Redwood in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 58/100 · #12 of 12 months
December is a quiet month with trade-offs at Redwood National Park: crowds run 24% of the June peak (22,579 average visits). Weather: highs average 54°F and lows 38°F, with 15.3″ of precipitation and 9.2 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Planning Redwood? Pack a hiking guide: Hike the Parks: Redwood National & State Parks on Amazon. · affiliate link, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases
Bring for Redwood in December
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy)See it on AmazonWhy: mornings average 38°F.
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 15.3″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.2 hours of daylight in mid-December.
Affiliate links: VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Prices can change; Amazon shows the current one.
Crowds in December
Redwood averages 22,579 recreation visits in December — 24% of what June, the peak month, draws — the quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — crowds are thin by this park's standards.
Weather & daylight
Expect cool days (highs average 54°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 38°F). This is one of the wetter months (15.3″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 9.2 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station KLAMATH, CA US (4 mi from park coordinates, 28 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.
What to pack for Redwood in December
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 38°F
- Rain shell + pack cover — 15.3″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Headlamp — only 9.2 hours of daylight in mid-December (compare other options)
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 15.3″ of rain is normal this month
As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches or to a specific product — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.
Packing for a trip with a date on it? Amazon Prime includes fast delivery on eligible items, and eligible new members may be offered a free trial, so gear ordered this week can arrive before you leave. Delivery speed varies by item and address. See if you can try Prime free →
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.
Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Redwood are April and May.
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 Redwood crowded in December?
No — December is one of the quieter months: 24% of the June peak, averaging 22,579 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Redwood in December?
Average highs of 54°F, lows of 38°F, 15.3″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, KLAMATH, CA US station).
What should I pack for Redwood in December?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Rain shell + pack cover; 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