Southeastern Alaska, 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 Southeastern Alaska, Alaska, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Southeastern Alaska, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

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

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in Southeastern Alaska can be dangerously cold. Temperatures average in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C) during the day. It rains or snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right kind. Many adapters for sale now are just 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.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 pillow

    A good option is this one

February

In February, Southeastern Alaska is unbearably cold. Temperatures routinely are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C) range. At night, lows are in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Southeastern Alaska, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly 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.

  • 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 Southeastern Alaska. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the right type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

March for Southeastern Alaska can be bitter cold. Temperatures average in the low 10s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains or snows about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southeastern Alaska. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in this region is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southeastern Alaska. 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 stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the right kind. Most adapters available are just plugs 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.

May

May in Southeastern Alaska is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

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 huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

June

Traveling to Southeastern Alaska in June, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

July in Southeastern Alaska is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southeastern Alaska. 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.

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

August

August in Southeastern Alaska is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southeastern Alaska. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

In September, Southeastern Alaska can be very chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Southeastern Alaska, 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, 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 neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the correct kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

In October, Southeastern Alaska can be extremely cold. Temperatures routinely are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) range. At night, lows are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Southeastern Alaska, with most of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate 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 Southeastern Alaska. 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November for Southeastern Alaska is beyond freezing. Temperatures average in the single digits F (10+ below zero C) during the day. It rains or snows about two thirds 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 bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • 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 amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

December

December in Southeastern Alaska can be bitter cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the correct type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

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

Southeastern Alaska, also known as the Inside Passage, is a region of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history. From glaciers to forests to quaint towns, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this part of the world. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Southeastern Alaska:

1. Glacier Bay National Park – This park is home to some of the most spectacular glaciers in the world, as well as a diverse array of wildlife such as humpback whales, sea otters, and brown bears.

2. Mendenhall Glacier – This 13.6-mile-long glacier is located just outside of Juneau and offers visitors the opportunity to hike, kayak, or take a helicopter tour to experience it up close.

3. Sitka National Historical Park – This park is dedicated to preserving the Tlingit culture and features historical sites and totem poles.

4. Ketchikan – This charming town is known for its fishing, arts and culture, and is a popular stop for cruise ships.

5. Tongass National Forest – This massive forest covers almost 17 million acres and is the largest national forest in the United States. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife and offers visitors opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping.

6. Skagway – This town is steeped in history from the Alaskan gold rush and offers visitors a glimpse into life during that era. It is also the starting point for the scenic White Pass railroad journey.

7. Tracy Arm Fjord – This fjord is home to towering glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife, and is only accessible by boat.

8. Sitka – This former Russian colony offers visitors a unique blend of history and culture, including the iconic St. Michael’s Cathedral.

9. Haines – This town is known for its natural beauty, including the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and the Chilkat Mountains.

10. Petersburg – This town is known as the “little Norway of Alaska” due to its strong Norwegian heritage and is a popular spot for fishing and whale watching.

Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for an adventure, Southeastern Alaska has something for everyone. Plan your visit today to experience the magic of this incredible region.

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: Songdo, South Korea, Cable Beach, Bahamas, Isabela City, Philippines, Greater Columbus, Ohio, United States of America, Great Goat Island, Jamaica, Aurora, Nebraska, United States of America, St Clears, Wales, United Kingdom, Wall, South Dakota, United States of America, Aguegue, Benin, Olathe, Kansas, United States of America, and Moyenne Guinee, Guinea.