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Ketchikan is Alaska's southernmost cruise port and often the first stop on an Inside Passage itinerary. The city sits on Revillagigedo Island and is famous for its world-class salmon fishing, massive totem pole collections, and lush Tongass National Forest. Creek Street — a historic boardwalk built on stilts over a salmon stream — is one of Alaska's most photographed spots.
Each month rated on weather and crowds, alongside the real temperature, rain, and notes behind that rating — look for great weather paired with low crowds for the best overall experience. Tap a month for its full weather and tours guide.
| Month | Weather | Crowds | High °F | Low °F | Rain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | poor | low | 38 | 30 | 19 | Cold and very rainy |
| Feb | poor | low | 41 | 31 | 16 | Still cold and wet |
| Mar | poor | low | 45 | 34 | 18 | Rain continues, snow possible |
| Apr | fair | low | 51 | 39 | 17 | Shoulder season, some sunshine |
| May | good | moderate | 58 | 45 | 17 | Warming up, cruise season begins |
| Jun | great | high | 64 | 50 | 16 | Best month — long days, manageable rain |
| Jul | great | peak | 67 | 54 | 16 | Warmest, peak salmon season |
| Aug | great | peak | 66 | 53 | 18 | Still warm, very popular |
| Sep | good | moderate | 59 | 47 | 20 | Rain picking up, silver salmon |
| Oct | fair | low | 50 | 40 | 22 | Wet — cruise season winding down |
| Nov | poor | low | 43 | 34 | 19 | Cold and very rainy |
| Dec | poor | low | 39 | 31 | 19 | Dark, cold, and wet |
Hawaii from Honolulu to Vancouver to: Ketchikan, Kauai & Sitka
NCL Cruises · Norwegian Spirit
Alaska Round-trip Seattle: Hubbard Glacier, Skagway & Juneau
NCL Cruises · Norwegian Joy
Alaska Round-trip Seattle: Juneau, Ketchikan & Victoria
NCL Cruises · Norwegian Bliss
Alaska Round-Trip Seattle: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau
NCL Cruises · Norwegian Encore
Alaska Round-trip Seattle: Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan & Victoria
NCL Cruises · Norwegian Bliss
Alaska Round-Trip Seattle: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau
NCL Cruises · Norwegian Encore
The best months to visit Ketchikan by cruise ship are June, July, August. During these months you can expect the driest weather and the most comfortable temperatures for port excursions.
Popular activities include: Totem Bight State Historical Park, Creek Street boardwalk, Misty Fjords National Monument, Salmon fishing excursions, Rainforest hiking at Tongass.
Ketchikan is a popular port of call for many major cruise lines. Check the upcoming cruises section above for live departure dates, or search all itineraries that include Ketchikan.