Alaska (Seward) · December
Low seasonUSA · North America
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 0° (32°)-12– (10–)6 (43) | 1° (34°)-9– (16–)6 (43) | 3° (37°)-6– (21–)8 (46) | 7° (45°)2– (36–)14 (57) | 12° (54°)6– (43–)19 (66) | 15° (59°)10– (50–)23 (73) | 17° (63°)11– (52–)24 (75) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)23 (73) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)19 (66) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)13 (55) | 2° (36°)-7– (19–)8 (46) | 1° (34°)-9– (16–)7 (45) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -5° (23°)-16– (3–)1 (34) | -4° (25°)-13– (9–)1 (34) | -3° (27°)-13– (9–)1 (34) | 1° (34°)-6– (21–)4 (39) | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)8 (46) | 8° (46°)3– (37–)11 (52) | 11° (52°)6– (43–)14 (57) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)13 (55) | 7° (45°)1– (34–)10 (50) | 3° (37°)-4– (25–)8 (46) | -3° (27°)-11– (12–)3 (37) | -4° (25°)-14– (7–)2 (36) |
☀️Sunshine | 1h UV 1 | 4h UV 2 | 7h UV 4 | 9h UV 6 | 10h UV 7 | 10h UV 7 | 9h UV 6 | 7h UV 5 | 5h UV 4 | 4h UV 2 | 2h UV 1 | 1h UV 0 |
🌊Water Temp | 6° (43°) | 5° (41°) | 5° (41°) | 5° (41°) | 7° (45°) | 11° (52°) | 13° (55°) | 14° (57°) | 13° (55°) | 10° (50°) | 8° (46°) | 7° (45°) |
🌧Rain Days | 10d141mm (5.5") | 8d106mm (4.2") | 7d79mm (3.1") | 9d82mm (3.2") | 8d76mm (3.0") | 7d52mm (2.1") | 8d89mm (3.5") | 13d148mm (5.8") | 14d229mm (9.0") | 13d224mm (8.8") | 10d152mm (6.0") | 10d161mm (6.3") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Deep off-season — very low prices, but weather conditions are suboptimal.
December is the coldest winter month in Alaska (Seward) — with highs of only 1°C (34°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in May, June, July, August, and September.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 1°C (34°F) during the day and drop to -4°C (25°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 7°C (45°F), the coldest nights around -14°C (7°F) — frost does occur. With 1 sunshine hour per day and 10 rain days (161 mm (6.3 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 7°C (45°F), the water is still quite cool in December — a wetsuit may be useful.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
Resurrection Bay in winter: short days, snow on the slopes, a steel-grey sea. The boats stay in harbour, the town belongs to the locals, and Exit Glacier can only be reached on foot, on skis or on snowshoes. Those who want quiet will find it here.
Packing list for Alaska (Seward) in December
- Winter coat
- Thermal clothing and warm layers
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Warm, waterproof shoes
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit Alaska (Seward)?
- No — December is not among the recommended months for Alaska (Seward) (Score: 10/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider May, June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Alaska (Seward) in December?
- In December, Alaska (Seward) sees daily highs of 1°C (34°F). Nights cool to -4°C (25°F), with a daily average of -2°C (28°F). Peaks reach around 7°C (45°F), the coldest nights around -14°C (7°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Alaska (Seward) in December?
- In December, Alaska (Seward) receives an average of 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain over 10 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Alaska (Seward) get in December?
- Alaska (Seward) averages 1 sunshine hour per day in December — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Alaska (Seward) in December?
- Water temperature in Alaska (Seward) in December averages 7°C (45°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
