Alaska (Skagway)
USA · North America
The best time to visit Alaska (Skagway) is May, June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 18°C (64°F), with peaks around 24°C (75°F); in winter, nights average -4°C (25°F), dropping to around -17°C (1°F) on the coldest. All climate data are based on historical monthly averages (2005–2025) to help you plan the optimal travel time.
Alaska (Skagway) – What you should know
Skagway lies at the northern end of the Inside Passage and, because it sits in the rain shadow of the coastal mountains, is the driest of the four Alaska ports: from January to June 30 to 60 mm (1.2 to 2.4 in) fall a month, in May 30 mm (1.2 in) on average across four days. By comparison, Ketchikan reaches 190 to 280 mm (7.5 to 11.0 in) in summer. Only in September and October do the amounts rise to about 100 mm (3.9 in) across ten to eleven rain days. Humidity stays lower in spring, at 65 to 70%, than on the rest of the coast.
Summer temperatures are mild: in June and July daytime highs average 17°C (63°F), in May 14°C (57°F), and about 24 to 25°C (75 to 77°F) is possible on the hottest days. Winter is much harsher, with daytime highs around freezing and about -16°C (3°F) in the coldest nights. May is the sunniest month at 7 hours a day; in high summer the figure is 3 to 5 hours, in September just under 2. The sea is about 12 to 13°C (54 to 55°F) in July and August.
The town lives on the legacy of the 1898 Klondike gold rush: the main street is preserved as a historic district, and the White Pass & Yukon Route takes a narrow-gauge train up to the pass and back. Anyone who prefers hiking will find the Chilkoot Trail, which the prospectors once covered on foot. For cruise passengers Skagway is the port with the most historical character, in contrast to Juneau with its glacier or Seward with its fjords and whales. The port is served from late April to early October; after that the town is almost empty.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 0° (32°)-13– (9–)7 (45) | 1° (34°)-10– (14–)7 (45) | 4° (39°)-5– (23–)10 (50) | 9° (48°)4– (39–)16 (61) | 15° (59°)8– (46–)23 (73) | 17° (63°)11– (52–)25 (77) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)24 (75) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)24 (75) | 14° (57°)9– (48–)19 (66) | 9° (48°)4– (39–)14 (57) | 3° (37°)-6– (21–)8 (46) | 1° (34°)-9– (16–)7 (45) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -4° (25°)-17– (1–)4 (39) | -4° (25°)-13– (9–)3 (37) | -2° (28°)-11– (12–)3 (37) | 2° (36°)-4– (25–)6 (43) | 7° (45°)1– (34–)11 (52) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)13 (55) | 12° (54°)8– (46–)14 (57) | 12° (54°)7– (45–)14 (57) | 9° (48°)3– (37–)13 (55) | 5° (41°)-2– (28–)9 (48) | -1° (30°)-10– (14–)6 (43) | -3° (27°)-12– (10–)3 (37) |
☀️Sunshine | 1h UV 1 | 3h UV 2 | 5h UV 4 | 7h UV 5 | 7h UV 6 | 5h UV 6 | 4h UV 5 | 3h UV 4 | 2h UV 3 | 2h UV 2 | 2h UV 1 | 1h UV 0 |
🌊Water Temp | 4° (39°) | 4° (39°) | 3° (37°) | 4° (39°) | 7° (45°) | 10° (50°) | 13° (55°) | 13° (55°) | 12° (54°) | 10° (50°) | 8° (46°) | 6° (43°) |
🌧Rain Days | 7d61mm (2.4") | 4d35mm (1.4") | 5d39mm (1.5") | 5d33mm (1.3") | 4d30mm (1.2") | 5d29mm (1.1") | 6d42mm (1.7") | 8d63mm (2.5") | 11d101mm (4.0") | 10d98mm (3.8") | 8d65mm (2.6") | 7d74mm (2.9") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
April offers great weather in Alaska (Skagway) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Alaska (Skagway)
November – March
A gold-rush town in hibernation: the main street lies silent, snow and frost cover the wooden fronts, and the surrounding mountains stand white. Winter storms whistle through the valley, and on clear days the sky glitters. Only a small community stays, and visitors are rare.
April – June
Spring arrives dry and bright: in the rain shadow of the coastal mountains little rain falls, and the days lengthen quickly. The first ships dock, the White Pass & Yukon Route resumes service and the Chilkoot Trail begins to thaw. One of the best times for sunny days.
July – August
High season: the main street is full of cruise guests, and the gold-rush façades are among the most photographed sights on the Inside Passage. It is mild and mostly dry, though cloud comes more often than in spring. Early in the morning or in the evening the town belongs to the hikers.
September – October
The rain returns, birches and poplars turn yellow and the last ships say goodbye. The train season ends and shops close one after another. Fresh snow soon dusts the peaks, and the air smells of autumn and damp wood.
Events & Festivals
July
- Fourth of July· 4 July
Skagway's Independence Day with a children's parade, a big parade along Broadway and the Chamber of Commerce's "Ducky Derby".
September
- Klondike Road Relay· first or second weekend of September
A 175 km (109 mi) relay race from Skagway over the White Pass to Whitehorse in the Yukon, run non-stop overnight from Friday to Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Alaska (Skagway)?
- The best time to visit Alaska (Skagway) is May, June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Alaska (Skagway)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Alaska (Skagway) average 18°C (64°F), with peaks around 24°C (75°F); in winter, nights average -4°C (25°F), dropping to around -17°C (1°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Alaska (Skagway) get?
- Alaska (Skagway) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 7 rain days per month. The driest months are April, May, and June.
- How warm is the water in Alaska (Skagway)?
- Water temperature in Alaska (Skagway) ranges from 3°C (37°F) (March) to 13°C (55°F) (August). That makes the sea cool for swimming all year round.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JunJulAug
