Denali · December
Denali in December
December is one of the best times to visit Denali — about as busy as November, about as busy as January.
Expect light crowds (1/10), highs near 15°F, about 4.6 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 2% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
December draws about 1% of Denali’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- 15°F
- Avg low
- -6°F
- Precipitation
- 1.2"
- Sunrise
- 9:40 AM
- Sunset
- 2:18 PM
- Daylight
- 4.6h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, DENALI 27 N, AK US
What's open
Denali in December: access
Denali is open 24-hours a day, although services are limited after-hours (generally after 4 pm in winter or 6 pm in summer). There is no gate at the park entrance. Please note that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds (with a valid reservation) or in the rest of the park with a free backpacking permit.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Information
Road Open To: Mile 13 (Mountain Vista)
The Denali Park Road is open to Mile 13, Mountain Vista. Be prepared for winter driving conditions to reach Mile 13.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
No additional active alerts or warnings reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Denali crowds across the year
FAQ
Denali in December
How busy is Denali in December?
December rates 1/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Denali National Park & Preserve — about 2% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 2,581.
What is the weather like at Denali in December?
In December, Denali averages a high of 15°F and a low of -6°F, with about 1.2 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Denali?
Entrance to Denali costs $15 (Denali charges an entrance fee year-round. Youth age 15 or younger are free. For people age 16 or older, the $15 entrance fee provides a 7-day entrance permit. Be prepared to show your receipt or pass (digital or physical) if requested by park staff.).
When is Denali least crowded?
Denali is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Denali get in December?
In mid-December, Denali gets about 4.6 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 9:40 AM and sunset around 2:18 PM.