Ketchikan in October

In October, Ketchikan averages 10°C (51°F) during the day and 6°C (43°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 23 days of the month see precipitation (372 mm total).

Off-peak

Conditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

It's peak hurricane season in Ketchikan during October. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.

10°C
Avg high
6°C
Avg low
23
Rain days
372 mm
Rainfall

How October compares to the rest of the year in Ketchikan

6th
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
11%
of yearly rainfall falls in October
10 h 31 min
daylight on the 15th

October is in the middle of the year for warmth in Ketchikan (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. October runs 5°C cooler than September (15°C) and cools 4°C in November (6°C).

October sunrise & sunset in Ketchikan

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:16 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:47 PM
Day length
10 h 31 min

Times shown for Ketchikan local time (America/Sitka), calculated for the 15th of October. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Ketchikan — October

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of October, in Ketchikan's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:16 AM – 6:56 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:56 AM – 7:56 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:07 PM – 6:07 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:07 PM – 6:47 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.
Aurora visibility
Fair
Aurora is possible from Ketchikan but requires a strong geomagnetic event (Kp 5+) plus clear skies — chase nights, don't count on them.

📅 When to book — Ketchikan in October

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on October's tier (Off-peak) and Ketchikan's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-6 weeks
Cheapest flights of the year. Last-minute deals are real if you can be flexible. ⚠ Peak hazard season — book flexible-change tickets and travel insurance with weather-disruption coverage.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-4 weeks
Last-minute bookings work fine. Some seasonal properties close — call ahead if it's a small boutique or beach resort.

Crowds & pricing — October in Ketchikan

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Ketchikan — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.

Why this tier: peak hazard season (1 active)

Sun & mosquito risk — October in Ketchikan

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
4.2
Moderate
Use SPF 15-30 for prolonged outdoor exposure; sunglasses recommended at peak hours.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Ketchikan in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 4°C / 39°F 0°C / 32°F 366 mm 23
February 4°C / 38°F -1°C / 30°F 251 mm 19
March 6°C / 43°F 0°C / 33°F 255 mm 21
April 9°C / 49°F 3°C / 38°F 281 mm 23
May 14°C / 58°F 8°C / 46°F 151 mm 19
June 16°C / 61°F 10°C / 50°F 174 mm 22
July 19°C / 65°F 13°C / 55°F 179 mm 22
August 18°C / 65°F 13°C / 55°F 283 mm 21
September 15°C / 59°F 10°C / 50°F 343 mm 22
October 10°C / 51°F 6°C / 43°F 372 mm 23
November 6°C / 43°F 2°C / 36°F 401 mm 25
December 3°C / 38°F -1°C / 31°F 333 mm 21

Other cities with similar October weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Ketchikan in October →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Ketchikan in October?

In October, Ketchikan averages a high of 10°C (51°F) and a low of 6°C (43°F) — generally cool.

Does it rain a lot in Ketchikan in October?

October is quite rainy in Ketchikan, with about 23 rainy days on average.

Is October a good time to visit Ketchikan?

October is cool but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Ketchikan in October?

Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full October packing list for Ketchikan for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Ketchikan on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.