If you're staring at a 14 day weather forecast juneau alaska on your screen right now, I have a bit of a reality check for you. Honestly? It's probably wrong. Not because the meteorologists are bad at their jobs, but because Juneau isn't just a city; it’s a temperamental coastal rainforest trapped between a massive icefield and the Pacific Ocean.
Predicting what happens here two weeks out is like trying to guess the mood of a caffeinated toddler.
You’ve likely seen those little icons—clouds with raindrops, maybe a snowflake if you’re looking at a January window. But in Juneau, a "rainy" forecast might mean a light misty drizzle that locals call "liquid sunshine," or it could mean a horizontal deluge that’ll soak you to the bone in four minutes flat.
Why the 14 day weather forecast juneau alaska is basically a guess
Let’s get technical for a second, but keep it simple. Juneau sits in a subarctic maritime climate. This means the ocean keeps us warmer than the rest of Alaska, but it also provides a never-ending supply of moisture.
When that wet air hits the mountains—specifically the 3,000-foot peaks like Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts—it has nowhere to go but up.
As it rises, it cools and dumps. This is why the 14 day weather forecast juneau alaska often looks like a repetitive list of "Showers." But here is the thing: the airport might be bone dry while downtown is getting hammered.
I’ve lived through days where the forecast promised clear skies, only to have a "Taku Wind" scream down from the icefield at 60 mph, flipping trash cans and making everyone rethink their life choices.
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The January Reality
Right now, in mid-January 2026, we're seeing a classic tug-of-war. The long-range models from the Old Farmer’s Almanac and local stations have been hinting at a mix of snow showers and mild "rainy periods" for the next two weeks.
Specifically:
- The first week: We’re looking at highs around 33°F and lows dipping to 25°F. It’s that awkward "will it freeze or will it slush" zone.
- The second week: Some models suggest a "quite mild" stretch where we might actually see the sun for a whole three hours. Maybe.
If you are coming here to see the Mendenhall Glacier, don't let a "rainy" 14-day outlook scare you off. The glacier actually looks better under clouds—the blue ice pops more when it isn't washed out by harsh sunlight.
Dressing for the forecast (the "Cotton is Death" rule)
You've probably heard the phrase "there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing." In Juneau, that isn't just a cute saying; it’s a survival strategy.
If your 14 day weather forecast juneau alaska shows temperatures in the high 20s or low 30s, you aren't just dealing with cold. You’re dealing with wet cold. That is the kind that seeps into your marrow.
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- The Base Layer: Wear wool or synthetic. Seriously, no cotton. If cotton gets wet from sweat or rain, it stays wet and stops insulating.
- The Mid Layer: Fleece is your best friend. It’s light, it’s warm, and it dries fast.
- The Shell: Your jacket needs to be truly waterproof, not "water-resistant." Check the seams. If they aren't taped, you’re going to have a bad time.
I once saw a tourist try to hike the Perseverance Trail in a heavy denim jacket because the 14-day forecast said "partly cloudy." Halfway up, a localized cell moved in. Within twenty minutes, that jacket weighed about 15 pounds and the poor guy was shivering uncontrollably.
Don't be that guy.
Footwear: Xtratufs or Bust
If you want to look like a local and actually keep your toes, get a pair of Xtratuf boots. They’re the "Alaska Sneaker." They’re neoprene, 100% waterproof, and have a grip that won't give out on a slippery boat deck or a slushy sidewalk.
Surprising things about Juneau's winter weather
Most people think Alaska in January is a frozen wasteland. Not here. Because of the North Pacific Current, our average high is actually around 31°F. That’s warmer than Chicago or Minneapolis most days!
But the humidity? That’s the killer. Juneau averages about 97% relative humidity in January.
Daylight is the real challenge. Forget the temperature for a moment. In the heart of winter, we get about 6 or 7 hours of functional daylight. The sun barely clears the mountains before it starts heading back down around 3:45 PM.
If your 14-day plan involves outdoor photography, you have a very narrow window to hit.
The "Taku Winds" Factor
One thing you won't see on a standard 14 day weather forecast juneau alaska is a specific warning for Taku Winds unless they are imminent. These are cold, "katabatic" winds that rush down from the Juneau Icefield.
They can turn a peaceful snowy afternoon into a blinding whiteout in minutes. If you’re at the Eaglecrest Ski Area and the wind starts to howl, pay attention. The locals will start heading for the lodge, and you should too.
Actionable advice for your Juneau trip
Stop checking the 14-day forecast every hour. It’s going to change six times before you get here. Instead, do this:
- Check the "Area Forecast Discussion": Look at the National Weather Service (NWS) Juneau office website. They write prose descriptions of why the weather is doing what it’s doing. It’s way more accurate than an app icon.
- Download a Radar App: Apps like RadarScope are better for seeing exactly where the rain cells are moving in real-time.
- Pack for three seasons: Even in January, you might need a light layer for a 40-degree "heatwave" and a heavy parka for a 15-degree clear night.
- Watch the Sunset: Seriously, plan your outdoor activities to end by 3:00 PM. Once the sun drops behind the Douglas Island hills, the temperature plummet is real.
Basically, Juneau weather is a lifestyle, not just a set of numbers. If you embrace the damp and dress in layers, you'll have a blast. If you expect the 14 day weather forecast juneau alaska to be a set-in-stone schedule, the mountains are going to laugh at you.
Get your waterproof gear ready, grab a coffee at Heritage, and just go outside. The rain is part of the magic.
Your next step for a successful Juneau winter trip:
Check the specific NWS "Zone Forecast" for the Mendenhall Valley versus Downtown Juneau, as the weather often varies significantly between these two areas just miles apart.