Last updated: February 24, 2025
In January, Ketchikan, United States, experiences a rugged yet captivating winter landscape with average temperatures hovering around 3°C (37°F). Residents and visitors alike will feel the chill as maximum temperatures reach only 8°C (47°F), while the mercury can dip to a brisk -10°C (15°F) at its lowest. This month sees significant precipitation, totaling 306 mm (12.1 in) over approximately 18 days, resulting in a humidity level of 86% that adds a certain mystique to the air. These elements combine to create a truly unique and atmospheric winter experience, perfect for those who embrace the beauty of nature's colder months.
In Ketchikan, January brings a chill to the air with temperatures dipping as low as -10°C (15°F) at night, while the average hovers around 3°C (37°F). Daytime highs rarely exceed 8°C (47°F), creating a frosty atmosphere perfect for enjoying the stunning winter landscape. Interestingly, this pattern of coolness continues into February, though the average temp drops slightly to 2°C (36°F). As winter transitions into spring, temperatures begin to rise notably in March, with warmer days peaking at 14°C (57°F) by the month's end. This upward trend continues into April and May, showcasing the gradual shift towards milder weather, where temperatures consistently climb into the low teens, hinting at the seasonal transformation. Overall, January stands out as a cold month in Ketchikan, setting the stage for the slow but sure arrival of spring.
January in Ketchikan is characterized by substantial precipitation, with 306 mm (12.1 inches) of rain falling over 18 days. This marks the beginning of a pattern where the winter months deliver the highest rainfall, setting the tone for a damp but lush landscape. As winter transitions into spring, precipitation levels gradually decrease; notably, February sees a significant drop to 168 mm (6.6 inches). However, this trend shifts in the latter part of the year, as autumn ushers in a resurgence of moisture, with October and November recording some of the year's peak amounts at 331 mm (13.0 inches) and 410 mm (16.1 inches), respectively. Overall, Ketchikan's January precipitation exemplifies an early glimpse into the vibrant ecosystems shaped by the region's unique climatic rhythms.
In January, Ketchikan experiences a soaring humidity level of 86%, setting the tone for a year characterized by moist air. This trend continues into February with a slight dip to 85%, followed by a gradual decrease throughout the spring months, reaching 81% by May and June. However, as summer approaches, humidity levels surge again, peaking at a notable 90% in July and hitting 92% in both August and September. As autumn arrives, the humidity remains high, fluctuating between 87% and 91% from October to December. Overall, Ketchikan's climate is marked by high humidity throughout the year, with a distinctive spike during the summer months, creating a consistently damp atmosphere that defines this scenic coastal landscape.
In Ketchikan, January sees a low UV Index of 1, indicating minimal sun exposure risk with a burn time of 45 minutes. As winter transitions into spring, the UV Index gradually increases, reaching 2 in February and 3 in March, where the exposure category shifts to moderate, reducing the safe burn time to 30 minutes. This upward trend continues as April brings a moderate index of 5, and by May, it escalates to 6, moving into the high exposure category with a shorter burn time of just 25 minutes. Notably, the summer months showcase the peak UV indices, with July reaching a notable 8, categorized as very high, sharply cutting burn time to 15 minutes. The UV Index then tapers off as fall approaches, returning to 1 in November and December, reinforcing the seasonal fluctuations in sun exposure throughout the year. For a detailed overview, check out the Ketchikan UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Ketchikan, the transition from January to March heralds a gradual increase in daylight, with sunshine hours starting at a modest 48 hours in January and nearly tripling by the end of March to 174 hours. As spring unfolds, the days continue to lengthen, peaking in May with an impressive 245 hours of sunlight. This trend persists through the summer months, where July shines the brightest at 248 hours. However, as fall descends, the daylight diminishes, revealing a sharp contrast: by November, sunny hours drop to just 70, and December closes the year with a scant 63 hours. This cyclical dance of sunlight highlights the vibrant seasonal shifts characteristic of Ketchikan, making the long summer days all the more precious against the backdrop of shorter winter months.
In Ketchikan, January welcomes a mere 20% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the less favorable months for sunshine. This low likelihood is in stark contrast to the 41% chance that April offers, indicating a significant seasonal shift as spring approaches. Interestingly, as winter gives way to spring, there's a noticeable trend of increasing sun—February sees a slight rise to 28%, showcasing a promising uptick. However, this month still falls short compared to many of the sunnier months like June and August, where the prospects of bright days hover around 27% to 31%. With September sinking back to 10%, Ketchikan's January, while not the gloomiest of months, reveals a landscape where sunny days are a valued rarity, hinting at the region’s persistent cloudy charm throughout winter.
In Ketchikan, United States, January ushers in a modest daylight duration of 7 hours. As the months progress, daylight steadily increases, peaking at an impressive 17 hours in June, reflecting the vibrant energy of summer in this coastal community. Following June, there's a gradual decline, with daylight hours tapering back to 14 hours in August and slowly diminishing to 7 hours by December. This seasonal rhythm highlights a distinct trend: longer days in the summer months that invite exploration and outdoor activities, contrasted with the cozy, shorter days of winter that encourage warmth and reflection indoors.
In Ketchikan, January kicks off the year with its strongest winds, averaging 8.0 m/s (18 mph), making it a brisk time for residents and visitors alike. As winter gives way to spring, the winds gradually subside, with February and March recording a notable decrease to 6.4 m/s and 6.1 m/s, respectively. This trend continues into the warmer months, hitting a low of 3.7 m/s (8 mph) in July, offering a reprieve from the earlier gusts. However, as autumn approaches, wind speeds rebound slightly, with October and November showing a rise back to 6.8 m/s and 7.3 m/s. The transition from strong winter winds to the calm of summer ends with a hint of briskness again in the fall, encapsulating Ketchikan's dynamic and ever-changing maritime climate.
The weather in Ketchikan changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Ketchikan and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparing the weather between January and February, we see notable similarities and differences. Both months experience a minimum temperature of -10°C (15°F) and a maximum of 8°C (47°F), but February averages slightly cooler at 2°C (36°F) compared to January's average of 3°C (37°F). However, February sees a significant reduction in precipitation, with only 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain over 14 days, down from January's 306 mm (12.1 in) over 18 days. Additionally, humidity levels remain relatively constant, with January at 86% and February just slightly lower at 85%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Ketchikan weather in February.
In January, Ketchikan experiences cold temperatures with a minimum of -10°C (15°F) and an average around 3°C (37°F), while the maximum reaches only 8°C (47°F). The month is relatively wet, receiving 306 mm (12.1 in) of precipitation over 18 days, coupled with high humidity at 86%. In contrast, March sees a gradual warming, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F) and an average of 4°C (39°F). Precipitation decreases to 221 mm (8.7 in) over 19 days, and humidity slightly drops to 84%. This comparison highlights the transition from the harsher winter conditions of January to the more moderate spring weather in March. For more detailed information, visit Ketchikan weather in March.
January and April in Ketchikan present contrasting weather patterns. In January, the chill is palpable with minimum temperatures plummeting to -10°C (15°F), an average of 3°C (37°F), and highs reaching only 8°C (47°F). The month is notably wet, with a significant precipitation of 306 mm (12.1 in) spread over 18 days, accompanied by high humidity at 86%. In stark contrast, April brings a much milder climate; temperatures rise, with minimums at 0°C (32°F), an average of 6°C (43°F), and maximums reaching 14°C (57°F). Though April is still rainy, total precipitation decreases to 218 mm (8.6 in) over 16 days, and humidity slightly drops to 85%. For more details on the weather conditions in April, you can check Ketchikan weather in April.
In January, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -10°C (15°F) to a maximum of 8°C (47°F) and an average of 3°C (37°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 306 mm (12.1 in) over 18 days, alongside high humidity at 86%. Conversely, May brings milder conditions, with temperatures rising to a minimum of 4°C (40°F), an average of 9°C (48°F), and a maximum of 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is less frequent in May, amounting to 141 mm (5.6 in) across 15 days, and the humidity decreases slightly to 81%. For more detailed information, you can check Ketchikan weather in May.
In January, Ketchikan experiences a colder climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -10°C (15°F) to a maximum of 8°C (47°F), accompanied by significant precipitation averaging 306 mm (12.1 in) over 18 days and high humidity levels of 86%. In contrast, June brings milder temperatures, with lows around 7°C (44°F) and highs reaching 22°C (72°F). Although precipitation is still present during this month, it decreases to 216 mm (8.5 in) over the same number of days, and humidity slightly lowers to 81%. For more details on Ketchikan's June weather, you can visit Ketchikan weather in June.
In Ketchikan, January and July present strikingly different weather patterns. January features much colder temperatures, with a minimum dropping to -10°C (15°F) and an average around 3°C (37°F), while July enjoys milder conditions, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and an average of 14°C (57°F). Precipitation is significantly higher in January, totaling 306 mm (12.1 in) over 18 days, compared to July’s 162 mm (6.4 in) over 14 days. Both months experience high humidity levels, with January at 86% and July slightly higher at 90%. For more detailed insights into July's climate, visit Ketchikan weather in July.
The weather in Ketchikan varies significantly between January and August. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -10°C (15°F), with an average of 3°C (37°F) and a maximum of 8°C (47°F). The month is characterized by high precipitation, totaling 306 mm (12.1 in) over 18 days, and humidity levels reaching 86%. Conversely, August sees a considerable rise in temperatures, with minimums around 10°C (50°F), averages of 14°C (58°F), and maximums peaking at 22°C (72°F). Precipitation remains similar to January at 302 mm (11.9 in), but occurs over one day less, while humidity increases slightly to 92%. For more details about the weather patterns in August, visit Ketchikan weather in August.
In January, Ketchikan experiences significantly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -10°C (15°F) and an average of 3°C (37°F), whereas September sees milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F). Precipitation levels are quite similar, with January receiving 306 mm (12.1 in) over 18 days and September slightly less at 302 mm (11.9 in) over 17 days. Additionally, the humidity in September is slightly higher at 92%, compared to January’s 86%, creating a distinct atmosphere as the seasons shift. For more insights, you can check out Ketchikan weather in September.
In January, Ketchikan experiences a colder climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -10°C (15°F) to a maximum of 8°C (47°F), averaging around 3°C (37°F). The month is characterized by significant precipitation, with about 306 mm (12.1 in) falling over 18 days, and humidity levels at a high 86%.
In contrast, October brings milder temperatures, with minimums around 3°C (38°F), average temperatures reaching 8°C (47°F), and maximums climbing to 14°C (57°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 331 mm (13.0 in), spread over 20 days, and humidity rises to 91%. For more detailed insights, you can check Ketchikan weather in October.
Overall, while both months are wet, October feels considerably warmer and more humid compared to the frigid January.
In January, Ketchikan experiences colder temperatures with a minimum of -10°C (15°F) and an average of just 3°C (37°F), while November offers milder conditions, starting at a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and reaching an average of 6°C (43°F). Despite being a colder month, January has slightly less precipitation at 306 mm (12.1 in) over 18 days compared to November's 410 mm (16.1 in) across 23 days. The humidity remains high in both months, with January at 86% and November slightly higher at 87%. For a detailed comparison of the weather in November, visit Ketchikan weather in November.
In Ketchikan, January and December weather exhibit striking similarities, yet subtle differences. Both months experience minimum temperatures dropping to -10°C (15°F), with average temperatures hovering around 3°C, though December is slightly warmer with an average of 3°C (38°F). Precipitation is more pronounced in December, with 345 mm (13.6 in) over 21 days, compared to January's 306 mm (12.1 in) over 18 days, highlighting the latter month's relatively drier conditions. Humidity remains high in both months, with December at 87% and January a notch lower at 86%. For a more detailed view, check out Ketchikan weather in December.
January in Ketchikan is a unique experience, marked by chilly temperatures that range from a brisk average of around 3°C to a biting low of -10°C. Unlike the more temperate summer months, January's weather is characterized by heightened humidity levels and significant precipitation, with over half the month seeing rainfall. This combination creates a moody atmosphere that’s typical of winter in this coastal town. For those seeking to explore Ketchikan during this time, it's an opportunity to witness the town's tranquil beauty, albeit in a different light compared to sunnier months. Discover more about the year-round conditions by visiting Ketchikan Climate.