Are you thinking about visiting Juneau, Alaska? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Juneau worth visiting?
Juneau is worth visiting for two to three days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Juneau is the capital of the the state of Alaska, but it's also surrounded by one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States. The city is only accessible by sea or air and it is filled with wildlife, history, and nearby glaciers. In town you'll find amazing seafood restaurants and a unique local art scene. Many people visit as part of a cruise, and the town is often bustling with energy and activity.
Juneau, Alaska
Reasons to Visit Juneau
Hiking
You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.
Museums
Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.
Food
The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.
Shopping
There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.
Is Juneau worth visiting in the Summer?
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during summer, and temperatures hover around 13°C (56°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Juneau, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The gorgeous scenery this time of year is the main attraction. This is the perfect time to hike around the area and take in the amazing scenery. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to go hiking and wander through the museums.
Summer Weather in Juneau
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 13°C (56°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| August | 13°C (55°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| September | 10°C (49°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
Is Juneau worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Juneau. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The weather in Juneau can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 6°C (42°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse through museums, and discover the nearby hiking trails.
Autumn Weather in Juneau
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 6°C (42°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| November | -0°C (32°F) | 123 mm (4.9 in) |
| December | -3°C (27°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
Is Juneau worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Juneau. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather in Juneau can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -4°C (24°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the cuisine.
Winter Weather in Juneau
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -4°C (24°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| February | -2°C (28°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| March | 0°C (33°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
Is Juneau worth visiting in the Spring?
The weather in Juneau can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 4°C (40°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Juneau, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Get out into the wilderness to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the wonderful scenery.
Spring Weather in Juneau
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 4°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 8°C (47°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| June | 12°C (53°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Juneau
Nightlife: Most people don't associate Juneau with a lively nightlife scene. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Juneau might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Juneau here or see if Juneau is expensive here.
Related
What is Juneau most famous for?
Juneau is most famous for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. The city is very popular for its hiking. It's also known for museums, food, and shopping. It is often described as scenic, breathtaking, and historic.
What is the most famous sight in Juneau?
The most popular sight in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Juneau on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Mendenhall Glacier and other attractions here.
How touristy is Juneau? Is it a popular city to visit?
Juneau is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour: $239
- Five-Star Juneau Pedicab Private Tour: $200
- 3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska: $189
- eBikes Alaska - Rainforest Adventure: $160
- Alpine Zipline Adventure in Juneau, AK: $245
- 3 Hours Fishing Experience Class in Juneau: $225
- Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure: $249
- Juneau Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience: $79
How long should I spend in Juneau?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Juneau is two to three days. Since Juneau has a variety of activities such as hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Juneau? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Juneau?.
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