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), days average 74°F with 11 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best month for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is April.

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-07-16