The islands are almost all mountainous or hilly. The inland waterways are fairly well protected from the open Pacific, but winter storms can make even these sheltered waters rough. The islands tend to be heavily forested, with mountains rising to alpine vegetation or glaciers on the mainland. Weather Southeast Alaska weather is well known for its dampness. However, in the eyes of many, that moistness is just part of its charm.
Summers are mild and cool and typically overcast with drizzle.
There are almost always stretches of dry, relatively warm weather during the summer months.