Don’t let the rain keep you indoors — Sitka shines in any weather. This guide shares five unforgettable rainy day activities, from visiting eagles at the Raptor Center to watching whales and glowing plankton in the locally filmed Sitka’s Hidden Wonders. Learn how to embrace the weather and experience the wonder that lives in every drop.
Sitka Sound at sunset with Mt. Edgecumbe reflected in still water. Photographed in late August.
From Ben
Our wildlife tours are designed to connect you with the incredible wonders of Sitka, Alaska. We have half day and full day boat tours, an award winning wildlife film experience and multi-day private trips for those seeking deep connection. We can't wait to meet you and hope you pack your sense of wonder!
Rain is part of the rhythm of life in Sitka. Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and a temperate rainforest, this island town sees over 200 days of precipitation each year. That might sound daunting to visitors hoping for clear skies, but ask any local — the rain isn’t something to avoid. It’s something to embrace.
From mist-filled trails to the hush of rain on rooftops, Sitka in the rain reveals a slower, softer kind of wonder. And for those wondering what to do when the weather turns wet, there are plenty of memorable ways to experience this place. Here are five of the best rainy day activities in Sitka, including one that takes you deep into the wild without ever getting wet.
If you're searching for the best thing to do on a rainy day in Sitka, start with something uniquely local: Sitka's Hidden Wonders. This 40-minute wildlife film was shot right here in Sitka Sound and features incredible footage you won't see on any tour — bubble-net feeding whales, glowing plankton, puffins nesting on volcanic cliffs, bears and more!
Filmed over years by Emmy-winning filmmaker Ben Hamilton, this immersive experience is the perfect way to explore the wild side of Sitka from the comfort of a cozy auditorium.
Reserve your tickets here.
Sitka is a hub of marine research, and the Sitka Sound Science Center is a perfect place to explore the science behind the beauty. On a rainy day, step inside this working hatchery and research facility and learn how local scientists are studying salmon, plankton, and coastal ecosystems.
You can even touch sea stars, anemones, and other marine life in the touch tanks — a favorite for kids and curious adults alike.
Learn more about the science center here.
For something truly memorable, spend an afternoon with the Alaska Storytellers Group. Located indoors and steeped in culture, this live performance brings the Tlingit and Russian history of the region to life through song, dance, and storytelling.
It’s a moving way to connect with Sitka’s deeper roots — and stay dry while doing it. You’ll walk away with more than just a fun memory. You’ll walk away with perspective.
Good to know: Performances are seasonal, so check local listings when you arrive here.
The rain doesn't stop Sitka's birds of prey, and it shouldn't stop you either. The Alaska Raptor Center is one of the top-rated rainy day activities in Sitka, giving visitors an up-close look at eagles, owls, hawks, and more.
Most of the center is covered, and the main flight training facility allows you to see rescued birds stretching their wings as they prepare for release. There’s a quiet, almost reverent beauty to seeing these creatures up close while the rainforest soaks just beyond the trees.
Learn more about their tickets and hours here:
Yes, it rains. But that's what makes Sitka's forests so lush.
If you have a good rainjacket and a sense of adventure, one of the most rewarding things to do on a rainy day in Sitka is to go for a walk. Try the Indian River Trail or Totem Park, where raindrops bead on mossy branches and the scent of cedar fills the air.
This is where Sitka's soul lives — and getting out in the rain is just part of life here!
Pro tip: Waterproof shoes, a hood, and a warm drink waiting afterward make all the difference.
Rain isn’t a reason to stay in. It’s a reason to explore differently. Pack your sense of wonder — and let Sitka show you something unforgettable, no matter the forecast.
For more ideas beyond the rain, check out our guide to the Top 10 Things to Do in Sitka.
And when you're ready to see Sitka's wildest side, get your ticket to Sitka's Hidden Wonders here.
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