Denali · December · Alaska
Denali National Park in December
December is a fair month for Denali National Park, with some limitations. It is one of the quietest times to go. Highs average 10°F and lows 0°F, with about 0.79 inches of rain.
December is rated fair at Denali. Consider Jun–Aug instead.
What to expect
Honest take: December is not the month for Denali. Dark, very cold and quiet, with northern lights and sled-dog kennel visits near the entrance.
Private cars can only drive the first 15 miles of the park road. The buses are the way in.
Good to know
- Best months overall: Jun–Aug.
- Closest airport: Anchorage (ANC), about 4 hours; Fairbanks (FAI), about 2 hours.
- Before you go: A 2021 landslide at Pretty Rocks closed the park road around mile 43; check current bus destinations and reopening status. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Questions
Is December a good time to visit Denali National Park?
December is a fair month for Denali National Park, with some limitations. It is one of the quietest times to go. Highs average 10°F and lows 0°F, with about 0.79 inches of rain.
What is the weather like in Denali National Park in December?
Highs average 10°F and lows 0°F, with about 0.79 inches of rain. Conditions are fair this month, so check the month-by-month ratings before you commit.
How crowded is Denali National Park in December?
December is one of the quietest months at Denali National Park.