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Channel Islands · December
December is a good time to visit Channel Islands — quieter than November, about as busy as January.
Expect moderate crowds (5/10), highs near 63°F, about 9.9 hours of daylight, and 2 seasonal closures in effect.
Crowd score
A comfortable middle ground: some company on popular trails, but no gridlock.
About 48% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
December draws about 6% of Channel Islands’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, SANTA BARBARA 11 W, CA US
What's open
The park is open 24 hours a day. Services and facilities have separate hours. Please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.
Seasonal closures may apply:
Santa Barbara Island is open to public access, but landings are restricted to the rocky ledge adjacent to the dock. The dock is closed and is not expected to be repaired in the near future due to the severe winter storm damage.
Details on nps.gov →Santa Rosa Island reopens to limited day use on July 1. No overnight visits are allowed. Burned areas, including Water Canyon Campground, remain closed through at least August 13. Click the more link for additional information.
Details on nps.gov →Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Santa Barbara Island is open to public access, but landings are restricted to the rocky ledge adjacent to the dock. The dock is closed and is not expected to be repaired in the near future due to the severe winter storm damage.
Details on nps.gov →Santa Rosa Island reopens to limited day use on July 1. No overnight visits are allowed. Burned areas, including Water Canyon Campground, remain closed through at least August 13. Click the more link for additional information.
Details on nps.gov →Source: NPS Data API
Context
Alternatives
FAQ
December rates 5/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Channel Islands National Park — about 48% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 16,021.
In December, Channel Islands averages a high of 63°F and a low of 42°F, with about 2.8 inches of precipitation.
Entry to Channel Islands is free.
Channel Islands is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
In mid-December, Channel Islands gets about 9.9 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:57 AM and sunset around 4:52 PM.