Great Basin · December
Great Basin in December
December is one of the best times to visit Great Basin — about as busy as November, about as busy as January.
Expect light crowds (1/10), highs near 40°F, about 9.5 hours of daylight, and 3 seasonal closures in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 7% 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 1% of Great Basin’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
- 40°F
- Avg low
- 20°F
- Precipitation
- 1.0"
- Sunrise
- 6:48 AM
- Sunset
- 4:15 PM
- Daylight
- 9.5h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, GREAT BASIN NP, NV US
What's open
Great Basin in December: access
Park Grounds and Trails Check "Visitor Centers" tab for facility-specific hours
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Park Closure
Wheeler Peak Campground Seasonal Closure
The Wheeler Peak Campground will close for the season on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Availability in the other park campgrounds can be found on recreation.gov.
- Park Closure
Dump Station Seasonal Closure
Due to incoming winter weather, the park's dump station will be closing for the season at 12:00 pm on Friday, October 9, 2026. After that time, there will be no potable water available inside the National Park.
- Park Closure
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive Seasonal Closure
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is closed to vehicle traffic at the Summit Trailhead due to impacts from winter weather.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Caution
No Potable Water in Park Campgrounds
There currently is no water available in any campground in Great Basin National Park. Water is available at the RV Fill and Dump Station, the Great Basin, and the Lehman Caves Visitor Center as well as some local businesses.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Great Basin crowds across the year
FAQ
Great Basin in December
How busy is Great Basin in December?
December rates 1/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Great Basin National Park — about 7% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 2,032.
What is the weather like at Great Basin in December?
In December, Great Basin averages a high of 40°F and a low of 20°F, with about 1.0 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Great Basin?
Entry to Great Basin is free.
When is Great Basin least crowded?
Great Basin 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 Great Basin get in December?
In mid-December, Great Basin gets about 9.5 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:48 AM and sunset around 4:15 PM.