Glacier · December
Glacier in December
December is one of the best times to visit Glacier — 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 3% 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
- —
- Avg low
- —
- Precipitation
- 9.3"
- Sunrise
- 7:21 AM
- Sunset
- 3:39 PM
- Daylight
- 8.3h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Flattop Mtn., MT US
What's open
Glacier in December: access
Glacier National Park is open 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. An entrance fee is required, even when entrance stations are not staffed. Instructions are available at each entrance for self-payment.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Information
Going-to-the-Sun Road is Open for 2026 Season
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open for the 2026 summer season. The road may now be accessed by motorized vehicles over Logan Pass from both the West Glacier and St. Mary Entrances.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Many Glacier Trail Closures
Some trails in Many Glacier remain closed due to recent flooding. Check the park's Trail Status page to see which trails are currently open.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Going-to-the-Sun Road is Open for 2026 Season
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open for the 2026 summer season. The road may now be accessed by motorized vehicles over Logan Pass from both the West Glacier and St. Mary Entrances.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Two Medicine North Shore Trailhead Reroute
In 2026, Two Medicine's North Shore Trailhead is not accessible due to construction in the Two Medicine Campground. A reroute has been established to access the North Shore Trail but does require a ford (unbridged water crossing). Directional signage is in place marking the reroute. Hikers may also access Twin Falls, Upper Two Medicine Lake, No Name Lake, and Dawson Pass without a ford, by using the South Shore Trail. Note: this adds approximately 1 mile of distance, one-way.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Many Glacier Trail Closures
Some trails in Many Glacier remain closed due to recent flooding. Check the park's Trail Status page to see which trails are currently open.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Glacier crowds across the year
FAQ
Glacier in December
How busy is Glacier in December?
December rates 1/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Glacier National Park — about 3% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 20,493.
What is the weather like at Glacier in December?
In December, Glacier averages a high of 0°F and a low of 0°F, with about 9.3 inches of precipitation.