Nestled in the upper reaches of the inside passage of Southeast Alaska, Skagway is an idyllic costal town surrounded by majestic mountain vistas. Millions of people flock to our historic town every year to experience the finest scenery nature has to offer, and absorb the charming one of a kind gold rush era hospitality. One thing that makes Skagway so special is our climate. From warm summer days to the brutal winds of winter, our mercurial mix of weather will keep you guessing about what to expect especially when it comes to how to dress!
Average Cruise Season Temperatures:
May 58° / 42°
June 63° / 49°
July 64° / 52°
August 63° / 51°
September 56° / 46°
May and September might seem a little cooler to the uninitiated, but the warm spring sun of May and the yellow glow of the fall colors in September will more than make up for the few degrees difference on the thermometer. Keep in mind these are the average temperatures. I have been in Skagway for many summer seasons and have experienced temperatures up to 92°F. Additionally, Alaska is a place of extremes. It often might read that it's 65°F outside, but it could feel up to 10° warmer.
After the bulk of our visitors depart, the cold begins to set in. During this time, the days get shorter and the Northland tilts away from the sun.
Average Off Season Temperatures:
October 48° / 39°
November 37° / 29°
December 33° / 25°
January 32° / 23°
February 35° / 25°
March 38° / 28°
April 49° / 35°
Winter in Skagway can be a wondrous time. It can also be frighteningly cold and windy. The chart above doesn't truly reflect my experience with an Alaska winter. For example, at the time of writing this post it's a sunny and clear day. Just looking out the window would make you think it's perfect for a stroll around town; however, a quick jaunt to take out the trash tells a different story all together. It's currently 11°F; the average wind is 16mph with peak gusts of 31mph and a wind chill of -6°F It's eye watering, hand freezing, shiver inducing cold, but it is beautiful.
Here Comes the Sun!
The length of the days in Skagway vary over the course of the year. The shortest day is December 21, with 6 hours, 2 minutes of daylight; the longest day is June 21, with 18 hours, 40 minutes of daylight.
The earliest sunrise is at 3:42 AM on June 18, and the latest sunrise is 5 hours, 17 minutes later at 8:59 AM on December 27. The earliest sunset is at 2:59 PM on December 14, and the latest sunset is 7 hours, 24 minutes later at 10:23 PM on June 23.
This means you will experience an ample amount of daylight hours during the summer season with plenty of time for outdoor activities!
Anticipation of Precipitation
Did you know that Skagway is located in one of the largest rainforests on Earth? The Tongass National Forest is a temperate rainforest that encompasses the bulk of costal Alaska…and with it comes the rain. It does precipitate quite a bit, but that's no reason not to visit. Often the rain is very light, almost a mist. The majority of tours and activities will still go on as scheduled in the light rain conditions.
What does this all mean for you as a visitor?
Be prepared for the unexpected! A lot of people will tell you to bundle up; others will tell you to wear layers. I'm telling you, as a year round Skagway resident, that you will be fine! If you are on a cruise in the summer, wear a t-shirt as a base layer and a long sleeved outer shirt. Make sure you bring a lined windbreaker, and you will have everything you need! Skip the long underwear and pack your favorite jeans or khakis instead. If you really feel the need to splurge before your trip, buy some waterproof low top hiking shoes. They are versatile and great for walking through the occasional puddle. If you would prefer to dress like a local, you could always wait until you arrive in Alaska and then buy some XTRATUF boots!!
