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). Weather: highs average 46°F and lows 28°F, with 5.6″ of precipitation and 9.6 hours of daylight. Roads and services are only partly open this month — see the access note below. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Yosemite in December
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 28°F, below freezing.
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 5.6″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.6 hours of daylight in mid-December.
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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.
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 (compare other options)
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 5.6″ of rain is normal this 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 2026-09-24