Glacier in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 31/100 · #12 of 12 months

December is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Glacier National Park: crowds run 2% of the July peak (18,684 average visits), days average 31°F with 8.3 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Access warning: 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. That typically affects December — verify before planning. Current NPS conditions →

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 — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Average visits (December)

18,684 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

0.6% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

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
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)

As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.

📦 Packing for a trip with a date on it? Amazon Prime's free 30-day trial includes fast free delivery, so gear ordered this week arrives before you leave — and returns are free if a layer doesn't fit. Start the free 30-day trial →
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.

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 2026-09-12