Yosemite · December
Yosemite in December
December is a good time to visit Yosemite — quieter than November, about as busy as January.
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 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
- 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
No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Yosemite Traffic Updates
When the park is very busy, you can get updates on current traffic conditions in Yosemite by texting ynptraffic to 333111.
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.