Glacier in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 31/100 · #12 of 12 months
December is a quiet month with trade-offs at Glacier National Park: crowds run 2% of the July peak (18,684 average visits). Weather: highs average 31°F and lows 17°F, with 2.1″ of precipitation and 8.3 hours of daylight. Headline access is typically closed this month — see the access warning below. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Glacier in December
- Insulated parka + thermal base layersSee it on AmazonWhy: average lows of 17°F.
- Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 2.1″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 8.3 hours of daylight in mid-December.
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Crowds in December
Glacier averages 18,684 recreation visits in December — 2% of what July, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — crowds are thin by this park's standards.
Weather & daylight
Days are cold (highs average 31°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 17°F). Average precipitation is 2.1″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 8.3 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station ST. MARY 1 SSW, MT US (17 mi from park coordinates, 4,555 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.
What to pack for Glacier in December
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 17°F
- Packable rain jacket — 2.1″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Headlamp — only 8.3 hours of daylight in mid-December (compare other options)
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
- Bear spray — recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry)
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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Glacier are June and September.
Also at their best in December
Other parks whose computed December verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- American Samoa in December — 17% of peak crowds, highs 88°F, score 66/100
- Everglades in December — 72% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 64/100
- Biscayne in December — 77% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 62/100
Common questions
Is Glacier crowded in December?
No — December is one of the quieter months: 2% of the July peak, averaging 18,684 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Glacier in December?
Average highs of 31°F, lows of 17°F, 2.1″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, ST. MARY 1 SSW, MT US station).
What should I pack for Glacier in December?
Insulated parka + thermal base layers; Packable rain jacket; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
Is everything open at Glacier in December?
Going-to-the-Sun Road's alpine section typically opens fully late June–early July and closes in mid-October; lower valleys stay accessible year-round. Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.
See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-24