Ketchikan, Alaska, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2021]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links. Traveling to Ketchikan, Alaska, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Ketchikan, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Ketchikan
- Important essentials for Ketchikan
- Ketchikan in January: weather and what to pack
- Ketchikan in February: weather and what to pack
- Ketchikan in March: weather and what to pack
- Ketchikan in April: weather and what to pack
- Ketchikan in May: weather and what to pack
- Ketchikan in June: weather and what to pack
- Ketchikan in July: weather and what to pack
- Ketchikan in August: weather and what to pack
- Ketchikan in September: weather and what to pack
- Ketchikan in October: weather and what to pack
- Ketchikan in November: weather and what to pack
- Ketchikan in December: weather and what to pack
When to go to Ketchikan, Alaska, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Ketchikan, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important esssentials for Ketchikan, Alaska, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Ketchikan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 PACKING ESSENTIALS
- proof of COVID-19 vaccination if you have it
- vaccine card protector
- N95 masks for top protection
- kids' KN95 masks
- hand sanitizer
- touchless thermometer
- travel disinfecting wipes (for plane, etc)
- A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should work in most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
- A portable power bank, like this one
- A SIM card that works in Ketchikan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some locations you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone
- Appropriate museum wear
- Emergency water purifier
- For families with young children:
- Ketchikan visitors tend to do a lot of walking, so a lightweight backpack like this is essential
- Airplane or car necessities:
- Photography items that we like:
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
What to wear/what to pack for Ketchikan, Alaska, United States of America by month
January
January in Ketchikan is freezing. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) to 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Sweaters
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Heavy jacket
- Insulated water bottle
- Warm pants or jeans
- Gloves or mittens
- Lip balm
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Ketchikan, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is essential here. This one is an excellent choice.
- Ketchikan has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in Ketchikan can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Lip balm
- Fleeces
- Light gloves or mittens
- Warm pants or jeans
- Jacket or coat
- Socks
- Standard footwear
- In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Ketchikan, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A wind resistant umbrella is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect option.
- Ketchikan has some excellent skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
In March, Ketchikan is frigid. Temperatures routinely are in the low 30s F (single digits C) and occasionally jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range.
At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Ketchikan, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Light gloves or mittens
- Lip balm
- Jacket or coat
- Warm pants or jeans
- Socks
- Fleeces
- Standard footwear
- In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Ketchikan, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is essential here. This one is a great option.
- Ketchikan has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
Traveling to Ketchikan in April, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Light gloves or mittens
- Warm pants or jeans
- Jacket or coat
- Lip balm
- Fleeces
- Socks
- Standard footwear
- A rain jacket to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is an excellent option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases remain dry. We suggest: this one
May
May in Ketchikan can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Light jacket or fleece
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Standard footwear
- Socks
- Pants or jeans
- Dresses
- Long skirts
- A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We like these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases remain dry. We recommend: this one
June
June in this region is chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Pants or jeans
- Socks
- Dresses
- Light jacket or fleece
- Long skirts
- Standard footwear
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is a great choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings remain dry. We suggest: this one
July
In July, Ketchikan can be chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range.
At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Ketchikan, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Socks
- Light jacket or fleece
- Pants or jeans
- Dresses
- Long skirts
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Standard footwear
- A rain coat to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is an excellent one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases remain dry. We like: this one
August
If you vacation in Ketchikan during August, you are likely to find that it is balmy.
Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Long skirts
- Pants or jeans
- Standard footwear
- Light jacket or fleece
- Dresses
- Socks
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings stay dry. We like: this one
September
September in Ketchikan is chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to low 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Long skirts
- Pants or jeans
- Socks
- Light jacket or fleece
- Dresses
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Standard footwear
- A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is an excellent one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases remain dry. We recommend: this one
October
October in Ketchikan can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Standard footwear
- Long skirts
- Dresses
- Light jacket or fleece
- Socks
- Pants or jeans
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We like these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things stay dry. We like: this one
November
In November, Ketchikan is brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) range.
At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Ketchikan, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Jacket or coat
- Lip balm
- Warm pants or jeans
- Fleeces
- Socks
- Light gloves or mittens
- Standard footwear
- In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Ketchikan, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A wind resistant umbrella is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
- Ketchikan has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
If you go to Ketchikan in December, you will notice that it is brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Warm pants or jeans
- Light gloves or mittens
- Lip balm
- Fleeces
- Socks
- Jacket or coat
- Standard footwear
- In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Ketchikan, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A windproof umbrella is vital here. This one is a perfect option.
- Ketchikan has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
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