Skagway, Alaska, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Skagway, Alaska, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Skagway, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Skagway, Alaska, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Skagway, Alaska, United States of America, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Skagway, Alaska, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Skagway, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Skagway, Alaska, United States of America by month

January

Traveling to Skagway in January, you will notice that it can be bitter cold. Expect it to rain or snow a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Skagway. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Jewell Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February in Skagway is frosty. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Skagway. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to Jewell Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Skagway is frosty. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Skagway. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to Jewell Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

April in Skagway can be brisk. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains or snows about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Skagway. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you go to Jewell Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

Traveling to Skagway in May, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Skagway. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you go to Jewell Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June for Skagway is mild. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Skagway. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

If you go to Jewell Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

July in Skagway is balmy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Skagway. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you go to Jewell Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

In August, Skagway is chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Skagway, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Skagway. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to Jewell Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

If you vacation in Skagway during September, you are likely to see that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Skagway. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary type. Most adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Jewell Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

In October, Skagway is brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Skagway, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Skagway. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the right type. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to Jewell Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November in Skagway is frigid. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Skagway. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right kind. The majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

If you go to Jewell Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

If you go to Skagway in December, you will notice that it can be extremely cold. Expect it to rain or snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Skagway. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the right kind. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Jewell Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Skagway, Alaska, United States of America

Skagway, Alaska, is a charming and historic town located in the southeastern part of the state, nestled between towering mountains and pristine waters. Known for its gold rush history, stunning natural beauty, and abundant wildlife, Skagway is a popular destination for tourists from around the globe. From glaciers to wildlife, here are some of the top tourist attractions in Skagway, Alaska.

1. White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad – One of the most popular attractions in Skagway is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, also known as the Scenic Railway. Built during the gold rush era in the late 1800s, it is a narrow-gauge railway that offers breathtaking views of the rugged mountain landscapes and glaciers from its vintage passenger cars.

2. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a must-visit destination for history buffs. The park offers visitors an opportunity to step back in time and relive the excitement of the gold rush days. Visitors can explore restored trails, original buildings, and a museum that showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of the area.

3. Chilkoot Trail – The Chilkoot Trail, situated in the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, is a 33-mile-long trail that was traversed by prospectors seeking their fortune during the gold rush. The trail offers a unique opportunity to hike in the footsteps of the pioneers who once braved the harsh conditions on the route.

4. Glacier Bay National Park – Located just 90 miles from Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful destination that offers visitors stunning views of glaciers, fjords, and an array of wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, bears, and bald eagles. Visitors can take a boat tour or kayak along the park’s pristine waters to experience the beauty up close.

5. Skagway Historic District – Skagway’s Historic District is a charming neighborhood that boasts over 100 historic buildings and structures that date back to the gold rush era. Visitors can walk down Broadway Street, the town’s main drag, and explore the boutique shops, museums, and restaurants that offer a unique glimpse into life during the gold rush.

6. Yukon Suspension Bridge – The Yukon Suspension Bridge is a thrilling attraction that offers visitors the chance to walk over a 285-foot-long suspension bridge that spans over the Tutshi River. The bridge offers stunning views of the river, mountains, and wildlife.

7. Davidson Glacier – The Davidson Glacier is a popular destination for visitors seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visitors can take a helicopter tour to view the glacier and fly over the stunning landscape before landing on the glacier to explore its ice formations and crevasses.

In conclusion, Skagway, Alaska, has a lot to offer visitors seeking adventure, history, and natural beauty. With its lush forests, glaciers, and abundant wildlife, Skagway is a must-visit destination for those who love the great outdoors. From the gold rush days to modern-day attractions, Skagway offers a unique combination of history and natural wonder that will leave visitors with memories to last a lifetime.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Bridge of Allan, Scotland, United Kingdom, Winooski, Vermont, United States of America, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Central Highlands, Kazakhstan, Arcata, California, United States of America, Fallbrook, California, United States of America, Sandoval, Illinois, United States of America, Füssen, Germany, Tigard, Oregon, United States of America, Cleveland, Tennessee, United States of America, and Prilep, Macedonia.