If you’re looking at a 14 day forecast ketchikan alaska right now, you probably see a wall of rain icons. It’s depressing. Honestly, it looks like the sky is just permanently broken. But here is the thing about Ketchikan: the icons lie, or at least they don’t tell the whole story.
I’ve spent enough time in Southeast Alaska to know that "100% chance of rain" doesn't mean you’re stuck inside. It means the air is wet. Sometimes it’s a mist that feels like a facial; other times it’s a horizontal deluge that makes you question your life choices.
Right now, mid-January 2026, we are in the thick of it. The current outlook for the next two weeks shows a classic transition from a warm, messy maritime front into a colder, clearer stretch. If you’re planning to be here, you need to know how to read between those little digital clouds.
Why the 14 day forecast ketchikan alaska is a Mood, Not a Promise
Ketchikan is literally the "Rain Capital of Alaska." We get about 140 to 160 inches a year. To put that in perspective, Seattle gets about 37. We aren't even in the same league.
The Immediate Outlook (Days 1-5)
Today, January 14, we’re seeing a mix of rain and snow with a high of 44°F. That’s actually a bit warm for this time of year. But look at the wind. We just came off a stretch with 25 mph gusts, and things are calming down to about 8 mph.
The next few days—Thursday through Saturday—are looking surprisingly decent. We’re talking "partly sunny" and highs around 41°F to 43°F. In Ketchikan, a "partly sunny" day in January is basically a local holiday. People will be out on the trails or hitting the docks because you never know when the next Pineapple Express is going to slam the coast.
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The Long-Range Shift (Days 6-14)
As we move into next week, starting around January 20, the temperature is going to drop. We’re looking at overnight lows hitting 30°F. The precipitation chance actually goes down to nearly 0% by the 22nd.
This is a classic winter pattern. When it gets colder, it often gets clearer. You’ll swap the gray gloom for crisp, biting air and potentially some actual sunlight reflecting off the Tongass Narrows. If you're flying in, this is the window you want.
The Logistics of Living in a Rain Gauge
You can’t talk about the weather here without talking about the airport. Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) is on Gravina Island. You have to take a ferry to get to the actual town.
When the 14-day forecast shows high winds—anything gusting over 40 mph—you should expect delays. Alaska Airlines pilots are incredible, but even they have limits when the visibility drops to zero and the crosswinds are howling.
- Check your tail number: If your flight is coming from Seattle or Juneau, track it.
- The Ferry Factor: High winds can occasionally make the ferry crossing "sporty," though it rarely shuts down completely.
- Small Planes: If you’re booked on a floatplane to a remote cabin or Prince of Wales Island, the 14-day forecast is your best friend and your worst enemy. They fly by VFR (Visual Flight Rules). If the ceiling is too low, you aren't going.
What to Wear (Hint: Not an Umbrella)
If I see you with an umbrella in Ketchikan, I know you’re from out of town. The wind here eats umbrellas for breakfast. It’ll be inside out in three minutes.
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You need a "Ketchikan Tuxedo." Basically, that’s a high-quality hardshell jacket and Xtratuf boots. If you don't have Xtratufs, any waterproof boot with good traction works, but the locals will judge you slightly.
The humidity is currently sitting at 94%. That’s high. It means even if it’s 40°F, it feels colder because the moisture seeps into your bones. Layers are non-negotiable. Wool is better than cotton because wool stays warm when it’s wet. Cotton just turns into a cold, heavy towel.
The Microclimate Myth
Ketchikan is tiny, but the weather isn't uniform. Deer Mountain acts like a giant sponge. It can be dumping rain at the trailhead while it’s just misty down at the cruise ship docks.
The National Weather Service (NWS) out of Juneau handles our region, and they are usually spot on with the big systems. However, the 14-day models often struggle with the "fine print" of Ketchikan's topography.
Expert Tip: Don't just look at the "High" temperature. Look at the "Dew Point." When the temp and the dew point are close together, expect fog. Thick, pea-soup fog that will ground every plane in the area.
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Misconceptions About January in Ketchikan
Most people think it’s just a frozen wasteland in January. It’s not. It’s a temperate rainforest.
- It’s too dark to do anything: We get about 8 hours of daylight right now. Sunrise is around 8:00 AM and sunset is near 4:00 PM. It’s short, but it’s enough to get outside.
- Everything is closed: While the "cruise ship" shops are boarded up, the heart of the town is wide open. This is when you get the real Ketchikan experience.
- It’s always snowing: Actually, Ketchikan gets way more rain than snow. Usually, the snow doesn't stick around downtown for more than a few days before the rain washes it away.
Actionable Strategy for Your Visit
If you are arriving in the next 14 days, here is how you handle the reality of the forecast:
Monitor the NWS "Area Forecast Discussion." This is the nerd-level weather report where meteorologists explain why they think it will rain. It’s much more useful than an app icon.
Book your travel with a buffer. Never book a tight connection in or out of KTN in the winter. Give yourself at least a 4-hour window, or better yet, stay an extra night.
Embrace the "Wet-Weather Mindset." If you wait for a dry day to go hiking, you might never leave your hotel. Put on your gear, accept that you're going to get a little damp, and go see the waterfalls. They are never more impressive than when it’s pouring.
The 14-day trend is moving toward a colder, drier "bluebird" stretch by the end of next week. If that holds, you’re in for some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet. Just keep your boots by the door.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Download the Alaska 511 app for real-time road conditions if you plan on driving the North or South Tongass Highway. Also, bookmark the KTN Airport Flight Status page directly; it updates faster than most third-party travel apps when the ceiling starts to drop.