December weather forecast
Anchorage, AK

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Wintertime in Anchorage, Alaska with mountains blanketed in snow
Wintertime in Anchorage, Alaska with mountains blanketed in snow

Weather in December

December marks the arrival of peak winter in Anchorage, with the city enveloped in a cool, serene ambiance. While temperatures decline further from November, heavy snowfall transforms the city into a winter wonderland. The precipitous reduction in daylight hours encapsulates Anchorage in an enchanting twilight, causing the city to glisten under ambient lighting. Despite experiencing the highest snowfall of the year at 5.51" (140mm), the city maintains excellent visibility. Steady winds blowing across the snowy landscapes intensify the winter vibe of Anchorage during December, making it a quintessential chilly month.

Temperature

Anchorage experiences an average high-temperature of a still freezing cold 23.4°F (-4.8°C) with the onset of December, subtly varied from November's 28°F (-2.2°C). Anchorage sees a minor drop to an average minimum temperature of 16.7°F (-8.5°C) during the night in the month of December.

Humidity

The average relative humidity in December in Anchorage is 84%.

Rainfall

In Anchorage, in December, it is raining for 8.6 days, with typically 1.18" (30mm) of accumulated precipitation. Throughout the year, in Anchorage, Alaska, there are 139.9 rainfall days, and 12.6" (320mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through May, September through December. December is the month with the most snowfall in Anchorage. Snow falls for 11.6 days and accumulates 5.51" (140mm) of snow.

Ocean temperature

In Anchorage, the average seawater temperature in December is 39.6°F (4.2°C).
Note: In the sport of swimming, this scenario is extremely cold, treacherous, and fatal. If not protected by insulated waterproof clothing, hypothermia ensues quickly.

Daylight

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 5h and 36min of daylight.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 9:47 am and sunset at 3:50 pm. On the last day of December, sunrise is at 10:13 am and sunset at 3:52 pm AKST.

Sunshine

December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 3.8h of sunshine.

UV index

The average daily maximum UV index in December in Anchorage is 2. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health vulnerability from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for average individuals.
Note: The maximum daily UV index of 2 in December converts into the following recommendations:
Extended time in the sun generally does not harm most, but those with sensitive skin, infants, and children should always be protected. The most potent solar radiation is around mid-day, so one should minimize exposure to direct sunlight during this period. Protect your eyes, ears, face, and neck from the Sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Notice! The UV radiation of the Sun can be intensified nearly twofold due to the reflective quality of snow.
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Frequently asked questions

How cold is December in Anchorage?

An average high-temperature, in December, in Anchorage, is 23.4°F (-4.8°C) and the average low-temperature is 16.7°F (-8.5°C).

What is the average humidity in December in Anchorage?

In Anchorage, the average relative humidity in December is 84%.

How many days does it rain in December in Anchorage?

In Anchorage, Alaska, in December, during 8.6 rainfall days, 1.18" (30mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.

When does it snow the most in Anchorage?

The month with the most snowfall is December, when snow falls for 11.6 days and typically aggregates up to 5.51" (140mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow in December in Anchorage?

In Anchorage, Alaska, in December, snow falls for 11.6 days, with typically accumulated 5.51" (140mm) of snow.

What is the water temperature in December in Anchorage?

In Anchorage, the average seawater temperature in December is 39.6°F (4.2°C). For swimming, this is considered life-threatening and very dangerous. The water feels painfully cold, and hyperventilation quickly occurs. A specialized swimsuit is mandatory to reduce thermal damage.

What is the month with the shortest days in Anchorage?

December has the shortest days of the year in Anchorage, with an average of 5h and 36min of daylight.

How many hours of daylight does Anchorage have in December?

In December, the average day length in Anchorage is 5h and 38min.

What time are sunrise and sunset in December in Anchorage?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 9:47 am and sunset at 3:50 pm. On the last day of the month, in Anchorage, sunrise is at 10:13 am and sunset at 3:52 pm AKST.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Anchorage?

The month with the least sunshine in Anchorage, Alaska, is December, with an average of 3.8h of sunshine.

How many hours of sunshine does Anchorage have in December?

In December, the average sunshine duration in Anchorage, Alaska, is 3.8h.

What is the UV index intensity in December in Anchorage?

In Anchorage, Alaska, the average daily maximum UV index in December is 2. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal hazard to health from exposure to Sun's UV rays.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in December
Anchorage, AK

Average temperature in December - Anchorage, AK
  • Average high temperature in December: 23.4°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (61.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (20.3°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 16.7°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (51.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (13.1°F).

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Average pressure in December
Anchorage, AK

Average pressure in December - Anchorage, AK
  • Average pressure in December: 29.67"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (29.96"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are November and December (29.67"Hg).

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Average wind speed in December
Anchorage, AK

Average wind speed in December - Anchorage, AK
  • Average wind speed in December: 6.2mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is November (6.3mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (4.5mph).

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Average humidity in December
Anchorage, AK

Average humidity in December - Anchorage, AK
  • Average humidity in December: 84%

The months with the highest relative humidity are January, February and March (86%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is May (68%).

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Average rainfall in December
Anchorage, AK

Average rainfall in December - Anchorage, AK
  • Average rainfall in December: 1.18"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is September (1.93").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is May (0.55").

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Average rainfall days in December
Anchorage, AK

Average rainfall days in December - Anchorage, AK
  • Average rainfall days in December: 8.6 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (17.9 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (7 days).

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Average snowfall in December
Anchorage, AK

Average snowfall in December - Anchorage, AK
  • Average snowfall in December: 5.51"

The month with the highest snowfall is December (5.51").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").

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Average snowfall days in December
Anchorage, AK

Average snowfall days in December - Anchorage, AK
  • Average snowfall days in December: 11.6 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (11.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).

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Average sea temperature in December
Anchorage, AK

Average sea temperature in December - Anchorage, AK
  • Average sea temperature in December: 39.6°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (53.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (35.8°F).

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Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Anchorage, AK

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Anchorage, AK
  • Average daylight in December: 5h and 4min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 19h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 5h and 36min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 3h and 5min

The months with the most sunshine are May and June (Average sunshine: 11h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 3h and 48min).

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Average sunshine days in December
Anchorage, AK

Average sunshine days in December - Anchorage, AK
  • Average sunshine days in December: 15.5 days

The month with the most sunshine days is January (16.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is September (11.1 days).

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Average UV index in December
Anchorage, AK

Average UV index in December - Anchorage, AK
  • Average UV index in December: 2

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 4).
The month with the lowest UV index is February (UV index 1).

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Average cloud cover in December
Anchorage, AK

Average cloud cover in December - Anchorage, AK
  • Average cloud cover in December: 47

The month with the most cloud cover is December (Cloud cover 47).
The month with the least cloud cover is May (Cloud cover 38).

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Average visibility in December
Anchorage, AK

Average visibility in December - Anchorage, AK
  • Average visibility in December: 6mi

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is March (5mi).

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Anchorage, Alaska, USA

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