Avg High
Anchorage in December
Verdict
In Anchorage, December has a distinct winter feel. As the season moves along, the air is cooling down. You can usually expect a cold month that feels variable day to day. Breezes can be part of the character, especially in exposed spots.
It suits travellers who want straightforward weather for sightseeing and day trips. Lookouts and coastal walks can feel sharper when the wind is up.
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight
6h
What to expect
- Temperature feel - Icy conditions with an even, steady feel across the day. It often feels a touch cooler in the shade.
- Showers & dry spells - Rainy conditions. Expect damp surfaces and slick paths. You’ll want a proper rain setup rather than a ‘just in case’.
- Sun & UV - Soft sunlight. Shade and sunscreen are optional rather than essential for most people. Shade breaks feel genuinely worthwhile.
- Skies - A lot of grey sky. Sun breaks can arrive suddenly, so keep sunglasses handy. It’s more about steady conditions than sparkling skies.
December in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Anchorage.
Hottest (avg)
#11 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#5 / 12
Daylight Hours
#12 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#1 / 12
Highest UV
#12 / 12
Most Humid
#1 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 5.6 hours
- UV index (max)
- 0
- Typical sun hours
- 10:06 – 15:43
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 17
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 83%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Anchorage?
Typical December days in Anchorage reach highs of -5°C (23°F) with nights around -10°C (14°F). It usually feels cold by day and very cold after dark. Overall, December sits in the middle of the Anchorage climate range.
What are temperatures like in December?
In December, you can usually expect highs of -5°C (23°F) and lows near -10°C (14°F). That means cold days and very cold nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in December?
Rainfall in December averages 88 mm (3.5 in) across roughly 17 days. Overall it is a very wet time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in December?
You can expect about 6 hours of daylight in December. Sunrise is typically around 10:06 and sunset near 15:43. Daylight is quite limited, and it can feel like a short-day season.
How strong is the sun in December?
UV levels are usually low (around 0), so standard sun protection is enough.
Is it windy in December?
In December, average wind speeds are around 7 km/h (4 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 45 km/h (28 mph). On the ground, it is it often feels breezy, especially in more exposed spots or along the coast.