Quick Summary:
Hoonah's cruise season runs spring through fall, with weather shifting quickly from month to month — cool and unpredictable in April, mild and drier through May and June, warm and busy from July through August, then cooler and wetter as September and October bring the fall shoulder season.
May and September offer the best mix of comfortable weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds, while June through mid-August is the driest, warmest stretch and peak time for excursions. This guide breaks down exactly what to expect month by month, so you can plan your excursions and know what to bring for your specific cruise dates.
Like most cruise passengers, you're probably wondering what to expect for your specific cruise dates here in beautiful Hoonah. Southeast Alaska has a wet and mild maritime climate that's shaped by cool temperatures, frequent rain, and conditions that can shift within a single day regardless of which season we're in.
Hoonah's cruise season generally runs spring through fall. With our seasons being so rapid and varied, weather changes more meaningfully month to month compared to other parts of the country.
Trying to plan your vacation around the best month to cruise to Alaska for weather? Check out our month-by-month weather breakdown before you cruise Alaska.
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April Weather In Hoonah
April weather in Hoonah is often unpredictable, featuring cold and crisp conditions. Average daily highs gradually rise from 43°F to 52°F, while lows range between 29°F and 34°F. Humidity remains high throughout the year, so travelers should pack warm, layered clothing to stay comfortable and adapt to changing temperatures.
Key points to keep in mind for April:
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April marks the beginning of the Alaska cruise season, making it an ideal time to start your adventure.
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April can still feel brisk, but clear, sunny stretches do pop up and make for a beautiful, quieter start to the season.
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This month allows travelers to witness the transition weather as the region shifts from winter to spring.
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Snow frequently lingers at higher elevations throughout April, adding to the scenic beauty of the area.
This is also when wildlife starts stirring for the season. There's something magical about watching it come alive before the bulk of tourists arrive.
If you're coming in late April, you're just in time for the start of whale watching season. This is the perfect time to see humpback whales populating the waters. Our Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour near Icy Strait Point is a favorite for families and couples. With fewer families coming in April because school is still in session, this can be a perfect time for an experience that's a little quieter.
May Weather In Hoonah
May weather in Hoonah features average daily highs rising from 52°F to 59°F, with lows between 34°F and 42°F. May in Hoonah, Alaska is generally much milder compared to April because temperatures are warming up and rain becomes less frequent.
Plus, May can be your best bet if you want more bang for your buck with travel spending because longer daylight hours can mean you get to see more while your cruise ship is docked.
Things to be mindful of in May:
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May mornings tend to stay on the cool side, so expect some crisp starts to your day.
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Early rains are common before the skies clear up, so packing a rain jacket and waterproof shoes will keep you comfortable.
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Layering your clothing is essential to stay warm during occasional chillier spells.
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Overall, May offers a great balance of cool mornings and clearing afternoons, perfect for exploring outdoors.
With school still being in session for most of May around the country, travelers enjoy that they often deal with fewer crowds while exploring or taking excursions. The milder May weather is very comfortable for hiking and fishing trips.
Good To Know: By May, wildlife in Hoonah has fully woken up for the season. This makes it a prime time for wildlife viewing. Bald eagles, bears, deer, and more are all busily taking advantage of the warmer weather and abundant food opportunities.
June Weather In Hoonah
June in Hoonah, Alaska, brings comfortable weather, with average highs climbing from 59°F to 63°F and lows ranging from 42°F to 48°F. It's typically the driest month of the year, with just 3.6 inches of rain on average. It is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities without worrying too much about rain. That can mean more predictability when booking shore excursions.
Important factors to keep in mind for June are:
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June ramps up to peak season for tourists in Hoonah due to warmer weather and extended daylight hours.
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Visitor numbers tend to peak around the summer solstice in mid-June. This period offers some of the longest days of the year.
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Days get remarkably long around the summer solstice, with nearly 18 hours of daylight by June 20 or 21 — not quite the full midnight sun you'd find farther north, but plenty of golden evening light for excursions.
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June is considered the best time for hiking and fishing because there's a good chance you're going to stay dry.
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You can also dress without layers for the most part.
Pro Tip: If you just can't resist mid-June on the water in Alaska, our Saltwater Fishing Adventure led by a local maritime expert named Captain Billy offers amazing views of the water and surrounding landscape while you fish in the same waters where the largest halibut on record was caught.
July–August Weather In Hoonah
July and August are the warmest months in Hoonah, Alaska, with daytime highs typically ranging from 60°F to 64°F and nighttime lows around 47°F to 50°F. While you can expect some summer rain, the weather is generally mild and comfortable—perfect for enjoying all the outdoor adventures this beautiful area has to offer.
If you want to visit during the warmest stretch, plan around peak season, which runs from early June through mid-August. While you may see occasional rain showers at this point in the year, things generally stay dry and comfortable.
Advantages of visiting in July and August:
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The big benefit of coming from early July through mid August is having a wide selection of excursions.
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Weather during this time provides good conditions for all types of tours.
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Tours featuring humpback whales and bear searches can be booked with fairly predictable results.
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The halibut season in Icy Strait Point peaks during July and August, despite the official season running from mid May through mid September.
Good To Know: Of course, tourists generally see higher prices for accommodations and tours from mid-June through the end of August.
Pro Tip: One of the most magical midsummer activities in Hoonah is our Wilderness Tour and Brown Bear Search on Chichagof Island. During this time, peak salmon runs attract the local population of brown bears to tidal flats and streams for easy viewing.
September–October Weather In Hoonah
Things start to cool down once early September hits in Hoonah. Mother Nature makes it clear that big changes are coming with an increase in rain and more dramatic weather swings, with daily temperatures dropping from an average high of 56°F in September down to 42°F by late October. October experiences the highest rainfall, averaging 11.0 inches, making it the wettest month of the year.
Benefits of visiting Hoonah in September and October include:
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September weather brings the briskness of fall to Hoonah.
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Tourist crowds decrease, offering a quieter experience.
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Wildlife opportunities remain strong during this time.
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Downtown Hoonah is great for exploring local shops and restaurants with fewer tourists.
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Visitors can experience authentic local life after the shoulder season.
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Cooler temperatures mean you'll need warmer clothing and should be ready for wetter conditions, so plan accordingly.
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Cruise prices are often lower compared to the shoulder season.
Pro Tip: Fall in Alaska is also your best bet for catching northern lights before winter closes in. Alaska's northern lights emerge during late August before peaking all winter and dying down in April. The aurora borealis is typically visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
What Hoonah's Weather Means For Your Excursion
Your packing checklist for visiting Hoonah on an Alaskan cruise should be based around layering. This rule applies during any month you visit Hoonah on an Alaskan cruise. You'll generally need two to three layers to be comfortable on any excursion. A waterproof top layer is recommended both for water excursions and general hiking.
The reason is that rain is common enough to be a factor for at least a portion of any excursion. However, the fairly consistent presence of rain here in Hoonah shouldn't be seen as a looming threat to your excursion. Local tours are built around rain to ensure that visitors can maximize their time here without delays or rescheduling.
At Icy Strait Shore Excursions, our guides plan around local conditions. Plus, our Return Anytime Shuttle Pass means guests aren't stuck waiting out weather away from the ship. You'll have the freedom to come and go as you build your own itinerary around your booked excursions for the day.
Pro Tip: May and September offer lower prices and fewer crowds, letting you experience the serenity of Hoonah and enjoy its wildlife at a more relaxed pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hoonah's Weather
Here are some common questions travelers ask about the weather in Hoonah, Alaska, to help you plan your trip with confidence.
Is it rainy in Hoonah, Alaska?
Yes, rain showers can happen in Hoonah at any time of year. That said, the driest stretch runs from mid-May through mid-August, making it the best time to cruise Alaska if dry weather is your priority.
What is the average temperature in Hoonah, Alaska?
Temperatures vary widely in Hoonah by season. During the Alaska cruise season, daytime temperatures hover around 50 degrees Fahrenheit before creeping up to 64 degrees Fahrenheit from June through August. Fall temperatures through the middle of October tend to hover around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. January is the coldest month, averaging 25°F, and it also sees the highest snowfall, with 19.5 inches on average.
What is the best month to cruise to Alaska for weather?
Visiting Southeast Alaska in the early spring or middle of summer can be ideal if your goal is warmer, drier weather with longer daylight hours. Wildlife viewing peaks after May because bald eagles, bears, humpback whales, sea lions, and more are extremely active during this portion of the year.
Where can I book Hoonah travel adventures and activities online?
Just browse the trips and excursions available from Icy Strait Shore Excursions to book as a solo traveler, family, or group. All of our tours are guided by local experts who know how to plan around time of year and daily weather conditions.
Choose The Tour Company Prepared For Hoonah Alaska Weather
Hoonah's weather is very manageable with the right expectations. With an experienced local guide, you don't need to worry about weather getting in the way of a great excursion. We live for this!
Regardless of whether you're coming to fish for halibut, search for bears, or spot bald eagles soaring over the skies in the Alaskan wilderness, your guide will be diligently planning every detail to account for how conditions shift from month to month.
Icy Strait Shore Excursions also offers a guaranteed on-time return to the ship regardless of weather to ensure you're not sweating it when it's time to reboard.