Alaska (Ketchikan) · October
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
Post-season — prices falling after the travel period, beaches and attractions quieter.
October is the coldest winter month in Alaska (Ketchikan) — with highs of only 11°C (52°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in May, June, July, August, and September.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 11°C (52°F) during the day and drop to 6°C (43°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 15°C (59°F), the coldest nights around -1°C (30°F) — frost does occur. With 3 sunshine hours per day and 19 rain days (481 mm (18.9 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 11°C (52°F), the water is still quite cool in October — a wetsuit may be useful.
An umbrella or waterproof jacket is essential. On rainy days, plan indoor activities like museums and markets.
Autumn brings the heavy rain back. The last cruise ships leave in early October, the mood quietens and the rainforest steams in the cloud. Those who do not mind rain have the totem poles almost to themselves and see the town as locals know it.
Packing list for Alaska (Ketchikan) in October
- Warm jacket
- Jumpers and warm layers
- Long trousers
- Warm shoes
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is October a good time to visit Alaska (Ketchikan)?
- No — October is not among the recommended months for Alaska (Ketchikan) (Score: 29/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider May, June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Alaska (Ketchikan) in October?
- In October, Alaska (Ketchikan) sees daily highs of 11°C (52°F). Nights cool to 6°C (43°F), with a daily average of 9°C (48°F). Peaks reach around 15°C (59°F), the coldest nights around -1°C (30°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Alaska (Ketchikan) in October?
- In October, Alaska (Ketchikan) receives an average of 481 mm (18.9 in) of rain over 19 rain days. With frequent rain days, waterproof clothing is recommended.
- How many sunshine hours does Alaska (Ketchikan) get in October?
- Alaska (Ketchikan) averages 3 sunshine hours per day in October — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Alaska (Ketchikan) in October?
- Water temperature in Alaska (Ketchikan) in October averages 11°C (52°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
