Planning Your Trip to Sitka, Alaska

A visit to Sitka, Alaska, should definitely be on your travel bucket list. The state offers majestic views and a laid-back way of life that isn’t found in other parts of the United States.

I was lucky enough to live in Alaska for five years of my childhood when my dad was stationed at the Coast Guard base on Kodiak Island. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to various other places in the state, including Anchorage, Juneau, and Ketchikan. However, Sitka is one of my favorite spots in the Alaska!

You’ll find the small town of Sitka on Baranof Island. It was named New Archangel when it was the Russian capital of Alaska until 1867. Before the Russians arrived, the area was populated by the Tlingit people, and today you can see a mix of Russian and indigenous influences in Sitka's architecture, art, and culture.

The Best Time to Visit Sitka, Alaska

Just about everywhere in Alaska is at its most accessible in the summer months, with mid-July being the peak. Summer is when the weather is mostly mild, there are tons of daylight hours, and the best fishing days. The Sitka weather forecast is no exception to that rule.

Summer temperatures in Sitka run from the high 40s to the low 60s on average. The driest month tends to be June, but that definitely doesn’t mean you can leave the rain gear at home. June still has, on average, a 36% chance of rain every day. By the end of August, that moves up to a 53% chance of daily rain showers. The rainiest month is October with an average of 12 inches of rain!

The days of summer are long in Sitka, giving you nearly 18 hours worth of daylight. Sunrise is somewhere around 4 am, with sunset happening close to 10 pm or later!

All of that being said, Sitka, AK weather is one of the more even climates in the state, and the temperatures don’t actually fluctuate that much over the course of the year. Winter weather generally means lows in the 30s, and there is far more rain than snow pretty much all year long.

You will miss out on those gloriously long days if you choose to book a trip in the winter months, however. Average daylight in December drops down to just seven hours per day or less.

How to Get to (and Around) Sitka

Before you can enjoy the mountain views and crisp, fresh air on the island, you have to get there, right? There are two ways you can get to Sitka. You can fly or you can arrive on a boat.

Alaska Airlines flies to the Sitka airport daily, and there are also smaller planes that will make the hop from nearby cities and towns.

If you are arriving by sea, you have a few more options. From May to September, major cruise lines like Norwegian and Carnival make stops in Sitka’s harbor. Some of the smaller cruise lines also make the trek to the island during the cruising season.

Sitka is also part of the Alaska Marine Highway System, which means the ferry finds its way to Sitka’s port all year long. You can hop on the ferry from as far away as Bellingham, Washington, with or without your car!

If you aren’t interested in cruising on a big ship or spending time on the ferry, you can always charter a boat for a more personalized experience. But like all custom experiences, it will come with a “custom” price tag. If you have your own boat and would like to set sail for Sitka, you can contact the harbormaster at (907) 747-3439 to find moorage for your vessel.

Once you’ve arrived on Baranof Island, you will find that Sitka is quite easy to navigate on foot because the town is rather condensed. Nearly all of the main points of interest are within walking distance of each other, and during tourist season, it is easy to find a lift to the ones that aren’t. Many people opt for bicycle rentals to make their way around town, as Sitka is a very bike-friendly place.

There are also cabs, rental cars, and the occasional Uber driver to get you almost anywhere you want to go.

Where to Stay When Visiting Sitka

On my visit to Sitka, I was able to cheat on booking accommodations because my dad lived there. I spent the week sleeping on his boat, but obviously not everyone has that kind of travel trick up their sleeve! No need to worry, though; there are plenty of options when it comes to booking a room during your Alaskan vacation.

Those looking for a budget-friendly option may want to book a room at Super 8 by Wyndham, which offers a decent room near the Tongass National Forest. A continental breakfast is included with your room stay, and there is also free WiFi and a hot tub for beating the chill on those rainy days.

If you are a fan of Airbnb, you may want to check out the Sitka Rose guest suite. This one-bedroom rental puts you steps away from Crescent Harbor and is a great home base for strolling around town or visiting Sitka National Historical Park.

Of course, there is always the option of staying right in the middle of everything at the Sitka Hotel. In addition to the convenience of being nestled among all the shops and activities, you also get mountain views, a bar area, and a fine dining restaurant at your fingertips. The hotel offers concierge services and a shuttle to the airport or ferry.

What to Pack When Traveling to Sitka, Alaska

When traveling to Alaska, the best thing to do is to bring layers. The weather can definitely fluctuate. Besides, 60º may feel warm when the sun is shining, but it can feel quite chilly on a cloudy day or while out on the water.

So that means you need to fill your bag with a couple of long-sleeved tees, a hoodie or two, and maybe even a pair of thermals. If you are traveling in the winter months, add in a few heavier items, make the thermals a definite, and be sure to pack thick wool socks. There is not really a need to bring along anything fancy. Alaska is a unique place, and no one seems to turn their nose up at you, even if you are eating in a higher-end restaurant in your Carharts and flannel (or your LBD and heels!) Things just move a little differently than they do in the ‘Lower 48’.

A few essentials for your bag, no matter the time of year, include a raincoat or rain poncho, a beanie to keep your head warm, and a sturdy pair of hiking shoes. I would also suggest a pair of sunglasses, and if you are traveling in the summer months, a sleeping mask. You may not appreciate that 4 a.m. sunrise blaring in your face.

Books to Get You in the Sitka Mood

If you are looking for a bit of reading to get you hyped for your Sitka trip, you may want to check out the Lonely Planet travel guide for Alaska. You can buy the whole thing, which comes in a hard copy and an e-book. However, if you only want the portion that talks about Sitka, you can grab a PDF version of the Juneau & Southeast chapter.

Another thing to consider is this book about Tlingit arts and culture, and if you have little ones, they may enjoy this picture book called Sitka Rose.

Now that you have all this Sitka information, you can get your trip planning started! If Alaska is on your travel bucket list, then you can’t go wrong with choosing Sitka as your destination in the Last Frontier.