Juneau in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Juneau

33°C (91°F) High Temp

-8°C (17°F) Low Temp

22 mm (0.9 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Northern Lights viewing season at peak - December offers 17+ hours of darkness with optimal aurora activity between 10pm-3am
Glacier Bay winter access via helicopter tours only available December-March, offering pristine snow-covered landscapes without summer crowds
Holiday season brings unique local celebrations like Gallery Walk First Friday and Juneau's Christmas tree lighting at Marine Park
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - hotels average 40-60% less than summer rates, with many offering extended-stay winter packages

Considerations

Extreme limited daylight with only 6.5 hours between sunrise (9:46am) and sunset (4:07pm), making outdoor activities challenging
Ferry service to other Southeast Alaska communities runs reduced schedule with potential weather cancellations affecting inter-island travel
Many tourist-focused restaurants and shops close for winter season, reducing dining and shopping options significantly

Best Activities in December

Northern Lights Photography Tours

December offers optimal aurora viewing with peak darkness hours and increased solar activity. Clear nights occur 8-12 times per month, with best viewing between 10pm-3am away from downtown light pollution. Winter air clarity enhances visibility compared to other seasons.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead as tour groups are limited to 6-8 people maximum. Tours typically cost $180-250 per person and include winter gear rental. Look for operators offering backup dates for cloudy weather (see current options in booking section below).

Helicopter Glacier Tours

Winter-only glacier access provides pristine snow-covered landscapes impossible to see in summer months. Helicopter tours operate weather-permitting with 75% success rate in December. Ice formations and crevasse visibility peak during winter months.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead as winter flights are weather-dependent with frequent rescheduling. Tours range $450-650 per person for 60-90 minute flights. Choose operators with flexible rebooking policies (see current tours in booking section below).

Cross-Country Skiing Eaglecrest

Eaglecrest Ski Area transforms into Nordic skiing great destination with 15+ km (9.3 miles) of groomed trails. December snowpack averages 60-90 cm (24-35 inches) with consistent powder conditions. No lift crowds and mountain solitude.

Booking Tip: Day passes cost $15-25 with equipment rental $35-45 daily. Ski lessons available weekends through certified instructors. Trail conditions updated daily on Eaglecrest website. No advance booking required for trail access.

Ice Fishing Charters

December marks prime ice fishing season for Dolly Varden and rainbow trout on area lakes. Ice thickness reaches safe levels (minimum 10 cm/4 inches) by mid-December. Local guides provide heated shelters and all equipment.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters cost $200-300 per person including gear, shelter, and fish cleaning. Book 5-7 days ahead as guide availability limited. Look for operators including transportation to remote lake locations (see current charters in booking section below).

Winter Wildlife Photography

December brings unique wildlife opportunities including bald eagles concentrated at salmon runs, mountain goats visible against snow backgrounds, and harbor seals at ice-free areas. Reduced foliage provides clearer wildlife photography angles.

Booking Tip: Photography tours cost $150-220 per person for 4-6 hour excursions. Bring telephoto lens minimum 200mm. Tours provide spotting scopes and wildlife expertise. Book through licensed naturalist guides (see current options in booking section below).

Historic Downtown Winter Walking Tours

December's smaller crowds allow intimate exploration of Juneau's historic district. Snow-covered buildings create unique photo opportunities, and many historic sites offer extended indoor exhibits during winter months. Tours focus on mining history and territorial capital stories.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost $25-35 per person for 90-minute guided experiences. Dress warmly as tours operate in temperatures as low as -8°C (17°F). Self-guided options available through downtown visitor kiosks year-round.

December Events & Festivals

First Friday of December

First Friday Gallery Walk

Monthly art event featuring local artists, galleries, and studios throughout downtown Juneau. December features holiday-themed artwork and often includes live music and refreshments at participating venues.

Early December

Festival of Trees

Community holiday celebration featuring decorated Christmas trees by local organizations, held at Centennial Hall. Includes silent auction, holiday music performances, and family activities.

December 31

New Year's Eve Fireworks at Aurora Harbor

Community fireworks display over Gastineau Channel, best viewed from downtown waterfront or Douglas Island. Local tradition includes midnight celebration at Marine Park.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated winter boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) with non-slip soles for icy sidewalks and 1.6 km (1 mile) downtown walking distances

Layering system including merino wool base layers, fleece mid-layer, and waterproof shell for temperature swings from -8°C to 3°C (17°F to 37°F)

Waterproof winter gloves plus liner gloves for camera/phone operation during 6.5 hours of available daylight

Warm hat covering ears - wind chill can drop feel-like temperatures additional 5-10°C (9-18°F) below actual temperature

Headlamp or small flashlight essential for navigating in darkness after 4:07pm sunset

Camera cold weather protection - battery life decreases 50% in sub-zero temperatures, bring extra batteries

Thermal underwear for Northern Lights viewing - standing stationary for 2+ hours in -8°C (17°F) conditions

Sunglasses for snow glare - UV reflection off snow increases exposure even with low winter sun angle

Hand/foot warmers for extended outdoor activities - chemical warmers provide 6-8 hours of supplemental heat

Waterproof day pack for winter gear during helicopter tours and outdoor excursions

Insider Knowledge

Aurora Forecast apps update hourly - KP index of 3+ gives 80% viewing probability on clear nights, locals check weather radar before committing to late-night viewing trips

Safeway and Fred Meyer grocery stores become social hubs during winter months - locals do major shopping runs before storms, stock up on supplies as weather can isolate the city for 3-5 days

Douglas Bridge pedestrian walkway offers best free Northern Lights viewing spot 1.6 km (1 mile) from downtown, away from light pollution with unobstructed northern sky exposure

Local heating costs spike in December - many residents leave town for warmer climates, making short-term housing rentals more available but utility costs 3x summer rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating extreme limited daylight impact - planning full outdoor itineraries impossible with only 6.5 hours of daylight, many visitors experience seasonal mood changes

Assuming summer ferry schedules apply - Alaska Marine Highway runs reduced winter service with weather cancellations, book alternative flights as backup transportation

Bringing inadequate cold weather gear - cotton clothing becomes dangerous in wet snow conditions, hypothermia risk increases significantly with improper layering systems