Yosemite · December
Yosemite in December
December is a good time to visit Yosemite — quieter than November, about as busy as January.
Expect moderate crowds (4/10), highs near 48°F, about 9.6 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
A comfortable middle ground: some company on popular trails, but no gridlock.
About 35% 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 5% of Yosemite’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
- 48°F
- Avg low
- 29°F
- Precipitation
- 5.6"
- Sunrise
- 7:06 AM
- Sunset
- 4:40 PM
- Daylight
- 9.6h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Yosemite Valley
What's open
Yosemite in December: access
Open 24 hours; Tioga and Glacier Point roads close in winter; peak-season reservations
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Information
No overnight parking on Tioga & Glacier Point Roads
Overnight parking is not allowed on Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road, including all parking lots reachable from these roads.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
No additional active alerts or warnings reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Yosemite crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Yosemite in December
How busy is Yosemite in December?
December rates 4/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Yosemite National Park — about 35% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 181,943.
What is the weather like at Yosemite in December?
In December, Yosemite averages a high of 48°F and a low of 29°F, with about 5.6 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Yosemite?
Entrance to Yosemite costs $35 ($35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days).
When is Yosemite least crowded?
Yosemite 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 Yosemite get in December?
In mid-December, Yosemite gets about 9.6 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:06 AM and sunset around 4:40 PM.