Weather in Ketchikan

Planning your day in Ketchikan? Here you will find the most up-to-date weather information: current conditions, detailed forecasts, and clear charts to ensure your time in the city is as comfortable as possible.

Ketchikan in the United States is distinguished by a cool and very humid maritime climate. Temperatures here are moderate year-round, without extreme heat or severe frost, although the weather is often overcast and rainy, which is characteristic of this region.

The city experiences four clearly defined seasons. Winter, from December to February, is quite cold, with average temperatures around 0-1°C and frequent precipitation, which can fall as either rain or snow. Spring and autumn are transitional periods with gradual temperature changes but an invariably high probability of precipitation. Summer, from June to August, offers the warmest days, with average temperatures around 12-15°C; however, rain is not uncommon even during this period, although it is less intense than in other seasons.

The main feature of the climate in Ketchikan is its exceptional humidity and the large number of days with precipitation throughout the year. Although the monthly precipitation volumes, indicated in millimetres, may not seem extremely high, their frequency (from 18 to 23 days per month) suggests that tourists should be prepared for rain or drizzle at practically any time of the year. This creates a unique atmosphere and contributes to the region's lush green vegetation.

The climate in Ketchikan is characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year, without extreme heat or severe frost. The warmest month is usually August, when the average temperature reaches 14.7°C, and maximum values can rise to 17.3°C. The coldest month is considered to be February with an average temperature of 0.5°C and minimum readings dropping to -1.5°C. The annual range of average temperatures is from 0.5°C to 14.7°C, indicating a relatively mild maritime climate.

The summer months in Ketchikan, from June to August, bring pleasant warmth, but not scorching heat. Average daytime temperatures range from 12°C in June to 14.7°C in August. Maximum temperatures during this period rarely exceed 17-18°C, making the weather comfortable for outdoor activities. Nights also remain cool, with average minimum temperatures from 9.3°C to 12.2°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in summer are small, usually within 5-6°C, ensuring consistently moderate weather without sudden changes.

Winter in Ketchikan, covering the period from December to February, is quite cool and damp, but without severe frosts. Average temperatures in the winter months stay just above freezing: from 0.5°C in February to 1.3°C in December. Nighttime temperatures can drop slightly below zero, especially in January (-1.0°C) and February (-1.5°C). Daytime highs in winter are usually between 2.2°C and 2.6°C. The difference between day and night temperatures in winter is even smaller than in summer, amounting to about 3-4°C, which emphasizes the mildness of the winter period, albeit with a large number of cloudy and wet days.

Ketchikan sees a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, and there is no clearly defined dry season here. However, periods with higher and lower amounts of precipitation can be distinguished. In general, the city is characterized by a high frequency of precipitation across all months.

The greatest amount of precipitation falls during the autumn-winter period. The wettest months by volume are November (averaging 13 mm), as well as January and October (12 mm each). These months also register the highest number of days with precipitation: up to 23 days in January and November, and 22 days in October and December. Given the relatively small total number of millimetres alongside such high frequency, precipitation likely occurs most often in the form of drizzle or light rain. In winter, especially from December to February, when average temperatures hover around 0°C and minimums drop below this mark, precipitation often falls as snow. Mixed precipitation (rain with snow) is also possible in March.

The period with the least amount of precipitation falls in late spring and summer, specifically in May and July, when only about 5 mm falls. These are followed by June (6 mm) and March (7 mm). Despite the lower volume, the frequency of precipitation remains high: even in these relatively drier months, there are on average 18-19 days with precipitation. This highlights that Ketchikan is characterized by constant high humidity and frequent, though not always heavy, precipitation throughout the year.

When planning a trip to Ketchikan, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, as the weather here is distinguished by high humidity and frequent precipitation year-round. The key principle should be layering. Indispensable items will be a waterproof and windproof jacket, as well as comfortable, waterproof shoes, since there are between 18 to 23 rainy days per month. Even in summer, average maximum temperatures rarely rise above +17°C, and it is significantly cooler in other seasons, so warm sweaters or fleece jackets will be useful at any time of year. Don't forget an umbrella, although in windy weather, a good jacket with a hood may prove more practical.

In the winter months (from November to March), when the average temperature hovers around 0°C and the minimum can drop below freezing, it is especially important to ensure warmth. Bring an insulated waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Several layers of clothing, including thermal underwear, will help retain heat during walks. In spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), the weather remains cool, with average temperatures from +2°C to +12°C, so layering and rain protection remain relevant.

The summer months (June-August) in Ketchikan are the warmest, with average temperatures ranging from 12.0°C to 14.7°C; temperatures can fluctuate from average minimums of around +9°C to average maximums of around +17°C. However, precipitation is not uncommon even during this time. It is recommended to bring a light waterproof jacket or raincoat, as well as clothes that can be easily combined: t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and light sweaters. Even on sunny days, especially by the water, there can be a cool wind. Sunscreen will also come in handy, as UV radiation can be strong even in cloudy weather. In general, being prepared for changeable and wet weather is the key to a comfortable trip to Ketchikan.