Honestly, if you're checking the weather forecast Soldotna Alaska right now, you’re probably seeing a lot of "cloudy" icons and temperatures that look, well, Alaskan. But here’s the thing about the Kenai Peninsula in January: the numbers on the screen rarely tell the whole story of what it actually feels like to stand next to the Kenai River when the wind kicks up.
As of today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’re looking at a current temperature of 28°F. That sounds manageable, right? Almost balmy for the 49th state. But with a humidity level sitting at 95% and a "feels like" temp of 24°F, it’s that damp, heavy cold that finds the gaps in your jacket.
The sky is a solid lid of clouds. That's typical. In fact, Soldotna spends about 60% of January under an overcast blanket.
The Week Ahead: A Slow Slide into the Deep Freeze
If you’re planning to be outside this week, keep your base layers handy. We are moving away from the "mild" (if you can call it that) 30-degree weather and heading into some serious single-digit territory by the weekend.
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Basically, the weather forecast Soldotna Alaska for the next few days looks like a staircase going down. Monday stays cloudy with a high of 26°F and a low of 13°F. By Tuesday, we might actually see a sliver of sun—it's forecasted as "partly sunny"—but that comes with a trade-off. The temperature drops to a low of 6°F.
When the clouds leave, the heat goes with them. That’s the Alaska tax.
Day-by-Day Expectations
- Wednesday & Thursday: We’re looking at highs of 25°F to 26°F. There’s a slight 10% chance of rain or snow, but mostly it's just going to be gray.
- Friday: The low hits 3°F.
- Saturday: It gets even crispier. High of 20°F, low of 1°F.
- Sunday, Jan 25: This is the one to watch. We’re looking at a high of 18°F and a bone-chilling low of -8°F.
If you've never felt -8°F in a coastal-adjacent zone like Soldotna, it’s different than the dry "interior" cold of Fairbanks. It bites.
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Why January in Soldotna is a Wildcard
Most visitors think Alaska in January is just one long blizzard. Not really.
Historically, Soldotna doesn't actually get as much snow as you’d think in mid-winter compared to the massive dumps in late autumn. This week, for instance, the precipitation chance is hovering around a measly 10% for most days. We're in a bit of a "dry" cold snap.
The real danger right now isn't being buried in snow; it’s the patchy freezing fog. The National Weather Service has been flagging this for the Kenai area. When the moisture from the river meets these dropping temperatures, the roads—especially the Sterling Highway—become absolute skating rinks.
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Wind and the "Northeast" Factor
You’ll notice the wind is consistently coming from the northeast at about 3 to 6 mph. That’s a light breeze, sure. But in Soldotna, a northeast wind usually means that cold Arctic air is being pulled down from the interior. It’s a dry, scouring wind that makes the "partly sunny" days feel much colder than the thermometer suggests.
Survival Tips for the Current Forecast
Don't trust the "high" of 31°F today. It’s a trap.
- The Humidity Factor: With humidity at 95%, your sweat won't evaporate. If you’re out hiking the Tsalteshi Trails and you get damp, you will freeze the second you stop moving. Wicking layers are non-negotiable.
- Ice Cleats: Since we have high humidity and temperatures hovering near freezing, expect "black ice." Those little Yaktrax or studded boots aren't for old people; they're for anyone who doesn't want to spend their afternoon in the Central Pen General Hospital ER.
- Automotive Prep: If you’re leaving your car out on Sunday night when it hits -8°F, make sure your battery is up to the task. Most locals are already plugged in by then.
The long-range outlook into late January suggests we might see some heavier snow around the 26th, with chances jumping to 45%. Until then, it's just a game of staying dry and keeping the car gassed up.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check your vehicle's antifreeze levels today while it's still "warm" at 28°F. Once that -8°F low hits next Sunday, any mechanical issues are going to be ten times harder to fix in the dark. If you're heading out on the trails, download an offline map; cell batteries die notoriously fast when the temp drops below zero.