Glacier Bay · December
Glacier Bay in December
December is one of the best times to visit Glacier Bay — about as busy as November, about as busy as January.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 0% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- 33°F
- Avg low
- 27°F
- Precipitation
- 8.9"
- Sunrise
- 8:54 AM
- Sunset
- 3:11 PM
- Daylight
- 6.3h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, GLACIER BAY, AK US
What's open
Glacier Bay in December: access
There are no entrance gates at Glacier Bay National Park, so we are technically open 24-hours a day; however, services may be extremely limited depending on the time of your visit. The main visitor season is from late-May through early-September with the peak being the month of July. Check the VISITOR CENTERS tab below to see hours for specific facilities, and read the exceptions that detail seasonal changes in hours.
No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Upcoming Power Outages in Bartlett Cove
Attention visitors, residents, and workers in Bartlett Cove and the Glacier Bay Park Headquarters area: Be aware of upcoming power outages related to local maintenance work. All lasting from approx. 9 am - 1 pm: Saturday, 5/23 - An outage will occur park-wide (all of Bartlett Cove local area). Sunday 5/24 - Outage at the park generator building, including the Bartlett Cove fuel dock. Monday 5/25 - Outage at the park maintenance building. Thursday, 5/28 - Outage at the Glacier Bay lodge.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Glacier Bay crowds across the year
FAQ
Glacier Bay in December
How busy is Glacier Bay in December?
December rates 1/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — about 0% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 219.
What is the weather like at Glacier Bay in December?
In December, Glacier Bay averages a high of 33°F and a low of 27°F, with about 8.9 inches of precipitation.