Ketchikan Weather in a Single Word? Wet!

Because of it's Inside Passage location, summer weather in Ketchikan is mild. Temperatures in the 60 degree range are typical. Sunny days will produce temperatures in the 70s or maybe 80s. Let me tell you. When the rain stops and the sun comes out, there is argueably no pretty place on Earth. It is a literal paradise.

It can rain anytime of the year though. Be prepared.

Winter weather in Ketchikan averages 29 degrees Farhenheit. Expect cold rain, rain-snow mix, and outright snow. I first arrived in Ketchikan during the month of March. To this day, I have never seen snow flakes so big, especially at sea level, as the ones I saw in Ketchikan! They were amazingly beautiful...but very cold, of course!

Clothing

Despite the time of year that you visit, it is important to dress in layers. Most of your time will be spent outdoors, so this is important.

During the spring and summer a typical light shirt, long or short sleeved, makes a very good first layer. A great second layer would be a sweater or fleece pullover. A light waterproof jacket would make and excellent third layer.

Make sure that these layers are easy to remove, depending on the current weather and/or activity.

You'll even want to bring along shorts, and maybe even a sleeveless shirt, for the warmer days.