Best Time to Visit Prince of Wales Island, Alaska

When to Go to Prince of Wales Island: A Seasonal Breakdown

If you're looking for rugged wilderness, untamed coastlines, and small-town charm wrapped in rainforest mist, Prince of Wales Island (POW) is where the wild things still roam. As the third-largest island in the U.S., POW is a haven for fishing, kayaking, bear watching, and off-the-grid adventures—with fewer tourists than almost anywhere in Alaska.

But with its rainforest climate and remote location, timing your visit is everything. Whether you're here to reel in a salmon, hike through old-growth forest, or explore coastal Native villages, this seasonal guide will help you find the best time to visit Prince of Wales Island.

Understanding Prince of Wales Island's Weather

POW has a cool maritime rainforest climate, similar to nearby Ketchikan and the Pacific Northwest.

• Summer (June–August): Mild, lush, and ideal for outdoor activities
• Fall (September–October): Rainy, colorful, and uncrowded
• Winter (November–March): Cold, wet, and remote—perfect for solitude seekers
• Spring (April–May): Greener, calmer, and full of wildlife activity

Temps range from 35°F (2°C) in winter to 65°F (18°C) in summer. It rains a lot year-round—so pack a good jacket and waterproof boots.

Summer (June to August): Peak Fishing, Wildlife & Outdoor Adventure

Weather and Conditions

• Temps: 55°F – 65°F (13°C – 18°C)
• Long daylight hours, occasional fog and light rain

Why Visit in Summer

• This is the best time for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and whale watching
• Wildlife is active, trails are clear, and lodges are open
• Ideal for travelers seeking Alaska’s wild, green, and remote beauty

Events and Highlights

• Salmon and halibut fishing charters from Craig, Klawock, and Hollis
• Whale watching off the coast and inside protected inlets
• Hike El Capitan Cave and the Kasaan Totem Historic District

Fall (September to October): Quiet, Wet & Beautifully Raw

Weather and Conditions

• Temps: 45°F – 55°F (7°C – 13°C)
• Frequent rain, shorter days, vibrant autumn colors

Why Visit in Fall

• Perfect for moody landscapes, local culture, and serious solitude
• Great time for hunters and late-season fishermen
• Less crowded, better chances for meaningful connections with locals

Events and Highlights

• Subsistence harvesting and local events in Native communities
• Spot bald eagles, sea lions, and bears preparing for winter
• Visit cultural sites in Hydaburg and Kasaan

Winter (November to March): Solitude, Storms & Quiet Reflection

Weather and Conditions

• Temps: 35°F – 45°F (2°C – 7°C)
• Short days, heavy rain, snow in higher elevations

Why Visit in Winter

• This is true off-grid travel—no crowds, no noise
• Best for writers, artists, photographers, or meditative travelers
• Explore empty roads, stormy coastlines, and coastal villages

Events and Highlights

• Local celebrations and winter fishing in small towns
• Watch sea otters play in quiet bays
• Enjoy downtime with locals in Craig, Thorne Bay, or Coffman Cove

Spring (April to May): New Life and Shoulder-Season Solitude

Weather and Conditions

• Temps: 45°F – 55°F (7°C – 13°C)
• Rain tapers off, greenery returns, wildlife reemerges

Why Visit in Spring

• Great time to spot bears, birds, and migrating whales
• Trails start to dry, fishing begins to pick up
• Shoulder season = great prices and more peace

Events and Highlights

• Whale migration through the Inside Passage
• Visit Sarkar Lake, Black Bear Trail, and the Thorne River
• Birds nesting in the forests and along the coast

Month-by-Month Quick Guide

January

Best for: Remote reflection
Top areas: Craig, Thorne Bay
Highlights: Winter storms, writing retreats, pure solitude

February

Best for: Budget travel and wildlife watching
Top areas: Central POW
Highlights: Secluded trails, stormy beaches, sea otters

March

Best for: Pre-spring solitude
Top areas: Forest Service cabins
Highlights: Snow in the hills, quiet coastal scenes

April

Best for: Wildlife viewing and early hiking
Top areas: Kasaan, El Capitan Forest
Highlights: Bears return, green returns, fewer bugs

May

Best for: Shoulder-season adventure
Top areas: Hollis ferry area, trails open
Highlights: Whales, birds, and quiet trailheads

June

Best for: Fishing and hiking
Top areas: Craig, Coffman Cove
Highlights: Salmon season, long daylight, great weather

July

Best for: Peak summer activities
Top areas: Everywhere!
Highlights: Whale watching, kayaking, local tours

August

Best for: Coastal exploration and festivals
Top areas: Hydaburg, Craig
Highlights: Local events, cultural sites, amazing sunsets

September

Best for: Hunting and fall color
Top areas: Interior forests
Highlights: Moose, eagles, berry season

October

Best for: Photography and local culture
Top areas: Southern POW
Highlights: Rainforests glow, fewer visitors

November

Best for: Remote peace
Top areas: Village areas
Highlights: Heavy rain, quiet cabins, introspective vibes

December

Best for: Wild winter escapes
Top areas: West coast of POW
Highlights: Coastal storms and hot drinks by the fire

Insider Tips for Visiting Prince of Wales Island

• Fly into Ketchikan and take the ferry or floatplane to reach POW
• Rent a vehicle in Craig or Hollis—many roads are gravel, so 4WD is ideal
• Pack waterproof everything—it rains over 100 inches per year
• Talk to locals—this island thrives on community and storytelling
• Visit Native cultural sites respectfully and learn their histories

Choosing the Best Time to Visit Prince of Wales Island

For active adventures and long days, summer is the best time to experience the full wild wonder of Prince of Wales Island. But if you’re looking for solitude, culture, and introspective travel, spring and fall are gold. Winter is for those who truly want to escape into nature’s raw silence.