Last updated: February 24, 2025
In Girdwood, United States, December brings a chilly embrace as temperatures fluctuate from a maximum of 5°C (41°F) to a biting minimum of -24°C (-10°F), averaging around -6°C (21°F). This month is characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 268 mm (10.6 in) over approximately 23 days, creating a winter wonderland amidst the high humidity of 96%. With such conditions, Girdwood transforms into a picturesque scene, ideal for winter enthusiasts and those seeking to experience the beauty of the season's tranquil snowfall.
In Girdwood, United States, December ushers in the heart of winter with temperatures that paint a chilly landscape. The minimum temperature hovers around -24°C (-10°F), while the average temperature rests at a brisk -6°C (21°F), providing a stark contrast to the milder months preceding it. As the month progresses, residents and visitors alike can expect daytime highs peaking at around 5°C (41°F), making it one of the colder months of the year. This drop in temperature reflects a trend of steadily declining warmth from the more temperate conditions of October and November, setting the stage for a winter wonderland filled with snow and outdoor activities.
In December, Girdwood sees a substantial precipitation total of 268 mm (10.6 in), making it one of the wettest months of the year, second only to the remarkable 281 mm (11.1 in) recorded in October. This month is notably characterized by 23 days of precipitation, the highest of any month, indicating a persistent and often heavy distribution of rainfall. As autumn fades, December’s precipitation tends to be a mix of rain and snow, setting the stage for the winter season ahead. Interestingly, this surge in moisture contrasts with the drier spells in summer and early fall, emphasizing Girdwood's transition into its wetter, more dramatic winter climate. Overall, December stands out not only for its volume but also for the frequency of precipitation, showcasing the region's rich and diverse meteorological patterns.
December in Girdwood, United States, sees a humidity level of 96%, marking it as one of the more humid months of the year. As the region transitions from November, which averages at 95%, this slight increase indicates a trend of consistently high humidity during the colder months. From January through April, humidity remains elevated, peaking in July at an astonishing 102%—a testament to Girdwood's lush, maritime climate. The overall trend showcases a range of humidity fluctuations throughout the year, with the winter months staying near or above 90%, creating a unique atmosphere that supports the area's vibrant ecosystems and supports winter activities.
In Girdwood, Alaska, the December UV Index drops to 1, placing it in the low exposure category and allowing for a safe burn time of 45 minutes. This month's UV levels mirror those of January and November, creating a consistent pattern of low sun exposure as winter fully sets in. The trend of increasing UV exposure from March to July sharply contrasts with the gentle decline seen from August through December. Residents and visitors can enjoy ample outdoor activities without the immediate need for UV protection during these cooler months. For more insights, check out the detailed Girdwood UV Index.
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In Girdwood, December greets residents with a stark reduction in sunlight, offering only 39 hours of bright rays— a notable dip compared to the vibrant 277 hours enjoyed in May. This seasonal transition marks the culmination of the year, as daylight dwindles significantly from the summer months, which boast over 300 hours of sunshine in June and July. As the year progresses, sunshine retreats from a high of 263 hours in April to its winter low, inviting a serene yet dim atmosphere that defines December. This shift not only highlights the beauty of Girdwood’s winter landscape but also signals a time for cozy indoor activities as the community embraces the warmth of each other during the darkest days of the year.
December in Girdwood, United States, brings a modest 15% chance of sunny weather, a figure that reflects a notable trend seen throughout the year. As we transition from the earlier months, where the sun shines more frequently—peaking at 42% in April—the chance of clear skies generally dwindles during the fall and winter months. With the arrival of December, the likelihood of sunny days is slightly higher than in October and November, yet it still lags behind the sunnier days of late winter and early spring. This pattern underscores Girdwood’s wintry character, where cloud cover often dominates the landscape, leaving locals and visitors alike hopeful for bursts of sunshine amidst the chill.
In Girdwood, United States, December marks a notable low in daylight duration, with the sun gracing the skies for only 5 hours each day. This decrease is part of a broader trend as winter descends, following a steady increase in daylight from the depths of winter in January. As the year progresses towards the summer solstice in June, daylight hours peak at an impressive 19 hours, only to gradually decline again as autumn approaches. The contrast between the lush, long days of summer and the brisk, darker days of December highlights the region's dynamic seasonal shifts, reminding residents and visitors alike of the beautiful yet stark transformations that nature offers throughout the year.
As December unfolds in Girdwood, the average wind speed mirrors the gentle calm of winter, settling at a modest 1.3 m/s (3 mph). This reflects a subtle trend throughout the colder months, where winds gradually decrease from the somewhat breezy conditions of late spring and summer, peaking at 1.9 m/s in June. From there, a steady decline commences, reaching the year's lowest point in November at just 1.1 m/s (2 mph). December's return to a slightly higher wind speed hints at the approaching new year but still embraces the cozy stillness characteristic of Alaskan winters. The transition into winter, marked by these softer winds, invites both locals and visitors to savor the serene beauty of snow-covered landscapes.
The weather in Girdwood 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 Girdwood and find detailed weather information for every month.
The weather in December is generally milder than in January, with average temperatures ranging from -6°C (21°F) to a maximum of 5°C (41°F), while January sees lower temperatures, averaging -9°C (16°F) and peaking at just 2°C (36°F). December experiences more precipitation, with 268 mm (10.6 in) spread over 23 days, compared to January's 165 mm (6.5 in) over 13 days. Additionally, December has slightly higher humidity levels at 96%, versus January's 94%. For more detailed insights on the weather conditions in January, check out Girdwood weather in January.
In comparison to December, February experiences slightly colder temperatures, with average lows reaching -25°C (-13°F) and highs only peaking at 2°C (35°F). December, while still frigid, has a milder average minimum of -24°C (-10°F) and a maximum of 5°C (41°F). Additionally, February sees significantly less precipitation, totaling 115 mm (4.5 in) over 14 days, compared to December’s substantial 268 mm (10.6 in) spread across 23 days. While both months are characterized by high humidity levels, February's 93% is marginally lower than December’s 96%. For more detailed information, you can explore Girdwood weather in February.
In December, the weather is quite cold, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -24°C (-10°F) to a maximum of 5°C (41°F) and an average of -6°C (21°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 268 mm (10.6 in) over 23 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 96%. In contrast, March experiences slightly milder temperatures, with a range from -25°C (-12°F) to a maximum of 5°C (42°F) and an average of -8°C (19°F). Precipitation in March is lower, at 131 mm (5.2 in) over 12 days, and humidity is also reduced to 91%. For more detailed information about the weather in March, you can visit Girdwood weather in March.
December and April present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures plummet to an average of -6°C (21°F), with lows reaching as low as -24°C (-10°F) and highs only peaking at 5°C (41°F). This frigid month is also marked by high humidity at 96% and considerable precipitation, totaling 268 mm (10.6 in) over 23 days. Conversely, April offers a more moderate climate, with temperatures averaging -1°C (30°F), minimums around -19°C (-2°F), and maximums rising to 11°C (53°F). The month sees significantly less precipitation, totaling 115 mm (4.5 in) over 14 days, along with a decrease in humidity to 85%. For more detailed information about the weather during this transitional period, check out Girdwood weather in April.
December and May present strikingly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures plummet with a minimum of -24°C (-10°F) and an average of -6°C (21°F), reaching a maximum of only 5°C (41°F). The month is characterized by high precipitation, with 268 mm (10.6 in) spread across 23 days, and a humidity level of 96%. In contrast, May brings milder temperatures, with minimums around -5°C (22°F) and an average of 3°C (37°F), peaking at 16°C (60°F). Precipitation decreases to 142 mm (5.6 in) over 19 days, accompanied by a lower humidity of 88%. For a more detailed look at the transition from winter to spring, check out Girdwood weather in May.
December and June present stark contrasts in weather. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -24°C (-10°F), with an average of -6°C (21°F) and maximums reaching just 5°C (41°F). This month is characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 268 mm (10.6 in) across 23 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 96%. In contrast, June offers a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to an average of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F). Additionally, June sees much less precipitation at 107 mm (4.2 in) over 21 days, while humidity remains slightly lower at 95%. For more detailed information, check out Girdwood weather in June.
December and July present stark contrasts in weather conditions. December's temperatures range from a chilling minimum of -24°C (-10°F) to a mild maximum of 5°C (41°F), with an average of -6°C (21°F). In contrast, July enjoys much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (37°F), an average of 11°C (53°F), and a maximum soaring to 26°C (79°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, with 268 mm (10.6 in) falling over 23 days, compared to July's 109 mm (4.3 in) over 17 days. Additionally, December's humidity is notably high at 96%, while July experiences a slightly higher humidity level at 102%. For a more detailed look at July weather, you can explore Girdwood weather in July.
December and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures plummet, with averages around -6°C (21°F) and maximums reaching just 5°C (41°F). The month is characterized by heavy precipitation, totaling 268 mm (10.6 in), and high humidity at 96% over 23 days. Conversely, August offers a milder climate, with minimum temperatures at 0°C (33°F) and maximum averages of 21°C (71°F). Precipitation is less robust at 156 mm (6.1 in) over 20 days, while humidity remains elevated at 100%. For a closer look at conditions during this vibrant summer month, check out Girdwood weather in August.
In comparing the weather between September and December, December is notably colder, with average temperatures hovering around -6°C (21°F) compared to September's milder average of 6°C (42°F). While both months experience high humidity levels of 96%, December sees significantly lower minimum temperatures, dropping to -24°C (-10°F), whereas September's minimum is a comparatively warmer -12°C (11°F). Additionally, December receives more precipitation, with 268 mm (10.6 in) falling over 23 days, compared to September's 192 mm (7.5 in) across 19 days. For a more detailed look at the weather patterns, you can visit Girdwood weather in September.
December weather in Girdwood is notably colder, with average temperatures hovering around -6°C (21°F) compared to October's milder average of 0°C (32°F). While both months experience significant precipitation, December receives slightly less at 268 mm (10.6 in) over 23 days, whereas October sees 281 mm (11.1 in) across 21 days. The humidity is higher in December at 96%, compared to October's 91%, contributing to the chill in the air. For more detailed information, you can check out Girdwood weather in October.
December weather shows a slight warming trend compared to November, with average temperatures shifting from -7°C (19°F) in November to -6°C (21°F) in December. However, both months experience extremely cold conditions, with November recording a lower minimum temperature of -27°C (-16°F) compared to December's minimum of -24°C (-10°F). Precipitation increases in December to 268 mm (10.6 in), occurring over 23 days, which is more frequent than November’s 224 mm (8.8 in) across 16 days, making December the wetter month. Despite this increase, both months maintain high humidity levels, with December at 96% and November slightly lower at 95%. For more details, you can check Girdwood weather in November.
As December settles in, Girdwood transforms into a winter wonderland with its sharp contrast to the milder months preceding it. Characterized by a striking chill, the atmosphere is laden with high humidity that creates a distinct, crisp feeling in the air. Frequent precipitation during this month means that snowfall is a common sight, blanketing the landscape and making it a prime time for winter sports enthusiasts. This month stands out not only for its lower temperatures and increased precipitation days but also for the magical ambiance it brings to the region. To explore more about the unique climate conditions that shape Girdwood, visit Girdwood Climate.