Early winter · Weather & things to do
Seward in December
Seward edges cooler than November, with highs of 33°F (1°C), lows of 26°F (-3°C) and about 11.7 in (296 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 19/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 33°F (1°C)
- Avg low
- 26°F (-3°C)
- Rain or snow
- 11.7 in (296 mm)
- Humidity
- 94%
- Cloud cover
- 77%
- Daylight
- ~5 h 31 min
- Comfort score
- 19/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 33°F (1°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 26°F (-3°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 11.7 in (296 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 77%.
Only about 5 h 31 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – August.
- Shortest days of the year, about 5 h 31 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (20 → 19/100).
- Our Alaska Glacier Route recommends Jun – Aug, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 26°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 11.7 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Seward in December
With 11.7 in of rain or snow, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Alaska SeaLife Center
Aquarium and marine rescue center with Steller sea lions, puffins and harbor seals.
Why now Our curated notes list it for "rainy day", which suits a wetter month.
Harding Icefield Trail
Steep 8.2-mile round trip climbing 3,000 ft to views over a 700-square-mile icefield.
Resurrection Roadhouse
Lodge restaurant at Seward Windsong Lodge on the road to Exit Glacier.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 11.7 in of rain.
Ray's Waterfront
Long-running harbor restaurant for fresh halibut, salmon and crab.
Seward Brewing Company
Downtown brewpub with house beers and Alaska-sourced food.
Why now Easy to slot in when December's rain moves in.
Nearby in December
- Anchorage in December~79 mi · highs 26°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, drier
- Homer in December~80 mi · highs 33°F, 7.0 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Talkeetna in December~155 mi · highs 21°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · 7°C (12°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~505 m to Seward's ~35 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Seward in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Seward?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 19/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – August. Expect highs of 33°F (1°C) and 11.7 in (296 mm) of rain or snow. Our Alaska Glacier Route recommends Jun – Aug, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Seward in December?
Average highs are 33°F (1°C) and average lows 26°F (-3°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Seward in December?
Yes: about 11.7 in (296 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 103.7 in (2635 mm).
What should I pack for Seward in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 26°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 11.7 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Seward in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.