Wrangell–St. Elias in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Harsh season · VisitWhen score 42/100 · #12 of 12 months

December is a harsh-season month at Wrangell–St. Elias National Park: crowds run 0% of the July peak (35 average visits), days average 9°F with 5.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Partial access: The McCarthy and Nabesna roads are unpaved and best attempted late May–September; most services close in winter. Current NPS conditions →

Crowds in December

Wrangell–St. Elias averages 35 recreation visits in December — 0% of what July, the peak month, draws — the second-quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Average visits (December)

35 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

0% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

Weather & daylight

Days are cold (highs average 9°F), and nights are frigid (lows average -4°F). It is typically dry (1.1″ of precipitation). Normal snowfall is 11″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 5.5 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station MCCARTHY 3 SW, AK US (2 mi from park coordinates, 1,250 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.

What to pack for Wrangell–St. Elias in December

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of -4°F
Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 11″ normal snowfall
Headlamp — only 5.5 hours of daylight in mid-December
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)

If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Wrangell–St. Elias are April and May.

Common questions

Is Wrangell–St. Elias crowded in December?

No — December is one of the quieter months: 0% of the July peak, averaging 35 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Wrangell–St. Elias in December?

Average highs of 9°F, lows of -4°F, 1.1″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, MCCARTHY 3 SW, AK US station).

What should I pack for Wrangell–St. Elias in December?

Insulated parka + thermal base layers; Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

Is everything open at Wrangell–St. Elias in December?

The McCarthy and Nabesna roads are unpaved and best attempted late May–September; most services close in winter. Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.

See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-07-16