Channel Islands · December
Channel Islands in 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
How busy it gets
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 Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
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
December weather
- Avg high
- 63°F
- Avg low
- 42°F
- Precipitation
- 2.8"
- Sunrise
- 6:57 AM
- Sunset
- 4:52 PM
- Daylight
- 9.9h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, SANTA BARBARA 11 W, CA US
What's open
Channel Islands in December: access
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:
- Information
Santa Barbara Island Dock Closed; Landings Restricted to Adjacent Rocky Ledge
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 → - Park Closure
Parts of Santa Rosa Island Closed During Wildfire Recovery
Burned areas on Santa Rosa Island remain closed. Backcountry beach camping in Southeast Quadrant will remain closed for the remainder of the 2026 recreation season. Click the more link for additional information.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
No additional active alerts or warnings reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Channel Islands crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Channel Islands in December
How busy is Channel Islands in December?
December rates 5/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Channel Islands National Park — about 48% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 16,021.
What is the weather like at Channel Islands in December?
In December, Channel Islands averages a high of 63°F and a low of 42°F, with about 2.8 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Channel Islands?
Entry to Channel Islands is free.
When is Channel Islands least crowded?
Channel Islands is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Channel Islands get in December?
In mid-December, Channel Islands gets about 9.9 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:57 AM and sunset around 4:52 PM.