Weather in Skagway

About Skagway

At the head of Lynn Canal, this frontier town explodes with turn-of-the-century gold rush architecture and boardwalks.

Country

USA

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

CAD

Language

English

Things to do in Skagway

Hike the White Pass Trail or Chilkoot Trail to goldfields Tour the Gold Rush Cemetery and restored saloons Ride the White Pass & Yukon Railway through mountain switchbacks Kayak Taiya Inlet to glaciers and wildlife Visit the Mascot Saloon and Red Onion Saloon museums Walk the historic boardwalk and chat with residents in period dress

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Skagway is a time capsule and a starting point—a town that exists almost entirely as a monument to ambition and folly. The gold rush failed for most, but the stories linger in every weathered beam and faded photograph.

Best areas to stay in Skagway

Downtown Skagway

Two-block gold rush era boardwalk with wooden storefronts, saloons, museums, and restored buildings from the 1890s.

Gold Rush Cemetery

Final resting place of prospectors and famous gunslinger Soapy Smith, with gravestones telling stories of hardship and disease.

White Pass

Mountain pass 20 miles from town where hikers climb the Chilkoot Trail over a 1,000-meter elevation gain in a day.

Taiya Inlet

Pristine fjord east of town accessible by boat, ringed with glaciers, waterfalls, and brown bear habitat.

Getting to Skagway

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Flights

Juneau International Airport (90 km away), then ferry or fly-over

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From London

1 hour flight from Seattle; 6 hours ferry from Juneau

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Getting around

Walk the boardwalk; rent cars or ATVs for backcountry; guides available for all major hikes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hike the Chilkoot Trail without a guide?

Yes, but you need a backcountry permit (limited daily). The 33-mile trail takes 3–5 days and climbs 1,000+ meters.

Is Skagway open year-round?

Most attractions close October–April. The town comes alive May–September when cruise ships arrive daily.

How do I get to Skagway?

Fly into Juneau and ferry (6 hours), fly direct from Seattle (1 hour), or arrive by cruise ship.

What was the Klondike Gold Rush?

In 1896, gold was discovered in Canada's Yukon. Tens of thousands rushed north, mostly through Skagway, by 1898–1899.

Are there restaurants and hotels?

Yes, many seasonal operations cater to cruise ship traffic. Book ahead in peak summer.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Absolutely magical. Hiked the first day of the Chilkoot Trail and felt the weight of history. The mountains tower over everything—you understand why gold rushers both loved and feared this place.

James McKenzie · July 2024

★★★★☆

Touristy during cruise season but undeniably charming. The museums are excellent. Wish I'd had more time to explore backcountry.

Patricia Liu · June 2024

★★★★★

A living museum. Every building tells a story. Kayaking Taiya Inlet was the highlight—glaciers, silence, pristine water.

Tom Barrett · August 2023