Summer in Juneau Alaska brings stunning views, wildlife, outdoor adventure, and days that almost never end.
Juneau sits between tall mountains and the Gastineau Channel. In summer it turns into one of the most striking places to visit in North America.
From glacier tours and whale watching to hiking trails and local festivals, summer shows you the very best of Alaska’s capital city. You might plan a family trip, a romantic escape, a few days before or after a cruise, or an outdoor adventure. Either way, summer in Juneau gives you things you simply cannot find anywhere else.
If you want a comfortable, easy base for your Alaska trip, Frontier Suites has roomy suites close to Juneau International Airport and many of the area’s top sights.
Long Daylight Hours Create More Time for Adventure
One of the biggest reasons visitors love Summer in Juneau Alaska is the long days. In June and July, Juneau gets up to 18 hours of daylight, so you have far more time to be outside and do things all day.
With so much light, you can fit more into your plans without feeling rushed. You can watch whales in the morning, take a glacier tour in the afternoon, and still have plenty of light left for a hike or dinner downtown.
The National Weather Service notes that because Alaska is so far north, the length of the day changes a lot with the seasons, most of all in summer.
The midnight twilight in Juneau also makes for stunning evenings. Sunsets last for hours and cast soft light over the mountains, water, and forests around the city.
Wildlife Viewing Peaks During Summer
Summer is also the best season to see wildlife in Juneau. Nature in Alaska comes alive in the warm months, so it is one of the best times to see animals in the wild.
Humpback whales are some of the region’s most famous summer guests. Thousands swim to Alaska’s Inside Passage each year to feed in its rich waters. Whale watching tours from Juneau often let you see humpbacks leap out of the water, feed with bubble nets, and swim close to the boats.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that humpback whales often come to Alaska to feed in the summer months.
Besides whales, you may also see:
- Bald eagles
- Black bears
- Harbor seals
- Sea lions
- Mountain goats
- Porpoises
- Otters
Summer salmon runs draw both wildlife and photographers who want to see Alaska’s wild nature up close.
Mendenhall Glacier Is Easier to Explore
No trip to Juneau is complete without a visit to the famous Mendenhall Glacier, and summer is the easiest time to get there.
Mendenhall Glacier is about 12 miles from downtown Juneau. It runs about 13 miles from the Juneau Icefield and draws nearly a million visitors a year. In summer, the trails, the visitor center, kayak tours, and the best photo spots are all open.
The U.S. Forest Service runs the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, with several scenic hiking trails for all skill levels.
Top summer things to do at Mendenhall Glacier include:
- Hiking to Nugget Falls
- Kayaking near the glacier
- Guided ice cave tours
- Wildlife viewing
- Photography
- Visitor center exhibits
The warm weather and long days make the glacier area much more fun to explore than in the cold months.
Summer Weather Is Ideal for Outdoor Activities
Alaska is known for cool weather, but Summer in Juneau Alaska is fairly mild and pleasant for time outdoors.
Summer days are usually in the mid-50s to the upper 60s Fahrenheit, which is just right for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and sightseeing.
Southeast Alaska is milder than many visitors expect, because the Pacific Ocean keeps the weather from getting too hot or too cold.
You should still plan for some rain, since Juneau gets a lot of it each year. Still, many travelers find that the mist adds to the region’s dramatic views and green landscapes.
The mild summer means you can enjoy trips outdoors without the extreme heat found in many other vacation spots.
Hiking Opportunities Are Spectacular
Summer opens up some of Alaska’s most beautiful hiking trails.
Juneau has trails for everyone, from easy walks to hard climbs up the mountains. Thick forests, mountain views, waterfalls, and glaciers make hiking one of the best things to do in the city.
Top summer hikes include:
Mount Roberts Trail
This hard trail gives hikers wide views of Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and the mountains around it.
Perseverance Trail
An old trail near downtown Juneau that follows a mining route through forests and past streams.
Nugget Falls Trail
An easy, scenic hike to a waterfall near Mendenhall Glacier.
Eaglecrest Area Trails
In summer, the Eaglecrest ski area turns into a place to hike, with mountain views and wildflowers.
The Tongass National Forest surrounds Juneau. It is the largest national forest in the United States, with endless ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Cruise Season Brings Energy to Downtown Juneau
Summer is also cruise season in Alaska, and it brings more life and buzz to downtown Juneau.
You can enjoy:
- Local shops
- Seafood restaurants
- Art galleries
- Historic sights
- Guided tours
- Exhibits on local culture
Cruise season makes the town lively, with events, shows, and chances to learn about Alaska Native culture and local history.
Many travelers add a few days in Juneau before or after their cruise, so they can see more of the city than one day in port allows.
Staying in town lets you enjoy the sights at a slower pace, without the tight time limits of a cruise.
Fresh Alaska Seafood Is at Its Best
In summer, you can eat some of the freshest seafood in the world in Juneau.
Alaska salmon season peaks in summer, and local restaurants serve many kinds of fresh-caught seafood, such as:
- King salmon
- Sockeye salmon
- Halibut
- Dungeness crab
- Spot prawns
- Rockfish
The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute says Alaska’s fisheries are some of the most sustainably managed in the world.
When you eat out in Juneau in summer, you get seafood at its freshest and you help local fishing towns.
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Summer Festivals and Events Add Local Culture
Juneau’s summer calendar is full of festivals, live music, cultural events, and town parties that help you feel part of local life.
Top summer events often include:
- Alaska Folk Festival activities
- Outdoor concerts
- Native dance and music
- Art walks
- Farmers markets
- Seafood celebrations
These events show off the talent, history, and town spirit that make Juneau special.
Summer visitors often find that the city’s culture stays with them just as much as its outdoor adventures.
Fishing Season Attracts Outdoor Enthusiasts
Summer fishing is another big reason people visit Juneau.
People fish in both fresh water and salt water all over the region. Guided charters let you fish for salmon, halibut, and more while you take in Alaska’s stunning coast.
Rules set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game help keep fish numbers healthy across the state.
Many visitors say a fishing trip was one of the best parts of their Alaska vacation.
Summer Photography Opportunities Are Incredible
Photographers from around the world come to Juneau in summer to take pictures of its amazing landscapes and wildlife.
Long days, mountain views, glaciers, forests, and sea life give you endless chances for great photos.
Favorite things to shoot include:
- Glacier landscapes
- Humpback whales
- Bald eagles
- Waterfalls
- Northern sunsets
- Coastal mountains
- Old buildings downtown
Even people who are new to photography often leave Juneau with stunning pictures, thanks to the region’s natural beauty.
Frontier Suites Offers a Comfortable Home Base
The right place to stay can make your Juneau trip even better, most of all in the busy summer season.
Frontier Suites has roomy suites and handy amenities for people exploring Alaska. The hotel is near Juneau International Airport, so many of Juneau’s top sights are easy to reach, and it is a comfortable place to relax after a day of adventure.
Guests appreciate features such as:
- Spacious suite layouts
- Kitchenette options
- Complimentary airport shuttle
- Convenient location
- Comfortable accommodations
- Access to shopping and dining nearby
Whether you stay for a weekend or add days to your Alaska vacation, Frontier Suites is a friendly, easy home base for summer travel.
Book your stay at Frontier Suites and enjoy a comfortable stay close to everything Juneau has to offer in the most exciting season of the year.
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