🇺🇸 Juneau, USA — Cruise Port Guide
Alaska's capital, tucked between mountains and the sea, gateway to Mendenhall Glacier and whale-filled waters — reachable only by boat or plane.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit Juneau
Best May through September, with July and August warmest; expect cool, damp rainforest weather in the 50s-60s°F with frequent rain year-round.
Getting back to the ship on time
Independent glacier flightseeing, whale-watching boats, and Mendenhall Glacier trips are weather-dependent and can run long, so build in at least a 2-hour buffer before all-aboard since the ship will not wait.
All-aboard is ship's time — check it in the daily programme, and set your watch to it.
Things to do in Juneau
Mendenhall Glacier
Walk forested trails to a vast glacier and thundering Nugget Falls just outside town.
Mount Roberts Tramway
Ride 1,800 feet up for sweeping views over Gastineau Channel and alpine trails.
Whale-watching cruise
Boat tour to spot humpback whales, orcas, sea lions and bald eagles.
Downtown & Red Dog Saloon
Stroll historic Franklin Street shops and the lively sawdust-floored saloon.
King crab feast
Devour giant Alaskan king crab legs at a shack by the cruise docks.
Helicopter glacier landing
Fly to the icefield for a glacier landing and dog sledding on the ice.
Popular excursions
Helicopter glacier dog sledding
Fly onto an icefield and mush a real sled-dog team.
What to eat
- Alaskan king crab
- Wild-caught salmon
- Fresh halibut
- Reindeer sausage
- Spot prawns
Weather by month
Best time to visit: May–Sep (cruise season)
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34° | 25° | 5" |
| Feb | 37° | 27° | 4.2" |
| Mar | 42° | 30° | 3.6" |
| Apr | 50° | 36° | 3" |
| May | 57° | 42° | 3.4" |
| Jun | 63° | 48° | 3.4" |
| Jul | 65° | 51° | 4.6" |
| Aug | 64° | 50° | 5.4" |
| Sep | 57° | 45° | 7.7" |
| Oct | 48° | 38° | 8" |
| Nov | 39° | 31° | 5.9" |
| Dec | 35° | 27° | 5.6" |
A little history
Juneau is Alaska's capital, accessible only by boat or plane — no roads connect it to the outside world.
The Tlingit people have lived here for thousands of years, with rich clan and totem traditions.
Founded as a gold-rush town in 1880 after gold was discovered by Joe Juneau and Richard Harris.
Respect Native art and cultural sites; ask before photographing people or ceremonies.