Sitka National Historical Park in December
December at Sitka National Historical Park averages a daytime high near 38°F and an overnight low around 30°F, with about 11" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.2× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 30°F
- Average high
- 38°F
Range across the year: 29°F to 62°F
- Precipitation
- 11.0 in
- Daylight
- 6.4 hours
Roughly 1% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 2,600 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at Sitka; by contrast July, the busiest, runs about 2.3× the average.
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 0/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 34°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.8 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 56% 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 6.4 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 332,964 recreation visits, up 7.6% from 309,327 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 10.3%, 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 | 42°F / 33°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 0 Poor |
| December | 38°F / 30°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 0 Poor |
| January | 37°F / 29°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 0 Poor |
All twelve months at Sitka, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Sitka 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.
- Russian Bishop's House (visitor center): closed all month (October 1, 2026 to May 2, 2027)
- Visitor Center (visitor center): closed from December 14, 2026 to January 8, 2027
Things to do at Sitka in December
The National Park Service tags 5 Sitka activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become a Junior Ranger at Sitka National Historical Park
- Explore at Low Tide · 15 minutes
- Explore Exhibits on Tlingit Life · 1-4 hours
- Take the Totem Trail · 30-90 minutes
- Visit National Historic Landmarks in Sitka · 1-4 hours · reservation required
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 38°F and an overnight low around 30°F at Sitka National Historical Park, with about 11 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.8 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Sitka National Historical Park (about 0.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 0/100. Our recommended month is September. December draws about 15% of the visits Sitka 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 December. December sits at about 0.1× the park's average, or 1% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 3,000 recreation visits at Sitka National Historical Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Sitka in December
Booking a December trip to Sitka National Historical Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Sitka
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.