Seward in December

In December, Seward averages -1°C (31°F) during the day and -6°C (22°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 23 days of the month see precipitation (361 mm total).

Off-peak

Conditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Seward. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

-1°C
Avg high
-6°C
Avg low
23
Rain days
361 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Seward

10th
warmest month of the 12
2nd
wettest month of the 12
11%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
5 h 54 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Seward (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 7°C below the annual average (6°C). December runs 1°C cooler than November (0°C) and cools 1°C in January (-2°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Seward

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
9:56 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
3:49 PM
Day length
5 h 54 min

Times shown for Seward local time (America/Anchorage), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Seward — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Seward's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
8:56 AM – 9:36 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
9:36 AM – 10:36 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
3:09 PM – 4:09 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
4:09 PM – 4:49 PM
Aurora visibility
Fair
Aurora is possible from Seward but requires a strong geomagnetic event (Kp 5+) plus clear skies — chase nights, don't count on them.

📅 When to book — Seward in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Off-peak) and Seward's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-6 weeks
Cheapest flights of the year. Last-minute deals are real if you can be flexible.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-4 weeks
Last-minute bookings work fine. Some seasonal properties close — call ahead if it's a small boutique or beach resort.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

December in United States — events that affect travel

Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.

🎄
US Christmas/New Year Window
Travel surge · high impact

Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.

Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.

Crowds & pricing — December in Seward

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Seward — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.

Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Seward

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
0.8
Low
Minimal sun protection needed for normal activity.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

🥶 Bitter cold — Seward in December

Snow days (typical)
0
days/month
Avg low
-6°C
22°F
Avg day high
-1°C
31°F

Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.

Seward in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January -2°C / 29°F -6°C / 22°F 344 mm 21
February -1°C / 29°F -6°C / 21°F 217 mm 19
March 0°C / 33°F -4°C / 24°F 224 mm 17
April 5°C / 40°F 0°C / 32°F 217 mm 20
May 9°C / 48°F 4°C / 39°F 232 mm 21
June 14°C / 57°F 9°C / 48°F 190 mm 21
July 17°C / 62°F 12°C / 53°F 218 mm 23
August 16°C / 61°F 12°C / 53°F 352 mm 22
September 12°C / 54°F 7°C / 45°F 359 mm 22
October 6°C / 43°F 2°C / 35°F 349 mm 21
November 0°C / 32°F -4°C / 24°F 358 mm 22
December -1°C / 31°F -6°C / 22°F 361 mm 23

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Seward in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Seward in December?

In December, Seward averages a high of -1°C (31°F) and a low of -6°C (22°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Seward in December?

December is quite rainy in Seward, with about 23 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Seward?

December is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Seward in December?

Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Seward for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Seward on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.