So, you're looking at a trip to Southeast Alaska and checking the juneau extended weather forecast to see if you'll actually see the Mendenhall Glacier or just a wall of grey mist. Honestly, if you’ve lived here or even visited once, you know the forecast is basically a polite suggestion. Southeast Alaska weather is a living, breathing thing that changes its mind every twenty minutes.
Right now, as we sit in mid-January 2026, the vibe is shifting. We’ve had a weirdly mild start to the year. People were walking around in light jackets last week because it was 10 degrees above average. But don't let that fool you. The "Big Turn" is coming.
The January Whiplash: Rain, Snow, and Everything In Between
If you’re looking at the numbers for the next ten days, you’re going to see a lot of "cloudy" and "chance of rain." Boring, right? Wrong.
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Current data from the National Weather Service and local observation points show a ridge of high pressure finally moving out. This is a big deal. For the last few days, Juneau has been under a "quiet" spell—light winds, patchy fog, and temperatures hovering right around freezing. But a massive North Pacific low is spinning up south of the Alaska Peninsula.
Basically, the "January Thaw" is about to get punched in the face by a cold front coming out of the Yukon.
- January 18 - 21: Expect more of the same "overcast" grey. Highs will sit near 35°F, with lows dipping to 28°F. It’s that damp, bone-chilling cold that Southeast is famous for.
- The Turning Point (Jan 22): Things get interesting. The sun might actually pop out for a second, but it’s a trap. Temperatures are forecasted to crater. We’re talking a high of 26°F and a low of 16°F.
- The Snow Dump (Jan 25 - 27): This is the window everyone is watching. Models are showing a transition from "partly sunny" to heavy snow. If the moisture from the Pacific hits that cold Yukon air just right, Juneau is looking at a significant accumulation. We're talking several inches of the heavy, wet "heart attack" snow.
Why the "Extended" Part of the Forecast is So Tricky
People always ask why the juneau extended weather forecast changes so much. It’s the mountains. Juneau is tucked between the Gastineau Channel and a massive icefield.
When a storm rolls in from the Gulf of Alaska, it hits those mountains and just... sits there. Meteorologists like John Baranick have been tracking a ridge that's pushing through the Bering Sea, which creates a "volatile pattern" for the end of January. In plain English? We don't know if it’s going to be a snowstorm or a "Pineapple Express" rain event until about 24 hours before it happens.
One day you're skiing at Eaglecrest in powder, and the next day you're wading through slush because the temperature jumped to 40°F overnight. That's just Tuesday in Juneau.
The February Outlook: Bracing for the "Frigid EW"
The Old Farmer’s Almanac and the Climate Prediction Center are both leaning toward a February that starts mild but ends with a snap.
- Early February: Expect snowstorms. The first week of the month looks active with "snowy periods" and mild temperatures.
- Mid-February: This is when the real cold usually hits. We’re seeing predictions of "frigid" conditions for the inner channels. If you’re planning a trip then, pack every layer you own.
- The Light Factor: We are gaining daylight fast—about 4 to 5 minutes a day. By the end of February, we’ll have over 9 hours of daylight. It makes a huge difference in how the cold feels.
Dressing for the Forecast (Expert Tips)
Forget what the thermometer says. 32°F in Juneau feels way colder than 32°F in Denver because of the humidity. It's a "wet cold" that gets into your marrow.
You need a "Juneau Tuxedo." That’s basically a high-quality raincoat (not a water-resistant windbreaker, a real raincoat) and Xtratuf boots. If you show up in suede boots or a wool coat without a shell, you’re going to have a bad time.
Layers are your best friend. A base layer of merino wool, a fleece or "puffy" jacket for insulation, and a waterproof outer layer. This setup lets you adjust when the sun comes out for three minutes and then disappears behind a cloud of freezing rain.
Actionable Steps for Your Juneau Trip
Don't just stare at the 10-day forecast and panic. Here is how to actually handle the Juneau weather:
- Download the "AJK" Weather Discussion: Go to the National Weather Service Juneau page and read the "Forecast Discussion." It’s written by the actual meteorologists on the ground. They’ll tell you why they think it might snow, which is way more useful than a little snowflake icon on an app.
- Check the Webcams: Use the FAA and DOT webcams. If you’re worried about travel, see what the pass looks like in real-time.
- Be Flexible: If the forecast says heavy rain on the day you wanted to hike, swap it for a visit to the Alaska State Museum or a brewery tour.
The juneau extended weather forecast is a tool, not a crystal ball. Respect the rain, embrace the grey, and remember—there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.