Katmai National Park & Preserve in December
December at Katmai National Park & Preserve averages a daytime high near 27°F and an overnight low around 12°F, with about 2.1" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 12°F
- Average high
- 27°F
Range across the year: 10°F to 62°F
- Precipitation
- 2.1 in
- Daylight
- 6.0 hours
Roughly 0% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 120 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 6th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (5.1×) and the January low (0×).
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 20°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 43.6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 83% 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 6 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2023 drew 33,763 recreation visits, down 34.5% from 51,511 in 2020.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 10.3%, so December may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 33°F / 17°F | 0.0× Very quiet | 0 Poor |
| December | 27°F / 12°F | 0.0× Very quiet | 0 Poor |
| January | 26°F / 10°F | 0.0× Very quiet | 0 Poor |
All twelve months at Katmai, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Katmai 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.
- Robert F. Griggs Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (September 18, 2026 to June 6, 2027)
- Brooks Camp Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (October 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027)
Things to do at Katmai in December
The National Park Service tags 3 Katmai activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become A Katmai Jr. Ranger · 30-90 minutes
- Become a Not-So-Junior Ranger at Katmai
- Explore Katmai by Air · reservation required
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 27°F and an overnight low around 12°F at Katmai National Park & Preserve, with about 2.1 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 43.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Katmai National Park & Preserve (about 0.0× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 0/100. Our recommended month is June. December draws about 3% of the visits Katmai 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 January. December sits at about 0.0× the park's average, or 0% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 0,000 recreation visits at Katmai National Park & Preserve, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Katmai in December
Booking a December trip to Katmai National Park & Preserve? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Katmai
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 (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.