Juneau is a bucket list destination, especially during the summer when the city offers the warmest weather, the longest daylight hours, and the maximum cruise ship traffic. Some other things that might come to mind when the city is mentioned includes a dramatic image of a remote Alaskan capital, the massive Mendenhall Glacier, or the stunning rain-swept mountain scenery.
While towering walls of blue ice and snow-dusted peaks might be among the visions you’ll encounter there, summer in Juneau doesn’t always require you to wear a parka. No, it is not the frozen tundra of the imagination but neither is it exactly beach weather. While Juneau has its share of chilly days, summer in the capital of Alaska can be surprisingly mild with occasional bursts of genuine heat.
If you’re planning a summer trip to Juneau, here’s a look at what the season actually holds, including how hot the temperature can get there.
The Hottest Summer Temperature in Juneau Alaska
The hottest summer temperature ever recorded for Juneau was on July 7, 1975 at 90℉ (32℃). Compared with the hottest temperature ever logged for the United States and Alaska, this day in Juneau was just around 10 degrees short. The maximum temperature ever recorded in Alaska occurred on June 27, 1915 when Fort Yukon reached 100℉ (nearly 38℃).
This Alaskan record is just short of 11 degrees of the hottest temperature on record for the U.S. During the 1930s Dust Bowl years, some of the hottest summers were recorded, especially across the Great Lakes, Upper Midwest, and the Plains. The record was created on July 14, 1936 in Decorah, Iowa, which reached 111℉ (nearly 44℃). This day was part of a string of many all-time record highs in the country, all happening around the same day. July 1936 was, by far, the hottest week in U.S. history. It was also deadly, with about 5,000 deaths attributed to the heat wave of that period.
Hottest Temperatures on Record in Juneau, Alaska, and the U.S.
| Record | Location | Temperature | Date |
| Hottest in Juneau | Juneau | 90℉ (32℃) | July 7, 1975 |
| Hottest in Alaska | Fort Yukon | 100℉ (nearly 38℃) | June 27, 1915 |
| Hottest in the United States | Decorah, Iowa | 111℉ (nearly 44℃) | July 14, 1936 |
The Typical Summer Temperature in Juneau Alaska
Summer in Juneau starts in June and ends in August. These three are the warmest months of the year in the city.
Daytime highs of the season are typically in the low to mid-60s (high teens), but it can reach above 75℉ (above 30℃). Summer temperature in the city peaks in July with an average max of 63.8℉ (nearly 18℃), according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Meanwhile, daytime lows are in the low 50s (just past 10℃).
Average Summer Temperature in Juneau
| Month | Average High | Average Low |
| June | 62.4℉ (16.89℃) | 48.4℉ (9.11℃) |
| July | 63.4℉ (17.44℃) | 51.4℉ (10.78℃) |
| August | 62.6℉ (17℃) | 50.2℉ (10.11℃) |
Source: Travel U.S. News
While temperatures can occasionally reach the 70s or low 80s during rare heatwaves, compared with the rest of Alaska, summertime in Juneau overall is relatively mild. Its temperate maritime climate is a lot cooler than Southcentral Alaska and significantly more wet than the hot, dry summers of the Interior. The chances of precipitation in the city during the season is high, thanks to its temperate rainforest.
The relative coolness of the Alaskan capital during the summer season is, in fact, a major draw for tourists. In particular, if you have medical conditions that make high temperatures difficult or you are particularly heat sensitive, then summer in Juneau will be quite easy, or at least easier to manage than most summer destinations in the country.
Packing for Summertime in Juneau
If you’re headed to the Alaskan capital in the summer, here’s one secret packing tip you should remember: layers, always. Thanks to the maritime influence, warm sunny days in the city can quickly turn cold and rainy. So, layering is the only way you can stay comfortable during your time in Juneau.
In general, you should have a base layer, a mid layer, and an outer layer.
Base Layer
Pack lighter clothing for those potential warm days. You’ll want to be prepared for those glorious sunny days in Juneau. Consider a light, moisture-wicking T-shirt. You’ll thank yourself for packing it when the sun breaks through and hits 65℉ (18℃).
Mid Layer
Ensure you have a fleece or light wool sweater. You’ll be wearing them most of the time in Juneau. You don’t need a windbreaker, but an actual warm layer. Yes, even in the peak of summer.
Outer Layer
Remember that there’s a high chance it will rain in Juneau in the summer, so bring along a waterproof outer shell. This is essentially a non-negotiable for your trip. Choose a high-quality, waterproof—not just water-resistant—rain jacket, along with a good waterproof hiking footwear. The latter will save you from potential trips in wet and muddy terrain.
Planning for Summertime Activities in Juneau
There are tons of activities that you can do in Juneau in the summer. You can explore the city’s downtown or head for the great outdoors.
Downtown Juneau
This compact city is a walkable destination. Especially in the downtown parts of town, everything is within an easy walking distance from each other.
From the cruise ship docks, you can walk to the Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau for visitor information or to get a walking-tour map of the city. Then, you can choose to head to the historic South Franklin Street, the State Capital Building, Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, or one of the several museums, which you can easily walk to from the dock.
Near South Franklin Street is Marine Park. Take a spotting scope, direct it toward Mount Juneau, and challenge yourself or your companions to a mountain goat counting competition. Meanwhile, in the Juneau-Douglas Bridge, you’ll find Tahku, a life-size bronze statue of a humpback whale.
You can also ride the Mount Roberts Tramway, where gondolas will give you a bird’s-eye view of the city below.
Outdoor Activities
If you’re an outdoorsy person, there are plenty to do in Juneau too. There’s Mendenhall Glacier, which is just a short drive from downtown. Or, join a whale watching tour or glacier cruise. You can also kayak in Mendenhall Lake or around the islands of Auke Bay.
For more land-based adventures, there are many hiking trails that you can explore in Juneau. Or, enjoy the city’s parks and public lands.
If you have kids, visit the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery with its huge seawater aquariums. There’s also an underwater viewing window and a 450-foot fish ladder where children can view thousands of salmon swimming upstream to their spawning site.