Peak Season⭐ Top Pick

Juneau in January 2026

Travellers combining Southeast Alaska glacier and whale watching with occasional aurora sightings. Here's everything you need to plan your January visit.

✦5/10

🌡️ Weather in Juneau in January

-4°C

Avg Temperature

cool to cold — insulated jacket and gloves

13h

Dark Hours / Night

Long dark nights — excellent aurora windows

🟠 Low

Aurora Likelihood

Aurora unlikely but not impossible — short windows with high solar activity

January in Juneau sits at -4°C average, which is cool to cold — insulated jacket and gloves. Expect around 13 hours of darkness each night. Pack accordingly and check the detailed packing list below.

🌌 Northern Lights in January

🟠 Low likelihood· Aurora score 5/10

Juneau has a base aurora score of 5/10. In January, aurora chances are limited — only 13 hours of darkness and typically lower Kp levels reduce visibility. Patience and luck are required.

Tips for aurora chasing in January: Head away from town light pollution, check real-time Kp forecasts (apps like SpaceWeatherLive or My Aurora Forecast), and allow at least 3 nights to maximise your chances of a sighting.

🎯 What to Do in Juneau in January

✓Whale Watching

✓Photography Tours

Activity availability depends on snow / ice conditions and local operator schedules. Always confirm in advance.

🎒 What to Pack for January in Juneau

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Thermal base layers, fleece or down mid-layer, waterproof outer shell

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Waterproof hiking or snow boots with good grip on icy terrain

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Warm hat and insulated gloves; layers you can remove as you warm up

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Dry bag for electronics; most operators provide drysuits but check in advance

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Sea sickness prevention if boat trips are planned

📦 View the full interactive packing list for Juneau →

🏨 Accommodation in January

Peak Season

This is peak season — book accommodation 2–4 months in advance. Expect prices around $70+/night for mid-range options. Popular choices include Downtown hotels, Glacier View lodges, B&Bs. Aurora lodges and glass cabins sell out fastest.