Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 39/100 · #12 of 12 months
December is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: crowds run 100% of the December peak (150,746 average visits). Weather: highs average 74°F and lows 57°F, with 22.3″ of precipitation and 11 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in December
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 22.3″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kitSee it on AmazonWhy: 22.3″ of rain is normal this month.
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Crowds in December
December is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes's busiest month — an average of 150,746 recreation visits (2021–2025), the park's crowd peak. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Days are pleasant (highs average 74°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 57°F). This is one of the wetter months (22.3″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 11 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station GLENWOOD #2 55.4, HI US (8 mi from park coordinates, 2,200 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.
What to pack for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in December
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Rain shell + pack cover — 22.3″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 22.3″ of rain is normal this month
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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best month for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is April.
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 Hawaiʻi Volcanoes crowded in December?
Yes — December runs 100% of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes's peak, averaging 150,746 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in December?
Average highs of 74°F, lows of 57°F, 22.3″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, GLENWOOD #2 55.4, HI US station).
What should I pack for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in December?
Rain shell + pack cover; Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-24