Alaska Shore Excursion Weather What to Expect

Alaska shore excursion weather varies significantly by season and region. Summer months (May-September) offer the mildest conditions with temperatures ranging from 50-70°F, though rain is common. Layered, waterproof clothing is essential. Coastal areas are generally cooler and wetter than inland regions. Weather can change rapidly, so prepare for variable conditions including wind, rain, and occasional sunshine throughout your excursion.

Quick Weather Facts for Alaska Shore Excursions

Want to know more about planning your Alaska shore excursions?

Regional Weather Differences You Need to Know

Not all Alaska ports face the same weather patterns. Understanding where you’re going makes a huge difference in how you pack and what you book.

Southeast Alaska (Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka)

• Wettest region with rainfall averaging 150+ inches annually in some areas
• Temperatures stay moderate but rarely climb above 65°F
• Rain is more like a persistent mist than heavy downpours
• Perfect conditions for kayaking excursions when seas are calm

Glacier Bay and Icy Strait

• Cooler temperatures due to glacier proximity
• Wind chill can make it feel 10-15 degrees colder
• Sudden fog banks are common
• Best helicopter tour conditions occur early morning before clouds build

Skagway and Interior Ports

• Drier than coastal areas with less rainfall
• Temperature swings can be more dramatic
• Sunnier conditions overall
• Ideal for hiking excursions but sun protection becomes important

The Layering System That Actually Works

Forget what you think you know about dressing for cold weather. Alaska isn’t about wearing one heavy coat—it’s about strategic layering that you can adjust on the fly.

Base Layer

• Moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool (not cotton, which stays wet and cold)
• Long-sleeve shirt even if it looks warm outside
• Lightweight enough to wear all day without overheating

Mid Layer

• Fleece or lightweight down that provides insulation
• Should be easy to stuff in a bag when not needed
• Dark colors hide the inevitable coffee spill on the tour bus

Outer Layer

• Waterproof and windproof shell (not just water-resistant)
• Hood that actually stays on in wind
• Pit zips are a game-changer for temperature regulation

Check out our complete guide on what to pack for an Alaska cruise for more detailed clothing recommendations.

Weather-Specific Excursion Planning

The weather shouldn’t stop you from having an amazing time, but it should influence which activities you choose and when you book them.

Best Excursions for Rainy Days

Let’s be honest—you’re probably going to hit rain at some point. Instead of letting it ruin your day, embrace excursions that work beautifully in wet weather. Rainy day excursions like wildlife viewing actually improve in light rain since animals are more active. Indoor cultural experiences and museum tours become more appealing when it’s pouring outside.

Activities That Need Good Weather

• Flightseeing tours (clouds obscure glacier views)
• High-altitude hiking (dangerous in rain and fog)
• Photography-focused excursions (flat light in overcast conditions)
• Certain zip-line operations (may close in high wind or lightning)

Consider booking these weather-dependent activities through companies with flexible cancellation policies so you’re not stuck if conditions turn bad.

Insider Strategies for Weather Uncertainty

Here’s what experienced Alaska cruisers know about working with unpredictable weather.

The Morning Weather Gamble

Weather in Alaska typically worsens as the day progresses. Morning excursions often catch the best conditions before afternoon clouds and rain move in. When comparing ship-based versus independent excursions, morning departure times can be a deciding factor.

Booking Flexibility Matters

Understanding your options before you book saves headaches later. Our comprehensive booking guide explains which companies offer weather guarantees and how to avoid getting locked into excursions that might disappoint in poor conditions.

Budget-Friendly Weather Backup Plans

You don’t need expensive backup plans. Many budget-friendly excursions and free activities work perfectly well in any weather. Walking through Ketchikan’s Creek Street or exploring Juneau’s downtown costs nothing and can be just as memorable as pricier tours.

Special Considerations for Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Children get cold and cranky faster than adults. When selecting family-friendly excursions, prioritize tours with indoor components or heated transportation. Pack extra dry clothes for kids in waterproof bags.

Travelers with Mobility Concerns

Wet weather creates slippery conditions on boat decks, boardwalks, and trails. Research mobility-friendly excursions that account for weather-related accessibility challenges.

Protecting Your Gear (And Your Photos)

The weather may be unpredictable but your preparation doesn’t have to be.

• Bring gallon-size ziplock bags for phones and cameras
• Microfiber cloths get damp lenses clear fast
• Touchscreen-compatible gloves let you actually use your phone in cold
• Portable phone chargers drain faster in cold weather—bring a backup
• GoPros and action cameras handle wet conditions better than traditional cameras

Weather Myths That Lead People Astray

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions that cause people to pack wrong or skip amazing excursions.

Myth: Summer Means Warm

Even in peak season, “warm” in Alaska tops out around 70°F. What feels pleasant on the ship’s deck becomes chilly when you’re moving at speed on a boat or standing near a glacier.

Myth: If It’s Not Raining at the Port, You’re Good

Weather conditions at the dock mean absolutely nothing about conditions 30 minutes away. Excursions often travel to different microclimates where weather varies dramatically.

Myth: You Can Buy What You Need in Port

Technically true, but port shops know you’re desperate and price accordingly. That $80 rain jacket you buy in a panic could have been $30 if you’d packed properly.

Avoiding Weather-Related Scams and Disappointments

Some tour operators oversell experiences that weather conditions rarely support. Learn about common excursion scams to avoid and research the best excursion companies with realistic expectations and honest communication about weather impacts.

Bonus Tips Only Alaska Veterans Know

• Hand warmers tucked in gloves make wildlife viewing infinitely more pleasant—buy them before your cruise for a fraction of port prices
• Wool socks stay warm even when wet, unlike cotton which becomes miserable
• Sunglasses are essential even on cloudy days due to glare from water and ice
• Pack a buff or neck gaiter—it’s the most versatile piece of gear for changing conditions
• Seasickness increases in choppy weather; take medication preventatively before small boat excursions
• Waterproof hiking boots need to be broken in before your trip—blisters are worse in wet conditions
• The “feels like” temperature near glaciers is always 15-20 degrees colder than actual air temperature
• Bring clips or hair ties even if you don’t usually use them—wind near water is relentless
• Chemical heat packs work better than battery-powered options in consistently cold conditions
• A waterproof phone case with a lanyard prevents the nightmare of dropping your phone in glacial water

Common Questions and FAQ

What happens if weather cancels my excursion?

Cancellation policies vary significantly by provider. Ship-based excursions typically offer full refunds or onboard credit for weather cancellations. Independent tour operators have individual policies ranging from full refunds to no refunds depending on timing and circumstances. Always ask about weather guarantees before booking.

Can I check weather forecasts for specific Alaska ports?

Yes, but take them with a grain of salt. Alaska weather forecasts become less accurate beyond 48 hours. Even same-day forecasts can be wrong due to rapidly changing conditions. Use forecasts for general planning but always prepare for the unexpected.

Is glacier viewing better in sun or clouds?

This might surprise you, but slightly overcast conditions often produce better glacier viewing. Direct sunlight creates harsh glare on ice and water, while light cloud cover provides even lighting that makes the blue ice more visible. Heavy clouds and fog obviously diminish the experience, but don’t assume sunny equals best.

Do I need waterproof pants or are waterproof jackets enough?

For most excursions, a good waterproof jacket and quick-dry pants work fine. Waterproof pants become essential for kayaking, zodiac tours, fishing charters, or extended hiking in rain. They’re also smart for anyone who gets cold easily or has circulation issues.

What’s the coldest it typically gets during summer cruise season?

Actual air temperatures rarely drop below 45°F during cruise season, but wind chill near glaciers and on open water can make it feel like the 30s. The coldest experiences happen on glacier helicopter tours and early morning boat trips.

Should I bring an umbrella?

Umbrellas are practically useless in Alaska. The rain is often accompanied by wind that renders umbrellas ineffective or turns them inside out. Plus, they’re cumbersome on boats and buses. A good hooded rain jacket serves you much better.

How quickly can weather change during an excursion?

Conditions can shift from sunny to rainy in 15-20 minutes, especially in areas with glaciers and mountains that create their own weather patterns. Temperature drops of 15-20 degrees over the course of a few hours are completely normal.

Are weather conditions worse at certain ports?

Ketchikan holds the crown for wettest port with rain more than 200 days annually. Juneau and Sitka also see substantial rainfall. Skagway tends to be drier and sometimes warmer due to its protected location. However, any port can surprise you with gorgeous weather or miserable conditions regardless of averages.

Personal Experience

We took a shore excursion in Juneau last summer, and I learned pretty quickly that Alaska weather has zero interest in following a forecast. We started the morning with bright sunshine during our whale watching tour, so naturally half our group left their jackets on the boat. Big mistake. By the time we reached the Mendenhall Glacier in the afternoon, the temperature had dropped about 20 degrees and a misty rain rolled in out of nowhere. My husband and I were fine because we’d layered up with fleeces and rain jackets, but we felt bad watching other people shiver through what should have been an amazing experience.

The best advice I can give is to dress in layers no matter what the weather looks like when you wake up. I packed a small backpack with a waterproof jacket, an extra fleece, and a beanie for each of us on every excursion. It felt like overkill on sunny mornings, but we used everything at some point. Even on our Skagway day, which started out gorgeous, the wind picked up near the waterfront and suddenly those extra layers were perfect. Alaska is absolutely stunning, and you don’t want to spend your shore time being uncomfortable when a little preparation makes all the difference.