North Cascades in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Harsh season · VisitWhen score 22/100 · #12 of 12 months
December is a harsh-season month at North Cascades National Park: crowds run 0% of the July peak (13 average visits), days average 32°F with 8.3 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in December
North Cascades averages 13 recreation visits in December — 0% of what July, the peak month, draws — the quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — this is genuine quiet-season territory.
Weather & daylight
Days are cold (highs average 32°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 26°F). This is one of the wetter months (7.2″ of precipitation on average). Normal snowfall is 51″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 8.3 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station STEHEKIN 4 NW, WA US (12 mi from park coordinates, 1,257 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.
What to pack for North Cascades in December
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 26°F, below freezing
- Rain shell + pack cover — 7.2″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 51″ normal snowfall
- 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
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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for North Cascades are May and June.
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 North Cascades crowded in December?
No — December is one of the quieter months: 0% of the July peak, averaging 13 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in North Cascades in December?
Average highs of 32°F, lows of 26°F, 7.2″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, STEHEKIN 4 NW, WA US station).
What should I pack for North Cascades in December?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Rain shell + pack cover; Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
Is everything open at North Cascades in December?
State Route 20 (the North Cascades Highway) typically closes November–late spring due to avalanche danger. 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