Death Valley · December
Death Valley in December
December is a busy time to visit Death Valley — busier than November, busier than January.
Expect heavy crowds (8/10), highs near 63°F, about 9.7 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 78% 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 9% of Death Valley’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
- 41°F
- Precipitation
- 0.1"
- Sunrise
- 6:53 AM
- Sunset
- 4:34 PM
- Daylight
- 9.7h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, STOVEPIPE WELLS 1 SW, CA US
What's open
Death Valley in December: access
The park is open daily all year.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Information
Gas Pumps at Panamint Springs Resort are Closed at Night
Gasoline is available at Panamint Springs Resort from 7am-9:30pm, daily. Gas is available at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells 24hrs.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
No additional active alerts or warnings reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Death Valley crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Death Valley in December
How busy is Death Valley in December?
December rates 8/10 for crowds (Busy) at Death Valley National Park — about 78% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 117,927.
What is the weather like at Death Valley in December?
In December, Death Valley averages a high of 63°F and a low of 41°F, with about 0.1 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Death Valley?
Entrance to Death Valley costs $30 (All visitors, including Non-US residents, may purchase and utilize this entrance fee. Purchasing this entrance fee allows all persons traveling in one single private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van/RV/aircraft) to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.).
When is Death Valley least crowded?
Death Valley is quietest in June and September. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Death Valley get in December?
In mid-December, Death Valley gets about 9.7 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:53 AM and sunset around 4:34 PM.