Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve in December
December at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve averages a daytime high near 2°F and an overnight low around -14°F, with about 1.1" of precipitation and roughly 18" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.1× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- -14°F
- Average high
- 2°F
Range across the year: -19°F to 70°F
- Precipitation
- 1.1 in
- Snowfall
- 18 in
- Daylight
- 0.0 hours
Roughly 1% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 70 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1982 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (4×) and the October low (0.1×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 0/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is June: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about -6°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 74.9 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 85% of annual visitors, choosing December instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 0 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2016 drew 10,047 recreation visits, down 20.7% from 12,669 in 2014.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 51.1%, so a December visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 8°F / -7°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 0 Poor |
| December | 2°F / -14°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 0 Poor |
| January | -2°F / -19°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 0 Poor |
All twelve months at Gates Of The Arctic, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Gates Of The Arctic facilities as closed during December 2026. The dates are the park's own, read on October 11, 2026. A facility that is not listed here may still be closed, so confirm on the park's site before you go.
- Anaktuvuk Pass Ranger Station (visitor center): closed all month (September 15, 2026 to May 15, 2027)
- Arctic Interagency Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (September 16, 2026 to May 22, 2027)
- Bettles Ranger Station and Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (September 16, 2026 to June 10, 2027)
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 2°F and an overnight low around -14°F at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve, with about 1.1 inches of precipitation and roughly 18 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 74.9 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve (about 0.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 0/100. Our recommended month is June. December draws about 9% of the visits Gates Of The Arctic sees in an average month. Numbers that low usually mean limited access: closed roads, closed facilities or deep-winter conditions. The count alone does not say which, so check the park's current conditions before planning around December.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is October. December sits at about 0.1× the park's average, or 1% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 0,000 recreation visits at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1982–2025.
Where to stay near Gates Of The Arctic in December
Booking a December trip to Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Gates Of The Arctic
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in December.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1982–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.