Alaska (Ketchikan) · January
Low seasonUSA · North America
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 5° (41°)-2– (28–)9 (48) | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)9 (48) | 7° (45°)1– (34–)11 (52) | 10° (50°)5– (41–)16 (61) | 14° (57°)8– (46–)23 (73) | 16° (61°)10– (50–)25 (77) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)26 (79) | 19° (66°)13– (55–)24 (75) | 15° (59°)11– (52–)19 (66) | 11° (52°)6– (43–)15 (59) | 7° (45°)1– (34–)11 (52) | 5° (41°)-2– (28–)9 (48) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 1° (34°)-9– (16–)6 (43) | 0° (32°)-8– (18–)5 (41) | 1° (34°)-7– (19–)4 (39) | 3° (37°)-2– (28–)7 (45) | 7° (45°)2– (36–)11 (52) | 10° (50°)5– (41–)13 (55) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)15 (59) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)15 (59) | 10° (50°)5– (41–)13 (55) | 6° (43°)-1– (30–)10 (50) | 3° (37°)-5– (23–)7 (45) | 1° (34°)-7– (19–)6 (43) |
☀️Sunshine | 1h UV 1 | 3h UV 2 | 5h UV 4 | 6h UV 5 | 7h UV 6 | 6h UV 6 | 5h UV 5 | 5h UV 5 | 4h UV 4 | 3h UV 2 | 2h UV 1 | 1h UV 1 |
🌊Water Temp | 6° (43°) | 6° (43°) | 6° (43°) | 7° (45°) | 9° (48°) | 12° (54°) | 13° (55°) | 14° (57°) | 13° (55°) | 11° (52°) | 9° (48°) | 7° (45°) |
🌧Rain Days | 19d455mm (17.9") | 14d308mm (12.1") | 17d306mm (12.1") | 16d292mm (11.5") | 12d202mm (8.0") | 12d189mm (7.5") | 12d205mm (8.1") | 13d278mm (11.0") | 17d384mm (15.1") | 19d481mm (19.0") | 21d443mm (17.4") | 18d404mm (15.9") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Deep off-season — very low prices, but weather conditions are suboptimal.
January is the coldest winter month in Alaska (Ketchikan) — with highs of only 5°C (41°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in May, June, July, August, and September.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 5°C (41°F) during the day and drop to 1°C (34°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 9°C (48°F), the coldest nights around -9°C (16°F) — frost does occur. With 1 sunshine hour per day and 19 rain days (455 mm (17.9 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 6°C (43°F), the water is still quite cool in January — a wetsuit may be useful.
An umbrella or waterproof jacket is essential. On rainy days, plan indoor activities like museums and markets.
The rainy season in the literal sense: precipitation day after day, a low sky, muted light. Most shops on Creek Street are closed, the ships are absent and the town belongs to the locals. The sea keeps it mild; real cold is rare.
Packing list for Alaska (Ketchikan) in January
- Winter coat
- Thermal clothing and warm layers
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Warm, waterproof shoes
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is January a good time to visit Alaska (Ketchikan)?
- No — January is not among the recommended months for Alaska (Ketchikan) (Score: 12/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider May, June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Alaska (Ketchikan) in January?
- In January, Alaska (Ketchikan) sees daily highs of 5°C (41°F). Nights cool to 1°C (34°F), with a daily average of 3°C (37°F). Peaks reach around 9°C (48°F), the coldest nights around -9°C (16°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Alaska (Ketchikan) in January?
- In January, Alaska (Ketchikan) receives an average of 455 mm (17.9 in) of rain over 19 rain days. With frequent rain days, waterproof clothing is recommended.
- How many sunshine hours does Alaska (Ketchikan) get in January?
- Alaska (Ketchikan) averages 1 sunshine hour per day in January — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Alaska (Ketchikan) in January?
- Water temperature in Alaska (Ketchikan) in January averages 6°C (43°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
