Yosemite in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 57/100 · #10 of 12 months

December is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Yosemite National Park: crowds run 28% of the August peak (148,661 average visits), days average 46°F with 9.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Partial access: Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road typically close November–late May; Yosemite Valley is open year-round. Current NPS conditions →

Crowds in December

Yosemite averages 148,661 recreation visits in December — 28% of what August, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.

Average visits (December)

148,661 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

3.9% of annual visitation

vs. peak (August)

28%

Weather & daylight

Daytime stays cool (highs average 46°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 28°F). This is one of the wetter months (5.6″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 9.6 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US (3 mi from park coordinates, 4,018 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.

What to pack for Yosemite in December

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

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 28°F, below freezing
Rain shell + pack cover — 5.6″ of precipitation is normal this month
Headlamp — only 9.6 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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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Yosemite are March and April.

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 Yosemite crowded in December?

No — December is one of the quieter months: 28% of the August peak, averaging 148,661 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Yosemite in December?

Average highs of 46°F, lows of 28°F, 5.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US station).

What should I pack for Yosemite in December?

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Rain shell + pack cover; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

Is everything open at Yosemite in December?

Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road typically close November–late May; Yosemite Valley is open year-round. 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