Things to Do in Juneau in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
December Weather in Juneau
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
94°F (34°C)
High Temp
78°F (25°C)
Low Temp
0.3 inches (8 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Dry season brings the clearest glacier views all year - Mendenhall's ice walls glow electric blue under low winter sun
- + Cruise ships have vanished, so downtown Franklin Street feels like a local's town again - no queues at the tram or bars
- + Northern lights season peaks - the aurora often dances over the channel from 10pm-2am when skies are clear
- + Hotel rates drop 30-40% from summer highs, and you'll likely score waterfront rooms without booking months ahead
Considerations
- − Daylight shrinks to 6.5 hours - the sun rises after 8am and sets before 3pm, so plan outdoor time carefully
- − Temperature swings feel dramatic when you step off a heated bus into 28°F (-2°C) wind whipping off Gastineau Channel
- − Some hiking trails ice over - the Perseverance Basin path gets treacherous without microspikes after mid-month
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Juneau in December is quiet. Rain-slicked streets and tall evergreens sit under low cloud. The damp air carries the scent of wet cedar and the briny tang of the Gastineau Channel. Daylight lasts just a handful of hours. A hushed energy takes hold, focused on community and craft. Locals prepare for deep winter. Their rhythms include the early December bustle of the Juneau Public Market. The warm smell of spruce-tip syrup fills Centennial Hall. The low drumming of the Winter Solstice Celebration at Marine Park marks the shortest day. This is not a month for big views. It is for intimate encounters with a landscape that feels both immense and close. The deep blue ice of a glacier and the explosive breath of a humpback whale become vivid moments in the long twilight.
Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching
otherVenture into the protected waters of the Inside Passage. Your breath will fog in the crisp air as you scan for the dark back of a humpback whale. A sudden, thunderous crack echoes. A fluke slaps the steel-gray water. Then comes the fishy, moist spray from a blowhole. You feel the boat rock. Watch these massive creatures feed in the cold December sea.
It has a front-row seat to humpback whales. You will see their cooperative bubble-net feeding, a behavior unique to Alaskan waters.
Insider tip: Dress in layers with a waterproof outer shell. The wind on the water can be biting. Standing on deck to watch is essential.
Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour
guided_experiencePaddle across the placid water of Mendenhall Lake. It is dotted with icebergs. You will hear the dip of your paddle and the distant rumble of Nugget Falls. Glide past sculptures of ancient blue ice. They feel cold to the touch. Their surfaces are carved by wind and water into fantastical shapes. The towering face of the glacier looms ahead. It is a wall of compressed time that smells of clean stone and minerals.
This is the only way to get close to the glacier's terminus from the water. You will be surrounded by its own calved ice.
Insider tip: Secure waterproof gloves. Your hands will be exposed to splashes and the cold aluminum of the paddle shaft.
Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water
cruiseThis efficient voyage maximizes time on the whale grounds. You will see the misty geyser of a whale's exhalation hang in the chilly air. Then the animal dives, showing the broad, barnacled curve of its tail. The boat's heated cabin has a reprieve. You can taste rich, salty clam chowder while keeping watch through large windows.
It delivers a concentrated whale watching experience. Sightings are very likely. It is good for visitors with limited time in port.
Insider tip: Claim a spot on the upper deck at departure for unobstructed views. You can retreat to the cabin later.
Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier
otherThis dual journey contrasts the dynamic marine world with the frozen river of ice. You will hear the crash of Nugget Falls after the quiet awe of watching a whale slip beneath the waves. Feel the temperature drop as you approach the glacier's overlook. The air tastes clean and icy.
It efficiently combines Juneau's two most well-known natural wonders into a single, complete day trip from the waterfront.
Insider tip: Use the time at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to warm up. View the educational exhibits there. They explain what you are seeing outside.
Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau
adventureThis active adventure starts with the quiet of paddling among bobbing icebergs. Then it transitions to a hike. You will hear the crunch of gravel underfoot on a trail. It brings you to a roaring, up-close view of Nugget Falls. Feel the spray from the falls on your face. It is a fresh contrast to the still cold of the glacial valley.
It provides a physical engagement with the glacier landscape. You will see it from the water level to the base of its largest waterfall.
Insider tip: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. The trail can be wet and muddy. You will need secure footing when exiting the canoe.
3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska
guided_experienceThis tour is designed to avoid larger boat crowds. It has a more personal atmosphere. You might hear the guide point out the feeding patterns of a whale pod over the quiet hum of a smaller engine. The scent of saltwater is sharper. You feel more connected to the movement of the sea.
Its smaller group size and strategic timing create a more intimate wildlife viewing experience. It is away from the bustle of major tour departures.
Insider tip: This tour is valued during the busy summer season. In December, its main advantage is the cozy, small-group setting.
Where to Stay in Juneau in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Early December
Juneau Public Market
The state's largest winter craft fair takes over Centennial Hall for three December weekends. You'll smell spruce-tip syrup demonstrations and hear Tlingit artists explain totem carving over the hum of 150 booths. It's where locals buy Christmas gifts - skip the airport souvenir shops and come here instead.
December 21st
Winter Solstice Celebration
At 3:30pm on December 21st, locals gather at Marine Park to 'welcome back the sun' with hot birch syrup cider and drumming. The ceremony feels half-serious, half-Alaska-quirky - someone always shows up in a full raven costume.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Juneau Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The Mount Roberts Tram runs every 20 minutes instead of every 5 - but they'll keep loading until cars are full, so don't believe the 'at capacity' sign until you ask
If the aurora forecast hits KP-4 or higher, drive north to Brotherhood Bridge pullout where the Mendenhall River reflection doubles the light show
Franklin Street's historic bars offer 'locals hour' 4-6pm with cheaper pours - just mention you're staying at a B&B, not a cruise ship
The public ordinance requires bars to serve food until 9pm - the Imperial's fry bread with smoked salmon dip is worth ordering sober
Eaglecrest's mid-week day tickets drop to half-price after 1pm when school groups leave
Avoid These Mistakes
Assuming you can see the northern lights from downtown - light pollution kills them even on KP-5 nights
Wearing waterproof hiking boots with smooth soles - you need real tread for the freeze-thaw ice on trails
Booking glacier helicopter tours on arrival - December's weather windows close fast, so have flexible dates
Trying to cram both glacier and whale watching into short December days - pick one and do it properly
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