Ketchikan, Alaska, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Ketchikan, Alaska, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Ketchikan, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Ketchikan
- Important essentials for Ketchikan
- Activities 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

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
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 essentials 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.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Ketchikan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Airplane or car necessities
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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For families with young children
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should work in most countries, but check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Ketchikan, Alaska, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Ketchikan in January, you will notice that it is very cold. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: here
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Ketchikan, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Ketchikan has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
If you visit Ketchikan during February, you are likely to see that it is cold. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Ketchikan, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Ketchikan has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
March in Ketchikan is very cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) to low 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:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Ketchikan, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Ketchikan has some great ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
April is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
May
Traveling to Ketchikan in May, you will notice that it can be chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
June
In June, Ketchikan is cool. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (high 10s C) and occasionally jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits 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:
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
July
July in Ketchikan can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
August
August in Ketchikan is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
September
In September, Ketchikan is relatively cool. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C) and about half of the time jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s 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 and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
October
If you are traveling to Ketchikan in October, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
November
In November, Ketchikan can be 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
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Ketchikan, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Ketchikan has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
December in Ketchikan is brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) to high 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:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Ketchikan, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Ketchikan has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Activities for Ketchikan, Alaska, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Ketchikan.
If you see the Tongass Historical Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
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