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Juneau Weather in June: Ideal Conditions for Glacier Tours and Whale Watching

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When you look at photos of Juneau online, you likely see snow-covered mountain peaks and winter wonderland photos. But for several months per year, Juneau warms up and offers ideal conditions for glacier tours and whale watching.

Juneau weather in June averages in the 60s. While it is overcast and you’ll still experience plenty of rain during your trip, it’s comfortable for getting outside and exploring Juneau’s outdoor playground. Learn more about what to expect from the weather and how to pack for your trip.

Juneau Weather in June

There’s a reason why the tourist season is May through September. It’s when the weather is the mildest, the wildlife is active and the hiking trails are clear of snow to show off our state’s wonders. 

Juneau’s June weather is perfect for outdoor adventures. The daytime high generally averages in the mid-60s. But if you’re lucky, you might come during a heatwave when temps crest 70 degrees. This is a welcomed change from the winter average of 29 degrees Fahrenheit. 

A crucial thing to know about Juneau is that it experiences 222 days of precipitation per year on average. That means that about two-thirds of the time, it is raining in Juneau. Gear up with your best water-resistant apparel and equipment.

Another reason to visit Juneau during June is that it is the time of year with the most daylight hours. In June, it is daylight for approximately 18 hours. In contrast, on the shortest day of the year, Juneau gets just over six hours of daylight.

Plan for early sunrises. If you aren’t a morning person, be sure you’re booking a hotel with good curtains or bring a face mask with you to avoid the sunshine wake-up call that comes just before 4 a.m.

Although the early sunrise can be challenging to work with, sunset being around 10 p.m. gives you plenty of time to get out and explore.

Juneau is cloudy, so know that those mid-60-degree days will likely still feel chilly. However, June is one of the clearest months. Generally, cloud cover is at its lowest from mid-February through mid-July.

Another reason to love Juneau weather in June is that the wind is pretty quiet. You’ll likely only experience wind speeds of single-digit miles per hour.

And don’t worry about snow. May to October is snowless in Juneau. Come back in January to experience Juneau’s winter playground.

How to Pack for Juneau Weather in June

Thinking about June weather might feel like another life from what you’re currently experiencing in your home state. So even though Juneau is nothing like sunny Florida in June, starting to think about your summer trip now can help you shake off the winter blues and give you something to look forward to.

Look at your closet and evaluate what you might need to enjoy Juneau in June.

Apparel

  • Lightweight long underwear
  • Breathable base layers
  • Waterproof top layers, ideally with a hood you can pop up if it starts raining and plenty of pockets for carrying your essentials
  • Waterproof shoes with good traction for hiking
  • Brimmed hat to protect your face from sun and rain, consider also bringing a lightweight beanie for chillier days
  • Sunglasses
  • Lightweight gloves for chilly evenings
  • Lightweight pants for hiking, and if you can afford them, nylon pants to stay warm and dry
  • Shorts and short sleeve shirts for exploring downtown during the day
  • Warm coat for when the temperatures dip down into the 40s. Alternatively, you can layer up to avoid a bulky jacket in your suitcase

Looking for a Hotel in Juneau?

We offer full washers and dryers in every suite.

Other Gear and Equipment

  • Sunscreen
  • Bug repellent
  • First aid kit you can carry with you for emergencies that include bandages, ointment and over the counter painkillers
  • Small bag you can carry with you throughout the day
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Binoculars for your whale-watching and wildlife adventures
  • Eye mask to allow you to sleep in on sunny early sunrises

Things You Likely Don’t Need

  • Formal wear
  • Sandals or other open-toed footwear
  • Swimwear, even though it is a coastal city, the water is too chilly for a dip and most hotels in the area do not have pools

What to Expect from June Glacier Tours and Whale Watching

Gearing up for a glacier tour or whale watching tour in Juneau is exciting. Whether you’re coming in June or another part of the tourist season, here’s an overview of what you can expect.

Glacier Tours

There are many fantastic glacier tour options in Juneau. They vary in how you get to explore Mendenhall Glacier from hiking to helicopter. Some options for glacier tours include:

  • Hiking: Enjoy a guided tour that gives you the chance to walk along the glacier’s surface. Depending on which tour you take and the tour company you go with, your experience might include exploring an ice cave. Many of these tours also get you to Nugget Falls, which is a beautiful backdrop for photos and an experience of its own.
  • Canoeing: View the glacier from a different vantage point with a canoeing tour. Feel the enormity of the glacier while exploring for sea level. Plus, these tours often include a good vantage point for seeing mountain goats and other wildlife.
  • Helicopter: Get above the glacier during a helicopter tour to see its full expanse. Many tours also land on the glacier and give you a chance to explore on foot.
  • Combined whale-watching and glacier experience: Spend a day devoted to your glacier tour and whale-watching experience. Head out on a boat that takes you to Mendenhall Lake, the body of water near the glacier. Your tour guide will showcase the incredible glacier views while working hard to ensure you see whales. 
  • Self-guided tour at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center: You don’t need to spend your travel budget on an excursion to see Mendenhall Glacier. You can explore Mendenhall Glacier on your own at the Visitor Center. Enjoy the theater room where you can learn more about the ice fields.

Whale Watching

Whale watching tours are incredible and include a chance to see a variety of other marine creatures and wildlife. In addition to seeing humpback whales and orcas breach, you might also catch a glimpse of seals, sea lions, bald eagles and porpoises.

Tours include transportation from your Juneau hotel. Most tours start from Auke Bay. Some include a ground tour in a bus that helps you learn more about Juneau and its unique features. 

The boats you embark on are specially designed for whale watching with heated cabins and large outdoor decks. Onboard the boat with you will be an experienced guide or naturalist who can explain the wildlife behavior.

Enjoy the opportunity to photograph whales and other wildlife during your adventure. This is when your binoculars will come in handy, though tour guides are experienced and getting you up close and personal with whales.

Where to Stay for Your Juneau Adventure

Enjoy a comfortable stay in downtown Juneau at Juneau Hotel. Book early as this is a popular accommodation complete with a full kitchen and washer and dryer in every suite. That way, you can enjoy all the comforts of home during your travels. Book your stay now to ensure you get space at one of Juneau’s most popular hotels.

Looking for a Hotel in Juneau?

We offer full washers and dryers in every suite.

Further Reading:

LOOKING FOR AN EXCELLENT HOTEL IN JUNEAU?

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