Skagway Travel Guide

City Alaska port town known for Klondike Gold Rush history

Gold Rush storefronts line Skagway’s main street; tourists ride the White Pass & Yukon Route railway, take glacier and fjord excursions, and hike steep trails that climb out of the port toward alpine tundra.

Costs
Moderate - $120-$220/day
Cruise crowds raise prices; expect $120-220 daily including tours.
Safety
Generally safe, petty-theft risk
Low violent crime; be alert for pickpocketing around busy cruise terminals.
Best Time
May-September (cruise season)
May-September is peak cruise season with warmest weather and full services.
In This Guide
Local Time
1:37 PM
GMT-8
Weather
Light Rain 40°F
Light Rain
Population
1,240
Infrastructure & Convenience
Small, walkable downtown with good tourist signage; services and taxis shrink off-season.
Popularity
Day-trippers from cruise ships dominate summer; heavy seasonal crowds.
Known For
Klondike Gold Rush history, White Pass Railroad, cruise port, hiking, fjords, museums, salmon runs, dog-sled kennels, scenic train rides, Alaskan wildlife
The White Pass & Yukon Route railway climbs roughly 2,865 feet over 20 miles from Skagway toward the Yukon.

Why Visit Skagway? #

Set against steep fjords and snow-capped peaks, Skagway draws travelers for its gold rush history and adventure access: ride the White Pass & Yukon Route railway, wander historic Broadway with its wooden storefronts, or hike trailheads into alpine wilderness. Short summer days brim with cruise-ship energy; winters offer quiet aurora viewing. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and local museums bring the 1890s frontier to life, making the town appealing both for history buffs and outdoor lovers.

Best Things to Do in Skagway

All Attractions ›
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
1
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Historical park interpreting Klondike Gold Rush era
Park

Skagway Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - Interpretive exhibits and preserved buildings telling the town's 1898 gold rush story.
  • White Pass & Yukon Route Railway - Historic narrow-gauge railway offering scenic rides up to White Pass summit.
  • Broadway Historic District - Period storefronts, gold rush-era saloons, and museums lining the town's main historic street.
Hidden Gems
  • Lower Reid Falls - Short trail to a waterfall and quiet viewpoints outside town, nice for hikes.
  • Gold Rush Cemetery - Small hilltop cemetery with interpretive plaques and panoramic views over Skagway harbor.
  • Red Onion Saloon - Historic saloon with preserved décor, live music, and Gold Rush-era atmosphere.
Day Trips
  • Haines (ferry) - Ferry trip across Lynn Canal to Haines, with wildlife viewing and native culture.
  • Juneau - Alaskan capital reachable by ferry or plane, offering glaciers, museums, and restaurants.

Best Time to Visit Skagway #

Visit Skagway in late spring through summer for the easiest access to glaciers, long daylight, and boat excursions. Winters are cold and quiet, with many tourist services reduced or closed.

Summer
June - August · 8-15°C (46-59°F)
Mild, long‑day weather perfect for hikes and fjord cruises; peak tourist activity in July, with fog and light rain common.
Spring / Autumn
April - May & September - October · 0-8°C (32-46°F)
Cool, changeable weather with fewer tourists; some services closed and roads can be wet or icy, but scenery is dramatic.
Winter
November - March · -8-0°C (18-32°F)
Short daylight, cold with snow; many tourist businesses close, but northern lights and quiet mountain scenes reward the hardy visitor.

Best Time to Visit Skagway #

Climate

Skagway's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1069 mm/year), wettest in October.

Air Quality: AQI 20 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
21°
Warmest Month
-41°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-8° – -3°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.7h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

33 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6° – 0°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.0h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

0°
Feels Like Freezing
0°C
Temperature
-4° – 3°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

4°
Feels Like Cold
4°C
Temperature
0° – 9°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.3h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

9°
Feels Like Cold
9°C
Temperature
4° – 13°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
16.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

68 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
8° – 17°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
18.2h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

68 Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
9° – 19°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
17.5h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
9° – 18°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
15.3h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

9°
Feels Like Cold
9°C
Temperature
5° – 13°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (183 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

34 Poor

Comfort

5°
Feels Like Cold
5°C
Temperature
2° – 8°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

183 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
10.0h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

27 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3° – 2°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.4h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

29 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6° – -1°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.9h daylight

How to Get to Skagway

Skagway is most commonly reached by cruise ship, ferry, small plane or the White Pass heritage railway; commercial jet service is extremely limited. The town's small Skagway Airport (SGY) handles air-taxi/floatplane services while nearby Juneau and Whitehorse act as larger gateways for onward connections.

By Air

Skagway Airport (SGY): Small regional airfield with floatplane and air-taxi connections to Juneau and Whitehorse; flights are short (typically 20-40 minutes). Expect charter/air-taxi fares commonly in the range of USD 125-300 one-way depending on operator and season.

Juneau International (JNU): Juneau is a common gateway for visitors who then take a small plane or ferry to Skagway. Floatplane or air-taxi transfers take about 20-40 minutes; cruises/ferries take much longer (see Train & Bus card). Shuttle/car transfers are not possible across the water-air taxi or ferry are the practical links.

By Train & Bus

Train (White Pass & Yukon Route): The White Pass & Yukon Route heritage railway runs from the Skagway waterfront into the White Pass area (seasonal, primarily sightseeing; round-trip excursions vary by length). Tickets are sold per trip and excursion prices depend on route and operator; journeys on the short mountain section take 1-3 hours.

Bus / Ferry (Alaska Marine Highway & road shuttles): Alaska Marine Highway runs seasonal ferry service to Skagway from other Southeast Alaska ports; crossings take several hours (varying by route) and fares depend on vessel, passenger vs vehicle. On-land access is by road from Haines and via Canada (Alaska Highway/Whitehorse) - services and times vary widely by season.

How to Get Around Skagway #

Skagway is very walkable: the downtown Broadway corridor and historic sites are easy to cover on foot. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship and explore the town on foot; bring layers and sturdy shoes for uneven boardwalks and gravel. For longer trips, small taxis and shuttle services connect to the airport, train station and nearby trailheads. Rental cars are available but often unnecessary during the cruise season; short taxi or shuttle rides are typically modest (single-digit to low double-digit USD).

Where to Stay in Skagway #

Budget
Downtown Skagway - $80-220/night
Hostels and small inns offer the cheapest stays near the cruise-ship terminal. Summer fills quickly; shoulder season gives the best rates and quieter streets.
Mid-Range
Broadway/Waterfront - $160-320/night
A handful of comfortable inns and small hotels line Broadway and the waterfront. Expect historic character, practical amenities, and seasonal availability.
Luxury
Harbor District - $300+/night
Luxury options are limited but offer upgraded rooms and private tours. Peak season prices rise; book well ahead for Harborside views and guided activities.

Where to Eat in Skagway #

Alaskan & Seafood
Skagway mixes historic saloons and seafood-focused pubs. Expect fresh, simple Alaskan seafood, crustaceans and local beers in lively, compact venues.
  • Red Onion Saloon - Historic saloon with hearty Alaskan fare
  • Skagway Brewing Company - Local brews and pub-style seafood plates
  • Skagway fish vendors & shops - Seasonal fresh-catch options to-go
Casual & Bakeries
Small cafés and bakeries are town staples - great for breakfast, pastries and quick, warming meals before heading outdoors.
  • Blue Loon Bakery & Cafe - Fresh breads, pastries and breakfast sandwiches
  • Local coffee shops - Warm cafés ideal for a cold morning
  • Seasonal food stands - Summer stalls selling tacos and snacks

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Skagway's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza
Seafood
Thai
Salad
Burger
Indian
Brewery

Nightlife in Skagway #

Nightlife in Skagway is concentrated in a few historic bars and seasonal venues; evenings are busiest when cruise ships are in port. Live music and local brews pop up at places like the Red Onion Saloon and the small brewery, but options are limited after the cruise season ends. If you want late-night activity, check posted schedules - many events and performances run only in summer.

Shopping in Skagway #

Downtown Skagway is a compact strip of souvenir shops, outdoor outfitters and historic-themed gift stores, mostly clustered along Broadway. The National Park visitor center offers books and regionally themed items, and small independent stores sell Alaska crafts and fur goods. Expect seasonal hours (summer peak) and small, locally run shops rather than large malls.

Nearby Cities #

Haines
26 km away
Juneau, Alaska
Juneau, Alaska
138 km away