Last updated: February 24, 2025
December in Anchorage, United States, is characterized by its cool, crisp winter air and significant humidity, reaching 98%. Average temperatures hover around a chilly -4°C (25°F), with maximum highs of 7°C (44°F) and plunging to lows of -21°C (-6°F). The month is marked by 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation spread over 16 days, resulting in a wintry mix that blankets the city. This combination of cold temperatures and moisture creates a landscape that’s both enchanting and brisk, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the beauty of Anchorage's December weather.
In December, Anchorage experiences the chill of winter in full force, with temperatures reaching a minimum of -21°C (-6°F), hovering around an average of -4°C (25°F), and peaking at a maximum of 7°C (44°F). This month marks a notable drop from the milder late fall temperatures, particularly when compared to the slightly warmer November. The trend indicates a steady decline as winter's grip tightens, with December showcasing some of the coldest conditions of the year. As daylight shortens and snow blankets the landscape, Anchorage transforms into a winter wonderland, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to embrace the beauty of its frosty charm.
In December, Anchorage experiences a notable increase in precipitation, with 99 mm (3.9 inches) recorded over 16 days of rainfall. This uptick follows a pattern of progressively heavier rainfall as the year draws to a close, particularly evident when compared to the preceding months. Notably, October leads the month with the highest precipitation at 129 mm, but December maintains a substantial amount, contributing to the overall wet winter season. The trend reveals that as temperatures drop and snow starts to mix in, precipitation frequency remains high, setting the stage for a white Alaskan winter, even as the city transitions to a drier climate in the spring months.
In December, Anchorage experiences a notable increase in humidity, reaching 98%, which is consistent with the city's generally high moisture levels during the winter months. This peak follows a trend evident throughout the year, where humidity remains consistently high from January to May, dipping slightly in March before escalating through the summer. June starts a humid surge that peaks in the sweltering months of July and August, before gradually decreasing again in the fall. By December, as the cold settles in, Anchorage's humidity remains strikingly high, reflecting the region's maritime climate and creating a pervasive chill that envelops the city as the year draws to a close.
In December, Anchorage experiences a low UV Index of 1, identical to the preceding months of November and January, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. The burn time remains at 45 minutes, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor activities without excessive concern for skin damage. This trend of consistently low UV levels during the winter months underscores the importance of seasonal variations in UV exposure. As daylight decreases and temperatures drop, Anchorage residents can take comfort in knowing that their UV exposure is at a manageable level. For more detailed information on Anchorage's UV Index throughout the year, visit Anchorage UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Anchorage, December ushers in a notable decline in sunshine, offering just 39 hours of daylight, a stark contrast to the 287 hours basked in during May. This decrease marks the culmination of shorter days that begin in the fall, with light levels steadily tapering off from November’s 94 hours. As winter settles in, the city shifts from the vibrant, sun-soaked months of summer to the quieter, darker days of December. The trend throughout the year highlights a gradual increase in daylight from January’s meager 56 hours to the summer peak, followed by a descending curve as the year winds down, illustrating Anchorage’s unique seasonal rhythm. While December may limit sunshine, it also fosters a cozy charm, inviting residents to embrace the warmth of indoors as they await the eventual return of brighter days.
In December, Anchorage experiences a mere 24% chance of sunny weather, a figure that reflects a consistent trend of lower sunlight as winter deepens. This month follows a slight uptick in sunny days experienced in November, which boasted a 36% likelihood, yet it remains one of the darker months of the year. As we look back at the preceding months, it's clear that while spring typically sees a promising rise in sunshine—reaching 50% in April—the descent into winter showcases an overall decline, with January hitting a low of 25%. Thus, those hoping for a sunny December should prepare for the typical overcast skies that often dominate Anchorage's winter landscape.
As the year winds down in Anchorage, United States, December brings a significant reduction in daylight, with only 5 hours to bask in the sun's glow. This decline is part of a remarkable trend as the year progresses from the sunniest June—boasting 19 hours of daylight—to the depths of winter. The months leading up to December see an incremental increase in sunlight, where January starts at 6 hours and gradually rises to 11 hours in March. However, after March, the trend shifts, and daylight begins to dwindle again, culminating in the short dark days of December. This cyclical pattern highlights Anchorage's unique relationship with sunlight throughout the seasons, where the long summer days starkly contrast the brief winter exposure.
As December arrives in Anchorage, the city experiences a slight uptick in wind speed, averaging 2.6 m/s (6 mph), which is a subtle shift from the preceding months. This marks the beginning of winter's embrace, just as the wind begins to whisper through the frosted pines. A trend emerges throughout the year: winter months like January and February tend to have the highest average wind speeds, whereas the summer heat sees winds tapering off, dropping to as low as 1.8 m/s (4 mph) in July and June. This seasonal rhythm reminds us of the dynamic nature of Alaskan weather, with winter's chill revitalizing the air and enhancing Anchorage's enchanting, snowy landscape.
The weather in Anchorage changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Anchorage and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January in Anchorage exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. December typically sees milder temperatures, with a minimum of -21°C (-6°F), an average of -4°C (25°F), and a maximum of 7°C (44°F). The precipitation is higher in December, totaling 99 mm over 16 days, accompanied by a very humid environment at 98%. In contrast, January experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) and an average of -7°C (19°F), although it shares the same maximum of 7°C (44°F) as December. Precipitation decreases significantly to 52 mm over just 10 days, with the humidity slightly lower at 95%. For more detailed insights, check out Anchorage weather in January.
In December, the weather is quite frigid, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) to a maximum of 7°C (44°F), resulting in an average of -4°C (25°F). Additionally, December experiences significant precipitation, with around 99 mm (3.9 in) spread over 16 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 98%.
In contrast, February offers slightly milder conditions, with temperatures fluctuating between -18°C (0°F) and a maximum of 5°C (42°F), leading to an average of -5°C (23°F). The month sees considerably less precipitation, totaling 52 mm (2.0 in) over 10 days, and the humidity remains somewhat high at 95%. For more detailed insights into February's conditions, check Anchorage weather in February.
December and March in Anchorage exhibit notable differences in weather. December often presents harsher conditions with average temperatures around -4°C (25°F), peaking at 7°C (44°F), and dropping as low as -21°C (-6°F). The month also sees substantial precipitation, totaling 99 mm (3.9 in) over 16 days, with humidity levels reaching a high of 98%. In contrast, March offers slightly milder temperatures, with an average of -3°C (27°F) and highs around 8°C (46°F), while lows dip to -17°C (2°F). Precipitation decreases significantly to 44 mm (1.7 in) over just 9 days, accompanied by a lower humidity level of 90%. For more details on March weather patterns, you can check Anchorage weather in March.
December and April exhibit stark contrasts in weather patterns. In December, temperatures often plummet to a minimum of -21°C (-6°F), with an average of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum reaching only 7°C (44°F). The month sees substantial precipitation, totaling 99 mm (3.9 in) over 16 days, with humidity levels lingering at a high 98%. In contrast, April brings a noticeable shift towards milder conditions, featuring minimum temperatures of -14°C (7°F) and an average of 3°C (37°F), peaking at 13°C (56°F). Rainfall drops significantly to 35 mm (1.4 in) across just 8 days, and humidity decreases to 82%. For more details on monthly conditions, check Anchorage weather in April.
December and May present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures plunge to a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) with an average of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 7°C (44°F). This cold month experiences significant precipitation of 99 mm (3.9 in) over 16 days, accompanied by high humidity at 98%. In contrast, May welcomes milder conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to an average of 8°C (48°F) and a maximum of 19°C (67°F). Precipitation decreases to 52 mm (2.1 in) over just 11 days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 85%. For more detailed insights, check out Anchorage weather in May.
In December, temperatures typically range from a frigid minimum of -21°C (-6°F) to a maximum of 7°C (44°F), with an average of -4°C (25°F). The month experiences significant precipitation of 99 mm (3.9 in) over 16 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 98%. In stark contrast, June offers a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a pleasant maximum of 25°C (78°F), averaging around 13°C (56°F). The precipitation in June is notably lower at 48 mm (1.9 in) over 12 days, with humidity slightly less at 95%. For more details on the weather during this vibrant summer month, you can check Anchorage weather in June.
December and July showcase striking contrasts in weather conditions. December temperatures often plunge to a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) and average around -4°C (25°F), while the maximum rarely exceeds 7°C (44°F). This month also experiences high humidity at 98% and substantial precipitation, with rain or snow occurring on 16 days for a total of 99 mm (3.9 in). In contrast, July is far warmer, featuring minimum temperatures of 10°C (50°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F), peaking at a comfortable 27°C (81°F). While July boasts slightly lower precipitation at 73 mm (2.9 in), it still sees rainfall across 12 days, maintaining a notable humidity level of 100%. For a detailed look at July's climatic patterns, check out Anchorage weather in July.
December and August exhibit strikingly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures plummet, with a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F), reaching a maximum of only 7°C (44°F). The month is marked by significant precipitation of 99 mm (3.9 in) spread over 16 days, accompanied by nearly 100% humidity, creating a frigid and damp atmosphere. Conversely, August showcases a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (44°F) to a comfortable average of 15°C (59°F), and a maximum of 23°C (74°F). Although precipitation is slightly higher at 112 mm (4.4 in) over 15 days, the warm summer days offer a stark contrast to the chill of December. For more details on August weather, visit Anchorage weather in August.
In comparing the weather between December and September, it’s clear that December is significantly colder, with average temperatures hovering around -4°C (25°F) and a minimum of -21°C (-6°F), while September enjoys milder conditions with average temperatures of 11°C (52°F) and a minimum of -1°C (31°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in September at 109 mm (4.3 in) over 17 days, compared to December's 99 mm (3.9 in) across 16 days. Additionally, both months experience high humidity, with December at 98% and September at 97%. For more detailed insights, check out Anchorage weather in September.
Comparing December and October weather reveals a significant drop in temperatures as winter sets in. In December, the average temperature dips to -4°C (25°F), with minimums plummeting to a frigid -21°C (-6°F), while October enjoys a milder average of 5°C (41°F) and maximums reaching 14°C (57°F). Additionally, December experiences higher humidity at 98%, compared to October's 93%. Precipitation is notable in both months, with October receiving 129 mm (5.1 in) over 17 days, whereas December sees slightly less at 99 mm (3.9 in) over 16 days. For a closer look at October's weather specifics, check out Anchorage weather in October.
In December, the weather remains quite cold, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) to a maximum of 7°C (44°F), similar to November, which has slightly milder averages of -20°C (-4°F) to 7°C (44°F). Both months experience significant precipitation, with December recording 99 mm (3.9 in) over 16 days, while November has slightly less at 87 mm (3.4 in) spread across 12 days. Humidity levels also increase slightly in December, reaching 98% compared to November's 97%. The overall winter chill and wet conditions persist, making both months quite similar in experience. For more details, check Anchorage weather in November.
December in Anchorage presents a unique and chilly characteristics distinct from other months. With a biting average temperature well below freezing, it's a time when the city is enveloped in frost and often blanketed in snow. The high humidity levels, peaking at a staggering 98%, add to the atmosphere, making the cold feel even more intense. Additionally, December experiences notable precipitation, contributing to the winter wonderland landscape. As the days grow shorter, the combination of cold temperatures and increased precipitation creates a stark contrast to the milder conditions found in the preceding months. For more details on how the weather shapes life in Anchorage, check out the comprehensive resource at Anchorage Climate.