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Alaska Weather in December

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Alaska, the United States of America in December.

Considering a trip to Alaska, the United States of America this December and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Alaska in December

Alaska, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. Alaska, the United States of America offers a broad spectrum of weather patterns. In December, one might encounter temperatures that range from very cold to cold, and precipitation levels ranging from low to heavy. It's the height of winter.

Temperatures

During the day temperatures vary from very cold in Point Barrow at -18°C (0°F) to cold in Ketchikan at 5°C (41°F). At night it cools down to 1°C (34°F) in Ketchikan and -23°C (-9°F) in Point Barrow. In numerous regions in the United States of America, December is marked by its cold weather conditions. If you're heading to these areas during this month, it's vital to be well-prepared. Dressing in layered and insulated outfits will ensure you stay warm.

For a closer look at conditions across Alaska, the United States of America, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From low snowfall in Point Barrow with an average of 17 mm (0.7 in) to heavy snowfall in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve with 514 mm (20 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine tends to be more scarce in many locations. Anchorage gets roughly 55 hours of sunlight. For sunnier alternatives, check our weather planner to find destinations with better conditions.

Explore Alaska by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Alaska - and find the best time to visit. (based on Anchorage)

Best Places to Visit in Alaska in December

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Alaska.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Alaska

What is the weather like in December for some of the most popular destinations in Alaska, the United States of America?

Temperature range in Alaska (December)

Precipitation variation in Alaska (December)

Anchorage

In December Anchorage generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -3°C (27°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -9°C (16°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-3°C (27°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Min temperature
-6°C (21°F)
-9°C (16°F)
-10°C (14°F)
Monthly sun hours
83 hours
55 hours
85 hours
Monthly snowfall
78 mm (3.1 in)
90 mm (3.5 in)
63 mm (2.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
11 days
8 days
Weather conditions

Fairbanks

In December Fairbanks generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -13°C (9°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -21°C (-6°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
-9°C (16°F)
-13°C (9°F)
-15°C (5°F)
Min temperature
-17°C (1°F)
-21°C (-6°F)
-23°C (-9°F)
Monthly sun hours
71 hours
38 hours
56 hours
Monthly snowfall
22 mm (0.9 in)
17 mm (0.7 in)
17 mm (0.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
9 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Juneau

In December Juneau generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -1°C (30°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and heavy monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
1°C (34°F)
-1°C (30°F)
-2°C (28°F)
Min temperature
-4°C (25°F)
-6°C (21°F)
-7°C (19°F)
Monthly sun hours
57 hours
43 hours
82 hours
Monthly snowfall
285 mm (11 in)
303 mm (12 in)
270 mm (11 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
19 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Kenai

In December Kenai generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -1°C (30°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
2°C (36°F)
-1°C (30°F)
-2°C (28°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-6°C (21°F)
-7°C (19°F)
Monthly snowfall
83 mm (3.3 in)
89 mm (3.5 in)
65 mm (2.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
13 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Soldotna

In December Soldotna generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -2°C (28°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
2°C (36°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-3°C (27°F)
Min temperature
-5°C (23°F)
-8°C (18°F)
-9°C (16°F)
Monthly snowfall
79 mm (3.1 in)
87 mm (3.4 in)
62 mm (2.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
13 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Alaska, in the United States of America.

Popular cities in December

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Alaska in December.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Anchorage -3°C (27°F) -9°C (16°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Fairbanks -13°C (9°F) -21°C (-6°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Juneau -1°C (30°F) -6°C (21°F) 303 mm (12 in)
Kenai -1°C (30°F) -6°C (21°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Soldotna -2°C (28°F) -8°C (18°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Ketchikan 5°C (41°F) 1°C (34°F) 369 mm (15 in)

Alaska weather in December: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Alaska, the United States of America in December?

December in Alaska, the United States of America brings less favorable weather. In Anchorage, daytime temperatures are typically around -3°C (27°F) and nighttime lows hover near -9°C (16°F).

What is the average temperature in Alaska, the United States of America in December?

Average temperatures in Alaska, the United States of America during December range from a nighttime low near -9°C (16°F) to a daytime high around -3°C (27°F) in Anchorage.

Does Alaska, the United States of America get a lot of snow in December?

Not particularly. Anchorage averages just 90 mm (3.5 in) of snow in December, making it a mostly dry month for Alaska, the United States of America.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Alaska, the United States of America?

In our view, December might not be the best time to travel to Alaska, the United States of America with often less favorable weather in Anchorage.

Generally speaking, July provides very good weather in Anchorage. On the other hand, the weather in January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December tend to be less favorable.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Alaska.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United States of America? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United States of America.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.