Ketchikan
Country: USA · Region: Alaska · Currency: US Dollar
Ketchikan is a scenic Southeast Alaska port town of 14,000 people at the foot of Deer Mountain, serving over 800,000 cruise passengers annually with a historic downtown accessible within hours.
Top sights
Creek Street, Totem Bight State Historical Park, Saxman Totem Park, Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, Tongass Historical Museum, Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
Things to do
- Tongass Historical Museum
- Historical exhibits located at 629 Dock St, open daily 8AM-5PM May-Sep.
- Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
- Rainforest interpretive exhibits at 50 Main St.
- Totem Heritage Center
- Totem pole collections and native culture exhibits at 601 Deermount St, open daily 8AM-5PM May-Sep.
- Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
- Exhibition of lumberjack skills with variable location, admission $34 adults, $17.50 children 3-12.
Where to eat
- Burger Queen
- Popular local take-out at 518 Water St known for its halibut sandwich.
- Anabelle's
- Moderately-priced restaurant at 326 Front St across from the docks, known for chowder and Southwestern Halibut Wrap, open Tu-Sa 11AM-8PM.
Forecast for Ketchikan
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Weather in Ketchikan by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F | 32°F | 15.8 in | 22 |
| February | 40°F | 30°F | 9.9 in | 18 |
| March | 44°F | 33°F | 10.0 in | 19 |
| April | 50°F | 37°F | 10.2 in | 19 |
| May | 59°F | 45°F | 6.2 in | 15 |
| June | 63°F | 50°F | 7.3 in | 16 |
| July | 67°F | 55°F | 7.0 in | 17 |
| August | 67°F | 55°F | 10.5 in | 17 |
| September | 60°F | 50°F | 13.2 in | 19 |
| October | 51°F | 43°F | 14.4 in | 21 |
| November | 43°F | 36°F | 16.3 in | 22 |
| December | 38°F | 31°F | 13.8 in | 20 |
Getting around
Ketchikan's compact historic downtown is easily walkable from the cruise ship docks; a free Salmon Run Shuttle operates a 20-minute downtown loop from 7AM-7PM serving all berths.
What to eat
Local specialties include fresh wild Alaskan salmon and halibut; the town also has numerous Filipino restaurants and options at Alaska Fish House near the cruise docks.
Tips
Come prepared for rain regardless of season, and check cruise ship schedules in advance to anticipate downtown crowds.
Best for
Totem poles, rainforest, native culture
More ports in Alaska
Glacier Bay · Hubbard Glacier · Icy Strait Point · Juneau · Seward · Sitka · Skagway · Victoria · Whittier