Pinnacles in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 64/100 · #5 of 12 months
December is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Pinnacles National Park: crowds run 59% of the April peak (23,066 average visits). Weather: highs average 62°F and lows 33°F, with 3.1″ of precipitation and 9.7 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Pinnacles in December
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy)See it on AmazonWhy: mornings average 33°F.
- Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 3.1″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.7 hours of daylight in mid-December.
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Crowds in December
Pinnacles averages 23,066 recreation visits in December — 59% of what April, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.
Weather & daylight
Daytime temperatures are comfortable (highs average 62°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 33°F). Average precipitation is 3.1″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 9.7 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station PINNACLES NM, CA US (1 mi from park coordinates, 1,307 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.
What to pack for Pinnacles in December
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 33°F
- Packable rain jacket — 3.1″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Headlamp — only 9.7 hours of daylight in mid-December (compare other options)
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Pinnacles are May and October.
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 Pinnacles crowded in December?
Moderately: December runs 59% of the April peak, averaging 23,066 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Pinnacles in December?
Average highs of 62°F, lows of 33°F, 3.1″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, PINNACLES NM, CA US station).
What should I pack for Pinnacles in December?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Packable rain jacket; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-24