Early winter · Weather & things to do
Glacier National Park in December
This is the coldest month in Glacier National Park: highs average 21°F (-6°C) and lows 8°F (-13°C), with about 2.6 in (67 mm) of rain or snow.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 43/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 21°F (-6°C)
- Avg low
- 8°F (-13°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.6 in (67 mm)
- Humidity
- 95%
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 04 min
- Comfort score
- 43/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 21°F (-6°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 8°F (-13°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 2.6 in (67 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 04 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December sits mid-table; the best months are July & August.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 04 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (42 → 43/100).
- Our Glacier to Yellowstone route recommends Jun – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 8°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.6 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Glacier National Park in December
With highs near 21°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
2.7-mile round trip from Logan Pass across meadows to a lake view, often with mountain goats.
Grinnell Glacier Trail
Steep Many Glacier hike past turquoise lakes to the foot of Grinnell Glacier.
Polebridge Mercantile
1914 general store and bakery in the North Fork, known for huckleberry bear claws.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 21°F.
Northern Lights Saloon
Log-cabin saloon next to the Mercantile, with a beer garden facing the peaks.
Russell's Fireside Dining Room
Lake McDonald Lodge dining room with regional dishes like bison and huckleberry desserts.
Nearby in December
- Banff in December~185 mi · highs 21°F, 1.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Lake Louise in December~212 mi · highs 19°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Glacier National Park in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Glacier National Park?
It's middling, scoring 43/100. The best months are July & August, at up to 97. Expect highs of 21°F (-6°C) and 2.6 in (67 mm) of rain or snow. Our Glacier to Yellowstone route recommends Jun – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Glacier National Park in December?
Average highs are 21°F (-6°C) and average lows 8°F (-13°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Glacier National Park in December?
Some: about 2.6 in (67 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 31.6 in (802 mm).
What should I pack for Glacier National Park in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 8°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.6 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Glacier National Park
Planning Glacier National Park in December?
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