Alaska’s capital city represents the best of both outdoor life and a rich cultural urban environment. A scenic mountainous region and a coastal paradise, Juneau boasts something of a small town feel with a very high energy, active vibe. Visitors here can look forward to exploring the famous Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching and checking out the brown bear population on Admiralty Island. With a historic downtown, Juneau is in many ways the cultural center of Alaska. Because of the scenery, the heritage, the sights and sounds, artists are drawn here. With numerous galleries and studios throughout the city, Juneau is a hub for art lovers.
Juneau is without question a busy city—year-round there are plenty of festivals and events to keep you moving and entertained. The Juneau Jazz Festival is a huge favorite drawing massive crowds. Gold Rush Days hearkens the city’s mining past, while the Golden North Salmon Derby is one of the most anticipated among Alaskan anglers.
These are undeniably among the main attractions in the region. Beyond the Mendenhall Glacier there are 38 glaciers which flow from the Juneau Ice Field. These are interconnected and cover 1500 square miles. One of the best ways to see the majesty of these glaciers is by air—numerous flightseeing tours are available year-round.
One of the most popular coastal cities from which to go on a whale watching adventure, Juneau offers tourists views of humpback whales within the northern inside passage. Some lucky visitors have even spotted killer whales which are also common to the area.
Winters aren't the best time in Juneau unless you like being cold and in the dark. The days short with highs in the low-30s. Juneau gets about 90 inches of snow per year, nearly all of it falling between November and March.
Springs are short and relatively dry. May daily highs are in the mid-50s.
Summer is easily the busiest season of the year. The area comes alive and the days are long. Highs only reach the mid-60s. It is a great time to explore the incredible outdoors.
Fall is the wet season. September and October get a ton of rain. Highs are only around 50 degrees.