Pinnacles · December
Pinnacles in December
December is a busy time to visit Pinnacles — busier than November, busier than January.
Expect heavy crowds (7/10), highs near 62°F, and about 9.7 hours of daylight.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 61% 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 8% of Pinnacles’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
- 62°F
- Avg low
- 33°F
- Precipitation
- 3.1"
- Sunrise
- 7:09 AM
- Sunset
- 4:50 PM
- Daylight
- 9.7h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, PINNACLES NM, CA US
What's open
Pinnacles in December: access
Entrance to the east side of Pinnacles National Park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, including holidays.
No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Heavy Traffic and High Visitation Alert
Pinnacles experiences extremely high visitation on weekends, holidays, and during favorable weather, especially in the spring. Expect long lines and delays between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. If you're planning to hike the High Peaks, Condor Gulch, Balconies, or Moses Spring Trail, it’s recommended to arrive before 8:00 am (parking may fill earlier). Additionally, campground access may be temporarily delayed during peak periods of visitation when ALL incoming traffic is held.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Fire Danger VERY HIGH
Wood-burning fires and charcoal grills are prohibited. Propane and gas stoves allowed only in campground and picnic areas for cooking food. No smoking on trail. No roadside parking. Fireworks are always prohibited.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Pinnacles crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Pinnacles in December
How busy is Pinnacles in December?
December rates 7/10 for crowds (Busy) at Pinnacles National Park — about 61% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 26,629.
What is the weather like at Pinnacles in December?
In December, Pinnacles averages a high of 62°F and a low of 33°F, with about 3.1 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Pinnacles?
Entrance to Pinnacles costs $30 (This pass is valid for 1-7 days and includes everyone traveling in a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle up to 15 passengers to Pinnacles East Entrance and West Entrance.).
When is Pinnacles least crowded?
Pinnacles is quietest in January and September. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Pinnacles get in December?
In mid-December, Pinnacles gets about 9.7 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:09 AM and sunset around 4:50 PM.