Yellowstone · December
Yellowstone in December
December is one of the best times to visit Yellowstone — about as busy as November, about as busy as January.
Expect light crowds (1/10), highs near 28°F, about 8.9 hours of daylight, and 2 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 2% of Yellowstone’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
- 28°F
- Avg low
- 11°F
- Precipitation
- 1.1"
- Sunrise
- 7:51 AM
- Sunset
- 4:43 PM
- Daylight
- 8.9h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Yellowstone (Lake Yellowstone)
What's open
Yellowstone in December: access
Open 24 hours in season; most roads close to cars early Nov to late Apr
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Park Closure
Biscuit Basin Closed Due to Hydrothermal Explosion
The parking lot, boardwalk, and Firehole River at Biscuit Basin, located north of Old Faithful, is closed to all travel until further notice due to the possibility of another event at the site of a hydrothermal explosion that occurred July 23, 2024.
Details on nps.gov → - Road Closure
Seasonal road closures in effect
Most park roads are closed to regular vehicles between early November and late April. Check current road status before traveling.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Vehicle Entrance Reservation Not Needed
Although an entrance pass is required to enter Yellowstone National Park, vehicle reservations are not needed. You are encouraged to purchase an entrance pass before arriving, but you may also purchase passes at any entrance station upon arrival.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Traffic Delays - Gardner River High Bridge
Expect a single lane of traffic with up to 15-minute delays, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 through late October 2026. Oversized/overweight vehicles (8'6"+ wide, 75'+ long, 80,000 lbs+ gross vehicle weight) will not be able to cross the bridge during this time.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Stay Away From Bull Elk
Bull elk are fast and unpredictable this time of year and can seriously injure people. If an elk charges, run. In addition to staying at least 25 yards (23 m) away from elk and bison, always stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Yellowstone crowds across the year
FAQ
Yellowstone in December
How busy is Yellowstone in December?
December rates 1/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Yellowstone National Park — about 7% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 71,517.
What is the weather like at Yellowstone in December?
In December, Yellowstone averages a high of 28°F and a low of 11°F, with about 1.1 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Yellowstone?
Entrance to Yellowstone costs $35 ($35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days).
When is Yellowstone least crowded?
Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone get in December?
In mid-December, Yellowstone gets about 8.9 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:51 AM and sunset around 4:43 PM.