What December feels like in Anchorage
For Anchorage, December is early winter on the calendar. Afternoons stay around freezing — the sort of cold that makes long outdoor stretches hard work. Little changes after sunset — nights drop well below freezing, only slightly below the daytime level. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Anchorage in December
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. A rainy day brings about 5.5 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. Across the year Anchorage averages about 6.1 mm per rainy day, so December is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 10:08 am and sets around 3:41 pm local time, giving 5 h 33 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 1 h 49 min. About 31% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are often cloudy.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 2nd coolest month of the year in Anchorage. Compared with November, afternoons are 2.3°C (4.1°F) cooler, with 2 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. By January, typical highs are -6.4°C (20.5°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Anchorage in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Anchorage in December?
Expect around -5.3°C (22.5°F) in the afternoon and -10°C (14°F) at night, which most visitors would call freezing.
Does it rain a lot in Anchorage in December?
It does: about 14 rainy days bring roughly 77 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Anchorage in December?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Anchorage?
January scores better on our climate ranking (#11 of 12 vs #12), rated Poor against Poor. January is cooler and has fewer rainy days.