Climate and monthly weather forecastKetchikan, AK
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Ketchikan
Situated in the southeastern "Panhandle" region of Alaska, USA, Ketchikan experiences a Marine West Coast climate, formally identified as Cfb under the Köppen climate classification system. This type of climate is typified by a lack of extreme temperatures and a significant amount of rainfall over the course of the year.Throughout the year, Ketchikan's weather is influenced by a wide array of climatological parameters. Temperature fluctuates modestly, ranging from an average low of 30.6°F (-0.8°C) in February to an average high of 60.8°F (16°C) from July to August. The sea temperatures, likewise, stay relatively cool all year, varying from 42.5°F (5.8°C) in March to a high of 55.9°F (13.3°C) in August.
Rainfall is a predominant condition in Ketchikan's weather, with rainy days ranging from a minimum of 14.2 in February to a maximum of 21.4 in November. The city records the highest rainfall in December with 8.7" (221mm), while the driest period is usually in May, recording an average of 3.46" (88mm).
Further, with snowfall ranging from zero inches between May and October to a peak of 13.11" (333mm) in February, Ketchikan experiences a visible shift in its weather conditions. Additionally, the city highlights varying wind speeds that range from a minimum average of 5.3mph (8.5km/h) to a maximum average of 8.7mph (14km/h).
The best time to visit Ketchikan
The most pleasant time to visit Ketchikan typically aligns with the summer months, particularly from June through August. During this period, visitors can enjoy the warmest average temperatures, ranging from 53.4°F (11.9°C) to 60.8°F (16°C), along with the year's highest sea temperatures, which fall between 53°F (11.7°C) and 55.9°F (13.3°C). The summer also witnesses increased daylight hours, reaching up to 17.4 hours in June. Despite higher rainfall compared to spring, with averages between 4.33" (110mm) and 7.01" (178mm), the higher temperatures and extended daylight hours provide ideal conditions for outdoor activities.The worst time to visit Ketchikan
It is least recommended to visit Ketchikan during the winter months, specifically from December through February, owing to lower average temperatures ranging from 31.6°F (-0.2°C) to 37°F (2.8°C). During these months, the city also experiences less daylight, with an average of just 7.2 to 9.7 hours per day. The substantial snowfall, especially in February with an average of 13.11" (333mm), and high rainfall averaging between 5.94" (151mm) to 9.69" (246mm), might limit outdoor activities and sightseeing experiences.Spring weather in Ketchikan
Following the winter chill, Ketchikan embraces spring from March to May, with temperatures climbing steadily from an average low of 32.4°F (0.2°C) in March to an average high of 53.4°F (11.9°C) by May. Rainfall averages decrease from 6.22" (158mm) in March to 3.46" (88mm) in May, marking this as the driest month of the year for the city. Adding to the charm for visitors, the sunshine hours also see a significant uptick, from 4.7 hours in March to 7.2 hours in May.Summer weather in Ketchikan
As mentioned before, Ketchikan's summer, spanning June through August, is characterized by peak average temperatures, increasing daylight hours, and higher sea temperatures. Despite the possibility of rainfall, the summer gives visitors ample opportunities to engage in outdoor explorations and experience the city’s natural splendor.Autumn weather in Ketchikan
From September to November, Ketchikan experiences autumn with a gradual drop in temperatures, from an average high of 56.3°F (13.5°C) in September to an average of 35.8°F (2.1°C) by the end of November. The city’s rainfall follows an upward trajectory, peaking at 8.86" (225mm) in November. While daylight hours and sunshine hours decrease throughout the season, autumn's natural display nonetheless adds a special charm to this Alaskan town.Winter weather in Ketchikan
Winter in Ketchikan, stretching from December through February, is largely characterized by the year's lowest temperatures and shortened daylight hours. Along with higher rainfall and substantial snowfall, these conditions collectively indicate a period which is less inviting for tourism, yet it brings a distinct tranquility and a striking winter beauty to the Alaskan landscape.Weather in January
In Ketchikan, Alaska, January's weather is marked by a predominance of wet conditions and a chill in the air. Average temperatures range from 31.6°F (-0.2°C) to 36.5°F (2.5°C) this month, noticeably lower than the eminently impending spring months. Weather in January »Weather in February
In Ketchikan, the weather plummets further in February, with averages spanning from 30.6°F (-0.8°C) minimum to 37°F (2.8°C) maximum. Despite the slight fall in temperature compared to January, the presence of snow increases, accumulating approximately of 13.11" (333mm). Weather in February »Weather in March
As Ketchikan transitions towards spring in March, a perceptible alteration in weather conditions begins to unfold. The city records temperatures fluctuating from 32.4°F (0.2°C) to 40.3°F (4.6°C). There is substantial reduction in snowfall this month, with a total of 11.81" (300mm), indicating an imminent end to winter. Weather in March »Weather in April
In April, Ketchikan begins to experience a taste of spring, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. Average temperatures remain within 37.2°F (2.9°C) on the cooler side and ascend to 46°F (7.8°C). Interestingly, snowfall sharply decreases to approximately 1.1" (28mm), marking the conclusion of the prominent snow season. Weather in April »Weather in May
May in Ketchikan is characterized by pleasanter temperatures and the manifestation of spring in its full glory. The range of temperatures expands, from 43.5°F (6.4°C) to 53.4°F (11.9°C), instilling warmth in the air. Traces of snowfall, recorded at 0.08" (2mm), indicate the vanishing remnants of winter. Weather in May »Weather in June
Ketchikan in June experiences a noticeable transition from spring to summer. With temperatures spanning from 47.3°F (8.5°C) at the lower end of the spectrum to 56.7°F (13.7°C) at the high, the weather is moderately warm. The absence of snowfall signifies the final departure of the winter chill. Weather in June »Weather in July
July is relatively the warmest month in Ketchikan, bringing with it a distinct summer vibe. This month witnesses the highest average temperatures in the year, hovering from 51.4°F (10.8°C) to 60.8°F (16°C). Although rainfall in July slightly increases to 4.33" (110mm), there is a distinct lack of snow. Weather in July »Weather in August
August in Ketchikan maintains the summer spirit, with temperatures identical to July, fluctuating between 52°F (11.1°C) and 60.8°F (16°C). Despite rainfall becoming considerably heavier, 7.01" (178mm) compared to July, the warmth persists. Weather in August »Weather in September
The weather in Ketchikan, during September, undergoes a slow transition towards fall. Average temperatures take a slight dip compared to August, ranging from 48.7°F (9.3°C) to 56.3°F (13.5°C). With the rainfall clocking 6.85" (174mm), the city starts to experience frequent showers. Weather in September »Weather in October
October in Ketchikan ushers in the fall season with cooler temperatures, frequent rain, and shorter days. Reading from 42.1°F (5.6°C) at the lower edge to 48.2°F (9°C) upper end, temperatures signify incoming wintry chills. Weather in October »Weather in November
Ketchikan in November presents a shift towards cold weather. Fluctuating within the lower bracket from 36.1°F (2.3°C) to the 40.8°F (4.9°C) mark, the temperatures suggest the imminent arrival of winter. The city begins to get a dusting of snow accounting for roughly 3.9" (99mm), heralding the upcoming snowy season. Weather in November »Weather in December
The city of Ketchikan, in December, is entirely in the grip of winter. A sharp drop in temperatures from 35.8°F (2.1°C) to the cold 31.5°F (-0.3°C), coupled with snowfall of about 8.03" (204mm), confirms winter's dominion. Weather in December »Updated: Aug 3, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
With an average relative humidity of 88%, January is the most humid month.
The month with the most rainfall in Ketchikan is January, when the rain falls for 19.2 days and typically aggregates up to 9.69" (246mm) of precipitation.
In Ketchikan, during the entire year, the rain falls for 221.8 days and collects up to 80" (2032mm) of precipitation.
January through May, November and December are months with snowfall.
Throughout the year, there are 40.7 snowfall days, and 48.35" (1228mm) of snow is accumulated.
The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 3h of sunshine.
January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.
February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 8 days and accumulates 13.11" (333mm) of snow.
With an average ocean temperature of 42.4°F (5.8°C), March is the month with the coldest seawater.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from AKST to AKDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from AKDT to AKST.
With an average relative humidity of 82%, May is the least humid month.
The month with the least rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 17.1 days and typically collects 3.46" (88mm) of precipitation.
The month with the most sunshine is May, with an average of 7.2h of sunshine.
June through October are months without snowfall.
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 17h and 24min of daylight.
During July and August, Ketchikan experiences its average highest temperatures, peaking at 60.8°F (16°C).
July and August, with an average maximum UV index of 4, are months with the highest UV index.
August is the month with the warmest seawater, with an average ocean temperature of 55.9°F (13.3°C).
December is the coldest month of the year, registering average temperatures as high as 35.8°F (2.1°C) and as low as 31.5°F (-0.3°C).
With an average of 7h and 12min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Average temperature
Ketchikan, AK
The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are July and August (60.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (35.8°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is August (52°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (30.6°F).
Average pressure
Ketchikan, AK
- Average pressure in January:
29.86"Hg - Average pressure in February:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in March:
29.85"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in June:
30"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in August:
30"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in October:
29.88"Hg - Average pressure in November:
29.8"Hg - Average pressure in December:
29.88"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (30.06"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (29.8"Hg).
Average wind speed
Ketchikan, AK
- Average wind speed in January:
8.7mph - Average wind speed in February:
7.8mph - Average wind speed in March:
7.5mph - Average wind speed in April:
6.9mph - Average wind speed in May:
5.5mph - Average wind speed in June:
5.7mph
- Average wind speed in July:
5.3mph - Average wind speed in August:
5.3mph - Average wind speed in September:
6.2mph - Average wind speed in October:
7.1mph - Average wind speed in November:
8.1mph - Average wind speed in December:
7.8mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (8.7mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (5.3mph).
Average humidity
Ketchikan, AK
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (88%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is May (82%).
Average rainfall
Ketchikan, AK
- Average rainfall in January:
9.69" - Average rainfall in February:
5.94" - Average rainfall in March:
6.22" - Average rainfall in April:
6.22" - Average rainfall in May:
3.46" - Average rainfall in June:
4.53"
- Average rainfall in July:
4.33" - Average rainfall in August:
7.01" - Average rainfall in September:
6.85" - Average rainfall in October:
8.19" - Average rainfall in November:
8.86" - Average rainfall in December:
8.7"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is January (9.69").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is May (3.46").
Average rainfall days
Ketchikan, AK
- Average rainfall days in January:
19.2 days - Average rainfall days in February:
14.2 days - Average rainfall days in March:
15.9 days - Average rainfall days in April:
20.7 days - Average rainfall days in May:
17.1 days - Average rainfall days in June:
18.8 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
17.7 days - Average rainfall days in August:
18.6 days - Average rainfall days in September:
19.3 days - Average rainfall days in October:
20.3 days - Average rainfall days in November:
21.4 days - Average rainfall days in December:
18.6 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is November (21.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (14.2 days).
Average snowfall
Ketchikan, AK
- Average snowfall in January:
10.31" - Average snowfall in February:
13.11" - Average snowfall in March:
11.81" - Average snowfall in April:
1.1" - Average snowfall in May:
0.08" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is February (13.11").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August, September and October (0").
Average snowfall days
Ketchikan, AK
- Average snowfall days in January:
7.3 days - Average snowfall days in February:
8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
10.8 days - Average snowfall days in April:
2.5 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in November:
4.5 days - Average snowfall days in December:
7.4 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (10.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average sea temperature
Ketchikan, AK
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (55.9°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (42.5°F).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Ketchikan, AK
- Average daylight in January:
7h and 54min - Average daylight in February:
9h and 42min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 54min - Average daylight in April:
14h and 12min - Average daylight in May:
16h and 18min - Average daylight in June:
17h and 24min
- Average daylight in July:
16h and 48min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 54min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 42min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 24min - Average daylight in November:
8h and 24min - Average daylight in December:
7h and 12min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 17h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 7h and 12min).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 0min - Average sunshine in February:
3h and 48min - Average sunshine in March:
4h and 42min - Average sunshine in April:
6h and 6min - Average sunshine in May:
7h and 12min - Average sunshine in June:
6h and 24min
- Average sunshine in July:
6h and 48min - Average sunshine in August:
7h and 0min - Average sunshine in September:
6h and 18min - Average sunshine in October:
4h and 12min - Average sunshine in November:
3h and 12min - Average sunshine in December:
3h and 30min
The month with the most sunshine is May (Average sunshine: 7h and 12min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 0min).
Average sunshine days
Ketchikan, AK
- Average sunshine days in January:
7.8 days - Average sunshine days in February:
10.2 days - Average sunshine days in March:
8.6 days - Average sunshine days in April:
7.4 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11.8 days - Average sunshine days in June:
9.2 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
11.9 days - Average sunshine days in August:
11.4 days - Average sunshine days in September:
9.9 days - Average sunshine days in October:
9.3 days - Average sunshine days in November:
5.6 days - Average sunshine days in December:
8.9 days
The month with the most sunshine days is July (11.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is November (5.6 days).
Average UV index
Ketchikan, AK
The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Ketchikan, AK
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 71).
The month with the least cloud cover is May (Cloud cover 55).
Average visibility
Ketchikan, AK
The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, July and August (5mi).
