PHOTO: PSG BOROUGH
Weather & Geography
The Magic of Maritime Climate
Rain Creates Our Paradise
Petersburg's 110 inches of annual rainfall isn't just weather—it's the foundation of one of Earth's most spectacular ecosystems. Like the lush Olympic Peninsula in Washington, our generous precipitation feeds the temperate rainforest, nourishes prolific salmon runs, and maintains the stunning Stikine Icefield. Every raindrop contributes to the natural paradise that surrounds us.
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Sunshine Rewards
Don't pack only rain gear! Petersburg rewards visitors with beautiful stretches of sunshine that can persist for weeks at a time, both summer and winter. These clear periods transform our landscape with snow-capped peaks reflecting in calm waters and eagles soaring against brilliant blue skies.
FOUR SEASONS OF WONDER
SPRING
Mild temperatures and longer daylight hours as nature awakens, with eagles arriving for spring fish runs and wildflowers beginning to bloom. The perfect time for wildlife viewing as animals emerge from winter and migratory birds return to Southeast Alaska
SUMMER
Comfortable highs around 60°F with up to 18 hours of daylight—perfect for extended adventures. Prime season for hiking, fishing, whale watching, and exploring wilderness areas when all trails and waterways are accessible
FALL
October through December brings about half our annual rainfall, creating dramatic, misty landscapes. Excellent for storm watching, cozy indoor activities, and experiencing the raw beauty of Southeast Alaska weather
WINTER
Crisp temperatures averaging 20°F (occasionally dipping to zero) with 6 hours of daylight and snow ranging from light dustings to three feet of winter beauty. Ideal for Northern Lights viewing, winter photography, and experiencing the peaceful solitude of Alaska's quiet season
PHOTO: DORIS OLSEN
Our Island Paradise
STRATEGIC SOUTHEAST ALASKA LOCATION
Petersburg sits at the geographic heart of Southeast Alaska's Alexander Archipelago, perfectly positioned 100 miles north of Ketchikan and 120 miles south of Juneau. This central location makes us an ideal basecamp for exploring the entire Inside Passage.
MITKOF ISLAND
Our Home Our wedge-shaped island stretches 24 miles long and 15 miles wide, encompassing 200 square miles of Southeast Alaska wilderness. Rising from sea level to Crystal Mountain's 3,317-foot summit, Mitkof Island offers every ecosystem from tidal pools to alpine meadows, with peaks around 2,500 feet creating a dramatic skyline.
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TEMPERATE RAINFOREST WONDERLAND
Step into one of the world's most pristine ecosystems, where ancient Sitka spruce and Western hemlock create cathedral-like forests. Wander through unique muskeg-spongy, mossy bogs that remain perpetually moist-and discover why this landscape has inspired artists, writers, and adventurers for generations.
PHOTO: PSG BOROUGH
Dramatic Neighbors
THE MIGHTY COASTAL RANGE
Just across Frederick Sound, the rugged Alaska Coast Range dominates the eastern horizon with spectacular fjords, massive ice fields, and breathtaking tidewater glaciers. On clear days, the iconic Devil's Thumb pierces the sky at 9,000 feet-a dramatic landmark visible from throughout Petersburg.
THE FAMOUS WRANGELL NARROWS
Our island is separated from neighboring Kupreanof Island by the legendary Wrangell Narrows-20 miles of narrow, winding waterway that's barely wide enough for Alaska State ferries. This scenic passage features 65 lighted navigational markers, especially through the Green Rocks area where small islands create a maze-like channel.
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WILDLIFE PARADISE
These fertile waters support vigorous salmon runs that have sustained communities for thousands of years, harbor massive halibut in their depths, and serve as primary summer feeding grounds for hundreds of humpback whales. Every day brings opportunities to witness this marine abundance.
PHOTO: WILD IRIS PHOTOGRAPHY
Waters of Abundance
Frederick Sound - Our Marine Highway Where the Wrangell Narrows meets Frederick Sound at Petersburg's northern tip, this nutrient-rich waterway extends northwest, connecting Stephens Passage and Chatham Strait to create Southeast Alaska's marine superhighway.
These fertile waters support vigorous salmon runs that have sustained communities for thousands of years, harbor massive halibut in their depths, and serve as primary summer feeding grounds for hundreds of humpback whales. Every day brings opportunities to witness this marine abundance. ​
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PHOTO: TROY LARSON
WILDERNESS GATEWAYS
Petersburg serves as the gateway to magnificent wilderness areas that showcase Southeast Alaska's diverse landscapes:
• Stikine River Wilderness - Experience North America's fastest-flowing navigable river as it winds through 448,841 acres of the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness. This mighty river stretches 400 miles from its headwaters in Canada, creating a spectacular 17-mile-wide braided delta and offering incredible wildlife viewing opportunities
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• Leconte Glacier - Just 25 miles from Petersburg lies the Northern Hemisphere's southernmost tidewater glacier, famous for its spectacular "shooter" icebergs that calve underwater and burst dramatically to the surface. Harbor seals raise their pups on floating ice while eagles soar overhead
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• Petersburg Creek Wilderness - Located on nearby Kupreanof Island, this 46,849-acre wilderness protects temperate rainforests and glacier-carved valleys. Petersburg Creek flows through a U-shaped valley from 3,577-foot peaks down to sea-level grass flats, offering excellent salmon and trout fishing
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• Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness - This unique tidally-influenced salt marsh provides exceptional habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds. Accessible only during high slack tide, it offers tranquil wilderness experiences and serves as a gateway to remote USDA Forest Service cabins
PHOTO: TROY LARSON
Tongass National Forest
The World's Largest Temperate Rainforest
Petersburg sits within the magnificent Tongass National Forest, America's largest national forest encompassing 16.7 million acres of pristine wilderness. This vast temperate rainforest features ancient Sitka spruce, Western hemlock, red cedar, and yellow cedar creating towering canopies, alongside diverse deciduous trees including alder, willow, and cottonwood. An abundance of perennial shrubs, berry bushes, and wildflowers create a rich understory that provides food for wildlife and foraging opportunities for visitors.
The Tongass provides the backdrop for virtually every outdoor activity Petersburg offers, from Forest Service cabins dotting remote lakes to countless miles of hiking trails winding through old-growth forests. The US Forest Service partners with the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce in operating our visitor center, ensuring visitors receive expert guidance for exploring this wilderness. Whether you're seeking solitude among ancient trees, world-class fishing in pristine streams, or wildlife viewing in untouched habitats, the Tongass offers limitless opportunities.
For comprehensive information visit the US Forest Service Tongass​ website.
PHOTO: TROY LARSON
The Petersburg Advantage
Protected by Natural Design The winding, narrow Wrangell Narrows leading to Petersburg are too shallow and narrow for large cruise ships to navigate. This natural barrier means Petersburg remains free from the massive crowds that descend on other Alaska ports, preserving our authentic character.
Surrounded by protected waters, towering peaks, and pristine wilderness, Petersburg offers the rare combination of accessibility and adventure. You're never more than minutes away from world-class fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, or simply finding a quiet spot to absorb the magnificent scenery.
Our maritime climate creates the perfect balance-enough rain to sustain an incredible ecosystem, enough sunshine to enjoy it, and enough seasonal variation to keep life interesting. Whether you"re here for summer's endless daylight adventures or winter's Northern Lights, Petersburg's weather and geography provide the ideal setting for authentic Alaska experiences.
PHOTO: TROY LARSON
Come experience the weather and geography that makes Petersburg a true Southeast Alaska gem. Where every season brings new wonders and every day offers a front-row seat to nature's greatest show.