Death Valley · December
Death Valley in December
December is a busy time to visit Death Valley — busier than November, busier than January.
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 Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
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
- 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
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.