You’re looking at a map of Alaska and seeing Sitka sitting way up there near the top of the world. You’re probably thinking: heavy parkas, dogsleds, and frozen eyelashes, right? Honestly, that’s the first thing most people get wrong. If you look at a real-deal sitka alaska weather report right now, you might be shocked to find it’s actually warmer than Chicago or New York in the middle of January.
Right now, as of Sunday, January 18, 2026, it is a crisp 44°F in Sitka. The sun is playing peek-a-boo with some clouds—basically "partly sunny" in weather-speak. There’s a tiny northeast breeze at 2 mph, and humidity is sitting at 74%. For a town that averages about 86 inches of rain a year, a 4% chance of precipitation today is basically a miracle.
But don't get too comfortable. Sitka is a temperate rainforest. That means the "liquid sunshine" is always lurking just around the corner.
The Reality of the Sitka Alaska Weather Report
People see "Alaska" and panic-pack. They bring these massive expedition-grade down jackets meant for the North Pole. Then they get to Sitka and realize they’re sweating.
The maritime climate here is heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean. It keeps things remarkably stable. You’ve got a town where the average high in August is only 62°F, but the average low in January stays around 33°F. It rarely drops below 20°F and almost never climbs above 70°F.
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It’s the lack of drama in the temperature that surprises visitors.
The real drama? The rain.
You haven't seen rain until you've seen a Southeast Alaska atmospheric river. We’re talking about months like October where it can dump nearly 12 inches of rain. That’s not just a drizzle; that’s the sky falling. If you’re checking a 10-day sitka alaska weather report, expect to see a lot of "cloudy" and "light rain" icons. For the upcoming week through January 28, temperatures are sticking to that 40°F to 48°F range, with a mix of rain and even a few snow flurries predicted toward the end of the month as lows dip to 31°F.
Seasonal Breakdown: When to Actually Visit
Most travelers aim for May through August. It makes sense. Those are the "driest" months, though in a rainforest, "dry" is a relative term.
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- Spring (April - June): This is the sweet spot. You get the longest days and the least amount of rain. May and June usually see around 3 to 4 inches of rain—practically a desert by local standards.
- Summer (July - August): It’s the warmest time, but the rain starts to pick up in August. Humidity hits about 85%.
- Autumn (September - November): This is the soak zone. September and October are statistically the wettest months. If you’re here then, you’re going to get wet. Period.
- Winter (December - March): Overcast, windy, and wet. Snow happens, averaging about 33 inches a year, but it often turns into "slop" because the temperature hovers so close to freezing.
Local Secrets for Surviving the Elements
If you want to spot a tourist, look for an umbrella.
Locals don't use them. The wind in Sitka—which can gust over 60 mph during big storms—will just turn your umbrella into a metal skeleton in three seconds. Instead, everyone wears "Sitka Sneakers." That’s the local name for Xtratuf boots. They’re neoprene, waterproof, and brown. If you aren't wearing them, you aren't doing it right.
Expert Tip: Cotton is your enemy. Locals say "cotton kills" because once it gets wet from rain or sweat, it stays wet and sucks the heat right out of your body. Stick to wool or synthetics.
You also need to understand the "Alaska Warmth" factor. Because the air is so damp, 50°F in Sitka feels significantly colder than 50°F in a dry place like Denver. That marine moisture gets into your bones.
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What Most Forecasts Miss
Standard weather apps often fail to capture the microclimates of Baranof Island. You might see a "mostly cloudy" sitka alaska weather report for the airport (which is on Japonski Island), but if you head a mile inland toward the mountains, it could be a total downpour.
The mountains trap the moisture. This creates "orographic lift," where the air is forced upward, cools, and dumps its water right on your head.
Also, the sun is intense when it does come out. We’re at a high latitude. Even if it’s only 60°F, you can get a sunburn faster than you think because the UV rays are hitting at a different angle.
Essential Packing List for 2026
- Base Layers: Thin wool tops.
- The Shell: A high-quality, breathable rain jacket. Not a "water-resistant" windbreaker. You need Gore-Tex or similar.
- Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots or Xtratufs.
- The "Just in Case": A swimsuit. Seriously. There are hot springs nearby, and locals love a cold plunge in the summer.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you finalize your trip, pull up a live satellite feed or a local webcam. Looking at a 10-day sitka alaska weather report is helpful for trends, but in this part of the world, things shift in minutes.
- Check the wind: Anything over 15 mph will make the boat tours choppy.
- Watch the freezing level: If you plan on hiking Gavan Hill or Verstovia, the town might be 40°F and raining, while the peak is 25°F and a total whiteout.
- Invest in dry bags: If you’re bringing a nice camera or expensive tech, a waterproof backpack is non-negotiable.
Plan your outdoor activities for the morning. Statistically, the "clearest" part of the day often happens early before the afternoon clouds build up against the mountains. Don't let the rain stop you; just dress for it, grab some local coffee, and realize that the rain is exactly why Sitka is so green and beautiful.