Why Juneau is the Best Place to Beat the Heat

Plan Your Alaska Coolcation and Escape the Summer Heat

Looking for a cool summer vacation? Juneau, Alaska is the perfect escape from the sweltering temperatures found across the Lower 48. Surrounded by glaciers, ocean breezes, and rainforest trails, Juneau is where you can chill out—literally and figuratively.

Why Juneau is the Best Place to Beat the Heat

1. Mild Summer Weather

With average summer highs in the mid-50s and -60s, Juneau is a refreshing place to escape the scorching high temperatures in the Lower 48.

2. Misty Tongass National Forest

Juneau is in the middle of the largest temperate rainforest in the world – the Tongass National Forest. Tangled up in tall stands of old-growth spruce and hemlock trees, whispy clouds and misty weather keep everything cool, green, and peaceful. The light rain feeds hundreds of waterfalls and streams.

3. Glacier Tours by Air and Sea

Looking for the real deal chill factor? Our 1,500 square foot icefield feeds 38 area glaciers. Flightseeing provides an overview of the vast landscape as well as opportunities to walk, mush dogsleds, or trek cross these rivers of ice. Take a day trip to Tracy Arm Fjord or Glacier Bay National Park and experience our cool wilderness.

4. Historical Mine Provides AC

Feel nature’s air conditioner blow from deep within the mountain at the entrance to Ebner Adit, a relic of Juneau’s gold rush history up on Basin Road by Perseverance Trail.

5. Incredible Whale Watching and Wildlife

Watch humpback whales breach, sea lions frolic, the occasional orcas play, and eagles soar—all against a backdrop of glaciers and dramatic mountain views.

7. Fresh Alaska Seafood

Juneau’s cold water provides a bounty of wild-caught salmon, halibut, and crab which you can enjoy at one of Juneau’s many excellent restaurants and seafood shacks.

8. Cool Weather Adventure for Everyone

• 250+ miles of hiking trails for all ability levels
• Kayaking, packrafting, jet skiing, and more
• Southeast Alaska Birding Trail for avid birdwatchers
• Biking, hiking, walking tours, and food tours

9. Local Shopping & Downtown Charm

Don’t forget treasures to remind you of your cool vacation, and take goodies home to friends and family. Be sure to explore our local art galleries, boutiques, and shops filled with handcrafted goods and unique souvenirs.

Beat the Heat

When the mercury is climbing, head north to Juneau and chill out this summer!