If you’re staring at the Ketchikan 10 day forecast right now, you’re probably seeing a lot of gray icons and wondering if you should just stay in bed. Honestly, I get it. January in the "Salmon Capital of the World" isn't exactly a tropical getaway, but there is a rhythm to the weather here that most tourists—and even some locals—completely misread.
People think Southeast Alaska is just a frozen wasteland in the winter. Wrong. Because we’re tucked into a maritime climate on Revillagigedo Island, we’re actually sitting in a temperate rainforest. This means while the rest of Alaska is shivering in -20°F, we’re often hovering right around the 40°F mark. It’s damp. It’s moody. It’s basically the Pacific Northwest on steroids.
The Reality of the Next 10 Days
Right now, as of Sunday, January 18, 2026, the current temperature is a crisp 40°F. We’ve actually got some sun today, which feels like a rare gift from the universe. But don't let that fool you into thinking the sunglasses are staying out.
Looking ahead, we’re entering a classic Ketchikan "staircase" pattern.
The next few days are going to be remarkably stable. Monday and Tuesday (January 19-20) are looking cloudy with highs between 42°F and 43°F. That’s the "mild" part of our winter. You can walk from Creek Street to the Totem Heritage Center without your face freezing off, which is a win in my book.
But here’s the kicker: the humidity is sitting at 81% right now and will spike toward 96% to 98% by next week. When people talk about "bone-chilling cold" in Alaska, they usually mean the dry, interior cold. Here, the cold is "wet." It finds the gaps in your jacket. It settles in your joints.
Mid-Week Shifts and the Snow Threat
By Wednesday, January 21, things start to feel a bit more like "real" winter. We’re looking at:
- Wednesday: Cloudy, high of 41°F, low of 33°F.
- Thursday: A brief break with some partly sunny skies and a high of 40°F.
- Friday: The transition day. High of 39°F with a 10% chance of snow starting at night.
Saturday, January 24, is when the forecast gets interesting. We’re tracking a 45% chance of snow during the day, transitioning into a rain-snow mix at night. The high will only hit 35°F.
If you're planning on driving or flying, that Saturday/Sunday window is the one to watch. Ketchikan International Airport (PAKT) is literally on a different island—you have to take a ferry to get to your plane. High winds and visibility issues are common when these systems roll in. Currently, the wind is a light 4 mph from the north, but that east wind on Saturday could kick up some chop in the Tongass Narrows.
Why the "Rain" Label is Deceptive
Every weather app says it's going to rain in Ketchikan. That's like saying it's going to be "sandy" in the Sahara. It's a given.
In January, we average about 15 inches of precipitation. That is a staggering amount of water. But "rain" here isn't always a downpour. Often, it's "liquid sunshine"—that fine, misty drizzle that doesn't look like much but will soak you to the bone in twenty minutes.
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Experts like the team at the Alaska Climate Research Center note that our temperatures are increasingly trending a few degrees above historical "normals." This means we get more "slop"—that messy mix of rain and melting snow—rather than the picturesque white blankets you see in Fairbanks.
Survival Tips for the 10-Day Stretch
If you're out and about this week, do yourself a favor: forget the umbrella. The wind will just turn it into a metal skeleton within ten minutes.
You need XtraTufs. They’re the "Ketchikan Sneakers." These brown rubber boots are the unofficial uniform here because they’re the only thing that actually keeps the water out.
Layering is your best friend.
- Base Layer: Synthetic or wool. Never, ever wear cotton. Cotton is a death trap when it gets wet because it loses all insulation.
- Mid Layer: A solid fleece or a "puffy" jacket.
- Outer Shell: A dedicated, waterproof (not "water-resistant") rain jacket.
Navigating the Travel Disruptions
With temperatures hovering near freezing toward the end of the week, de-icing becomes a major factor at the airport. Alaska Airlines and regional carriers like Horizon Air are pros at this, but delays are part of the winter experience.
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If you're coming for the scenery, the Misty Fjords actually look better on these overcast days. The low clouds clinging to the granite cliffs create a vibe you just don't get in the summer. Just make sure your gear is rated for "soaking wet."
Actionable Next Steps
To make the most of this Ketchikan 10 day forecast, you should:
- Download the FlightAware app if you have a flight between January 24 and 26; the snow/rain mix is a prime candidate for "operational adjustments."
- Check your waterproof seals. If you haven't re-upped the DWR coating on your rain gear lately, now is the time to do it before the 98% humidity hits next Monday.
- Plan indoor backups. The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is a great way to kill a few hours when the "mostly sunny" days turn back into "cloudy with a chance of everything."
Stick to the layers, watch the wind direction on the Narrows, and you'll survive the week just fine.