Yellowstone in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Harsh season · VisitWhen score 22/100 · #12 of 12 months

December is a harsh-season month at Yellowstone National Park: crowds run 4% of the July peak (33,648 average visits). Weather: highs average 23°F and lows 3°F, with 2.4″ of precipitation and 8.8 hours of daylight. Headline access is typically closed this month — see the access warning below. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Bring for Yellowstone in December

Insulated parka + thermal base layersSee it on AmazonWhy: average lows of 3°F.
Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 2.4″ of precipitation is normal this month.
HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 8.8 hours of daylight in mid-December.

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Access warning: Most park roads close to regular vehicles at the start of November and reopen in stages: the West Entrance–Madison–Old Faithful–Norris–Canyon roads in mid-April (April 17 in 2026), the East and South entrances in early May, and Dunraven Pass in late May. The North Entrance–Northeast Entrance road is open all year; elsewhere winter access is by guided oversnow travel. That typically affects December — verify before planning. Current NPS conditions →

The sun sets behind the sharp point of a snow-covered mountain; pink clouds are reflected in a pond — Yellowstone National Park — photo: NPS / Jacob W. Frank (public-domain NPS media)

Crowds in December

Yellowstone averages 33,648 recreation visits in December — 4% of what July, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — crowds are thin by this park's standards.

Average visits (December)

33,648 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

under 1% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

Weather & daylight

Expect cold conditions (highs average 23°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 3°F). Average precipitation is 2.4″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 8.8 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station YELLOWSTONE LAKE, WY US (6 mi from park coordinates, 7,835 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.

What to pack for Yellowstone in December

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 3°F
Packable rain jacket — 2.4″ of precipitation is normal this month
Headlamp — only 8.8 hours of daylight in mid-December (compare other options)
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
Bear spray — recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry)

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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone crowded in December?

No — December is one of the quieter months: 4% of the July peak, averaging 33,648 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Yellowstone in December?

Average highs of 23°F, lows of 3°F, 2.4″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YELLOWSTONE LAKE, WY US station).

What should I pack for Yellowstone in December?

Insulated parka + thermal base layers; Packable rain jacket; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

Is everything open at Yellowstone in December?

Most park roads close to regular vehicles at the start of November and reopen in stages: the West Entrance–Madison–Old Faithful–Norris–Canyon roads in mid-April (April 17 in 2026), the East and South entrances in early May, and Dunraven Pass in late May. The North Entrance–Northeast Entrance road is open all year; elsewhere winter access is by guided oversnow travel. Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.

See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-24