downtown.

Brewery and Distillery Tours

Alaska’s craft beverage scene has exploded, and tasting rooms are wonderfully dry places to spend a rainy afternoon. Alaskan Brewing Company in Juneau offers free tours (though you should tip your guide). Skagway Brewing, Baranof Island Brewing in Sitka, and various distilleries across Alaska provide covered spaces and generous samples.

These tours typically last 60-90 minutes, leaving plenty of time for other activities. Plus you’ll learn about Alaska’s water quality (glacier-fed streams make excellent beer) and the challenges of operating in remote locations.

Wildlife Viewing in the Rain

Contrary to tourist assumptions, rain often improves wildlife viewing. Bears feed more actively because salmon are running stronger in high water. Eagles perch more visibly because they’re waiting for the rain to ease. Seals and sea lions couldn’t care less about precipitation.

Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory near Wrangell has covered viewing platforms specifically for watching bears catch salmon. Pack Creek on Admiralty Island offers similar setups. These locations limit visitor numbers, so book early through reputable operators listed in this guide to the best excursion companies.

The Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka has both outdoor and covered areas, so you can watch eagles and other birds of prey while staying relatively dry. The educational presentations happen indoors, and handlers bring birds out for close viewing.

What to Wear and Bring

Proper rain gear transforms a miserable day into an adventure. Skip the cheap ponchos sold on the pier and invest in actual rain jackets before your cruise. Layering is essential because you’ll go from chilly outdoor conditions to overheated indoor spaces repeatedly.

• Waterproof jacket with hood (not water-resistant, actually waterproof)
• Rain pants if you’re hiking or doing active excursions
• Waterproof boots or shoes with good traction
• Thin gloves that work when wet
• Hat with a brim under your hood
• Dry bag for phone, camera, and wallet
• Microfiber towel for wiping camera lenses and glasses
• Extra pairs of socks in your daypack

Many tour operators provide rain gear, but it’s typically one-size-fits-none ponchos that flap around and don’t cover your legs. Having your own gear means comfort and better mobility. For excursions requiring special considerations, review these mobility-friendly options.

Booking Strategies for Unpredictable Weather

Flexible booking becomes crucial when weather is uncertain. Some cruise lines and independent operators offer cancellation options up to 24 hours before your excursion, while others lock you in weeks before departure. This comprehensive booking guide for Alaska shore excursions covers timing and strategy.

Consider booking one guaranteed indoor activity per port, then playing your outdoor excursions by ear. Many popular tours have last-minute availability, especially on rainy days when nervous passengers cancel.

Be aware of common scams where operators promise weather guarantees they can’t deliver. Research scams to avoid before handing over deposits.

Free Rainy Day Activities

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy Alaska in the rain. Most ports have excellent free activities that work perfectly in wet weather.

• Walk through downtown Juneau’s historic district, ducking into shops and galleries
• Visit the free Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
• Explore Ketchikan’s Totem Heritage Center
• Browse the Sitka Historical Society
• Watch fishermen unload their catch at any port’s harbor
• Visit local libraries which often have Alaska history sections and reading areas
• Tour the free Southeast Alaska Discovery Center in Ketchikan
• Walk the covered portions of Creek Street

Restaurant and Food Hall Options

Alaska’s restaurant scene has improved dramatically, and spending a rainy lunch or afternoon in a good eatery is time well spent. Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau has covered outdoor seating with heaters. Inga’s Galley in Ketchikan serves excellent seafood in a cozy space. Little Tokyo in Sitka makes surprisingly good sushi from fresh local fish.

Many ports now have indoor food halls or public markets where you can sample local specialties while staying dry. The Juneau Public Market isn’t large but offers several vendors under one roof. These spots also give you a chance to chat with locals and get insider tips.

Photography in Rainy Conditions

Rainy Alaska produces stunning photographs if you protect your gear properly. Bring lens cloths and keep wiping your lens and viewfinder. Use your camera’s weather sealing if it has it, or get an inexpensive rain cover for your camera body.

Overcast skies eliminate harsh shadows and create even lighting that’s actually ideal for photographing totem poles, wildlife, and landscapes. The saturated colors after rain make forests and flowers pop. Waterfalls and streams photograph dramatically during high water conditions.

Puddle reflections of colorful buildings in Ketchikan or Sitka create artistic shots. Rain on windows of trains or boats adds foreground interest. Embrace the weather as part of your visual storytelling rather than seeing it as an obstacle.

When Rain Becomes Dangerous

Occasionally rain creates genuinely hazardous conditions. Flooded trails, landslide risks, and reduced visibility can make outdoor excursions unsafe. Tour operators will cancel when conditions warrant it, and you should respect these decisions.

Check your weather guide for shore excursions to understand seasonal patterns and what constitutes problematic versus normal Alaska rain. Light drizzle is standard and shouldn’t stop you from doing anything. Heavy downpours might mean switching to indoor backup plans.

Cruise ships occasionally skip ports or adjust schedules due to severe weather. While frustrating, this happens for safety reasons. Having travel insurance that covers missed excursions provides peace of mind.

Bonus Tips for Rainy Day Success

• Bring Ziploc bags for wet clothes so they don’t soak everything else in your daypack
• Waterproof your phone with a proper case, not just a plastic bag
• Hand warmers double as pocket warmers and can help dry out damp gloves
• Wool stays warm even when wet, unlike cotton which becomes useless
• Book afternoon excursions when possible as morning rain often clears by midday
• The ship’s laundry service can dry out completely soaked gear overnight
• Local grocery stores sell cheap rain ponchos if you forget yours
• Hot chocolate or coffee from ship’s café in a travel mug keeps you warm during port walks
• Bring antihistamines if you’re sensitive to mold, as damp conditions can trigger allergies
• Take a photo of your rain jacket in your cabin so you remember which one is yours when everyone’s wearing similar gear
• Pack an extra plastic bag for your used rain gear so it doesn’t drip on museum floors

Common Questions and FAQ

Do cruise ships provide rain gear for shore excursions?

Cruise lines typically don’t provide rain gear for independent exploration, but ship-sponsored excursions sometimes include basic ponchos. The quality varies significantly, and they’re usually thin disposable types that tear easily. Independent tour operators often provide sturdier rain jackets and pants as part of their service, but you should confirm this when booking. Bringing your own gear ensures proper fit and quality.

Will my excursion be canceled if it’s raining?

Light to moderate rain almost never results in cancellations. Alaska tour operators expect rain and plan accordingly. Excursions only cancel for severe weather like heavy storms, flooding, or lightning that creates safety hazards. If you’re concerned about a specific activity, ask the operator about their weather cancellation policy before booking. Most outdoor excursions proceed in drizzle or light rain.

Should I buy the waterproof camera case sold in port shops?

Port shops charge premium prices for gear you can buy cheaper at home. If you need camera protection, order a rain cover online before your cruise. For phones, a waterproof case works better than the plastic pouches sold dockside. That said, if you forgot gear and it’s pouring, paying extra is better than missing photo opportunities or damaging your electronics.

Can I visit glaciers in the rain safely?

Yes, glacier viewing is completely safe in rain, and many people argue glaciers look more impressive in overcast conditions. The ice appears bluer against gray skies, and waterfalls cascading from glaciers run fuller after rain. Hiking on glaciers requires proper guided tours regardless of weather, so rain doesn’t significantly increase risk as long as your guide proceeds. Helicopter tours might cancel in very heavy rain or low visibility, but boat and land-based glacier viewing continues in typical Alaska drizzle.

What’s the difference between Ketchikan rain and Skagway rain?

Ketchikan sits in a temperate rainforest and receives over 150 inches annually, making rain extremely common and often persistent throughout the day. Skagway sits in a rain shadow and gets only about 26 inches yearly, so rain is less frequent and tends to pass quickly. When it does rain in Skagway, it’s often lighter and shorter-lived than Ketchikan’s steady drizzle. This affects excursion planning since Skagway outdoor activities are more likely to have dry windows.

Are indoor attractions crowded on rainy days?

Museums and cultural centers definitely see increased traffic when weather drives people indoors, but Alaska’s attractions rarely reach uncomfortable crowd levels even on the rainiest days. The exception is when multiple large cruise ships dock simultaneously. Visiting popular indoor spots early morning or late afternoon helps avoid peak crowds. Smaller venues like the Tongass Historical Museum or Russian Bishop’s House rarely feel crowded regardless of weather.

Will wildlife viewing be worse in rain?

Wildlife viewing often improves in rain. Bears feed more actively when streams are running high with salmon. Eagles are easier to spot when perched waiting out storms. Whales surface regardless of rain. The main challenge is keeping your binoculars and camera lenses clear, not finding animals. Fog and heavy mist reduce visibility more than rain itself. Tour guides know where animals congregate in various weather conditions and adjust routes accordingly.

Should I pack an umbrella for Alaska shore excursions?

Umbrellas are nearly useless in Alaska for active excursions. Wind frequently accompanies rain, turning umbrellas inside out. You need both hands free for hiking, climbing boat ladders, or handling cameras. Umbrellas work fine for strolling downtown shopping districts, but a good rain jacket with hood is far more practical for actual excursions. Many Alaskans consider umbrellas a tourist marker and simply don’t use them.

Personal Experience

We were docked in Juneau when the rain started coming down in sheets, and honestly, we thought about just staying on the ship. But our guide convinced us to give the Mendenhall Glacier tour a try anyway, and I’m so glad we listened. Turns out, the rain made everything even more dramatic – the waterfalls were gushing, the glacier looked incredibly blue against the gray sky, and we practically had the trails to ourselves. Our rain jackets kept us dry enough, and seeing bears fishing in the rain felt like we were getting the real Alaska experience, not some sanitized tourist version.

The next day in Ketchikan, it was pouring again, so we ducked into the Tongass Historical Museum and then spent a couple hours at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Both were actually fascinating and gave us context for everything we’d been seeing on our trip. We finished the day at a local salmon bake that had covered seating, and the food was incredible. After that cruise, I’ve stopped checking the weather forecast so obsessively. Some of our best port days happened in the rain, and we got better photos without the harsh sunlight anyway.