Juneau.

Juneau, Alaska, in the off-season—typically from late Autumn to early Spring (October to April)—offers a transformative experience compared to the bustling summer cruise ship months. With limited roads in and out, Juneau feels like a hidden gem nestled in the mountains, inviting you to embrace solitude and reflection.

Temperatures generally range from the 20s to the 40s °F (-6°C to 7°C), and rain gently falls at sea level, while higher elevations are blanketed in snow. Though it may not be bitterly cold, the atmosphere is often shrouded in a soft, gray mist. On clear nights, particularly later in winter, the breathtaking aurora borealis lights up the sky, as snow-covered mountains and frozen landscapes create a picturesque backdrop.

With no roads connecting Juneau to the rest of Alaska, access is by plane or ferry—an adventure that may be shaped by winter's unpredictability. This isolation presents a unique opportunity to connect deeply with nature and prepare for the unexpected, encouraging resilience and wonder in every moment.

  • A rugged beach with large rocks, a dirt path, a person in the distance, and a waterfall cascading down a mountain on a cloudy day.

  • Four people standing on a dock near a floatplane with 'WINGS AIRWAYS' and 'JUNEAU ALASKA' written on it, with a lake and forested mountains in the background.

  • A person in a dark jacket and cap walking on a sandy beach, taking a photo with a smartphone, near old wooden pilings and a small house on stilts in the water against a backdrop of misty mountains.

  • A person wearing a green backpack walking on a metal and wood bridge surrounded by tall green trees in a forest.

  • Man sitting inside an aircraft or helicopter, wearing large green noise-canceling headphones, black cap, and black jacket, looking out the window at a cloudy landscape.

  • Aerial view of a coastal town with mountains in the background, cruise ships docked at the harbor, and a small airplane wing visible in the foreground.

  • View from a small plane window over a body of water with islands, mountains, and clouds in the sky.

  • Aerial view of a vast expanse of rugged, icy glaciers with sharp, jagged peaks and deep crevices.

  • Aerial view of a glacier surrounded by green mountains and a lake below, with cloud cover in the sky.

  • A cold, overcast landscape featuring icy water with icebergs, rocky mountains, and a glacier in the background.

  • A person's hand holding a small bunch of blueberries outdoors with a mountainous landscape in the background.

  • Hiker dressed in black jacket and hood standing on mountain trail overlooking river and forested hills in the distance.

  • A person hiking in a dense forest with tall trees and lush green foliage.

  • A hiker with a purple backpack kneeling on a rocky mountain trail surrounded by green mountains and a partly cloudy sky.

  • A wooden structure on stilts in a calm lake with a mountain in the background, partially obscured by fog.

Why go to Juneau?

Exploring Juneau in the off-season may seem unconventional, but for those seeking adventure, it reveals extraordinary experiences, deep tranquility, and a true sense of Southeast Alaska. During summer, Juneau is bustling with thousands of cruise ship passengers, but in the off-season, the crowds disappear, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant life of Alaska's capital beyond the cruise port.

The Mendenhall Glacier, a breathtaking sight in winter, showcases ice that is often bluer and a landscape that is beautifully tranquil. It’s an ideal season for writing, photography, or painting, offering the perfect chance to slow down and connect with nature. Embrace this rare opportunity to find stillness in a wild place—unhindered by distractions.

Getting there

Traveling to Juneau, Alaska from the UK is an adventurous journey that embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery, typically requiring at least two or three flights and a bit of patience. Your adventure begins as you fly from either London Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW) to a major U.S. city, with Seattle (SEA) emerging as the most common and efficient option. Other possibilities include Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO), with Anchorage (ANC) being less frequent in winter.

Seattle is usually the best route, especially in the off season. From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), direct flights to Juneau (JNU) operated by Alaska Airlines await you, with multiple daily flights year-round and a flight time of about 2 hours 30 minutes. In the off season, flights may be less frequent, so booking early is your key to the journey ahead.

A Little Tip: Choose a seat on the left side of the plane (facing forward) for awe-inspiring views of the coast and glaciers as you approach Juneau.

When is the off-season ?

October - April

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