11 Best National Parks To Visit In December (+ Winter Tips)

December is a great time to visit National Parks – especially if you’re looking for better weather and fewer crowds. I spent the last few years traveling full time in my campervan and am sharing my favorite 11 best National Parks to visit in December.

In this blog post:

• Top 11 best National Parks to visit in December & why
• What you can expect for weather
• The best things to do in each National Park during the month of December

11 Best National Parks To Visit In December

It’s no secret that visitors to National Parks have boomed since 2020. So many people have realized that you don’t need to leave the US to see incredible new places. With that has come massive crowds, especially during the summer.

The crowds are so bad at some parks that a few (like Glacier National Park and Arches) have implemented timed-entry vehicle reservation systems to try and mitigate congestion and parking problems.

Even though summer can be a great time to visit the National Parks, going during the off-season means you’ll avoid the crowds and can also take advantage of shoulder-season pricing.

These are my favorite National Parks to visit in December.

1. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is located in southern California. The distance from San Diego to Joshua Tree is just over 3 hours, which makes it a great day trip or weekend getaway.

It’s also conveniently located close to Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs, which are great stops to add to your road trip.

Why Visit Joshua Tree In December

Joshua Tree in December comes with cooler temperatures which make it ideal for hiking and climbing. It’s a nice change from the brutal summer heat that Joshua Tree experiences.

Joshua Tree Weather In December

Joshua Tree weather in December has daytime highs in the 60s°F, and chilly nights. Because it’s a desert, the temperature swings can be substantial between daytime and nighttime – sometimes as much as 40°F.

Best Things To Do In Joshua Tree National Park In December

The best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park in December include stargazing, hiking Hidden Valley, and exploring the Cholla Cactus Garden.

Stargazing at Joshua Tree is fantastic. It’s one of the darkest places in Southern California, and it’s designated as an International Dark Sky Park. If you’re into stargazing, I’d also recommend visiting Joshua Tree National Park in October when they have their Night Sky Festival.

2. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is located in Washington state, south of Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula. The temperate rainforest climate makes Olympic a great park to visit any time of the year. It tends to be cooler during the hot summer months, and warmer during the cold winter months so it’s a nice escape from the rest of the state.

Because of it’s location, it’s a convenient long weekend trip for most of the PNW. There’s a lot to see with a 2 day Olympic National Park itinerary.

Why Visit Olympic National Park In December

The best reasons to visit Olympic National Park in December are fewer crowds and a unique mix of snowy mountains and lush rainforests.

Olympic National Park spans a wide variety of ecosystems so it’s possible to see rugged beaches, rainforests filled with moss and snow at higher elevations, like Hurricane Ridge.

Average Weather For Olympic National Park In December

Highs in the mid-40s°F, potential rain in lower areas (December is the rainy season in the Hoh Rainforest), snow in the mountains.

Best Things To Do At Olympic National Park In December

Hoh Rainforest hikes, snowshoeing Hurricane Ridge, and visiting moody coastal beaches.

Hurricane Ridge is open Friday-Sunday’s only during the winter season. There’s a variety of winter sports you can do at Hurricane Ridge, including snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and hiking. Be sure to pack your winter hiking gear.

It’s possible for snowy conditions or avalanche threat to close the road so it’s best to check current road conditions ahead of your trip.

3. Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is one of 3 National Parks located in Florida. As you can imagine, visiting the Everglades in December brings near perfect weather… but also some crowds.

The best way to visit Everglades in December is to avoid public and school holidays. The first half of the month is best for avoiding crowds.

Why Visit Everglades In December

December is the beginning of the dry season at the Everglades, making it easier to explore without intense humidity or mosquitoes.

You’ll also have much better temperatures in December, then if you visit during the summer. Between the heat and the humidity in the summer Florida becomes unbearable (I used to work in Magic Kingdom and can attest to the brutal afternoon heat in the summer).

Average December Weather In Everglades National Park

December weather in Everglades National Park is comfortable with temperatures in the mid-70s°F, and low humidity. It’s also the start of the dry season, so you can expect less rain.

Best Things to Do At Everglades National Park In December

Wildlife viewing, airboat tours, and kayaking through mangroves are some of the best activities at Everglades National Park in December.

Because it’s the dry season, water levels tend to be lower, which makes wildlife spotting easier.

4. Arches National Park

Arches National Park is one of the most popular US National Parks and is completely mobbed during the summer. In fact, Arches implemented a timed-entry system to try and combat the crowds and parking problems for the busy season.

This is why December in Arches National Park is the perfect time to visit. You get fewer crowds and much better weather. Overall, it’s a much more relaxed time to see the park.

Why Visit Arches National Park In December

Visiting Arches in December is a great way to avoid the high-season crowds and experience unique snow-dusted arches. You can pack more into your Arches National Park itinerary when you aren’t battling for parking for hours (literally!).

Additionally, hotels near Arches National Park are much more affordable during the winter season.

Average Weather

December weather in Arches has daytime highs in the 40s°F, and freezing temperatures at night. It’s possible to see snow, but snowfall usually doesn’t accumulate much and tends to disappear quickly.

Best Things To Do At Arches In December

Arches Scenic Drive, hiking Delicate Arch for sunrise (nice in the winter because sunrise isn’t brutally early), and photography of the snow-covered landscape.

Arches is part of the Utah Might 5 (the 5 National Parks in Utah), which makes it a perfect stop on a Utah road trip. I recommend starting from Salt Lake City (about 3.5 hours north of Arches), spending one day in Arches National Park and then heading south to visit Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion.

5. Bryce Canyon National Park In December

Winter in Bryce Canyon is spectacular. The park sits at higher elevation than the other Utah Parks, so even in the summer it has cooler weather. You can expect to see snow at Bryce Canyon National Park in December, which is stunning against the red rock landscape.

Additionally, there are a ton of unique winter activities at Bryce Canyon.

Why Visit Bryce Canyon In December

Bryce Canyon in December has incredible winter views with orange and red hoodoos contrasting against the snow. While there aren’t major crowds at this park, even in the summer, it’s especially nice during December when you can have most of the hiking trails in Bryce Canyon to yourself.

Bryce Canyon Weather In December

Bryce Canyon weather in December often has highs around the mid-30s°F, and lows below freezing, with frequent snowfall.

Best Things To Do At Bryce Canyon In December

There are a ton of things to add to your itinerary for Bryce Canyon in December, including snowshoeing, scenic overlooks, and the Christmas Bird Count (on Dec 21, 2024).

There are also some unique ranger led activities at Bryce Canyon in December you won’t find during other seasons. Be sure to stop by the visitor center to get the current schedule for ranger guided snowshoe hikes, full moon snowshoe ranger hikes (a rare event in Bryce!) and winter astronomy ranger led programs.

As a smaller park, it’s possible to see most things with one day in Bryce Canyon National Park. I recommend making time for sunrise at Bryce Canyon – December is one of the best times for sunrise because there are fewer crowds and sunrise is later in the day (so you can sleep in a little bit longer!)

Given it’s proximity to Zion National Park, it’s also a great opportunity to extend your road trip and see both Bryce and Zion National Parks.

6. Dry Tortugas In December

Dry Tortugas is the second Florida National Park on this list of the best National Parks to visit in December! It’s also one of the hardest National Parks to get to because it’s a series of islands located about 70 miles off the coast of Key West.

There are only 3 options to access this US National Park – take the public ferry, book a seaplane or arrive via private boat.

Why Visit Dry Tortugas In December

There are two primary reasons why visiting Dry Tortugas in December is ideal. First, it has mild weather for exploring the islands and enjoying water activities. Second, during December you’re able to access Bush Key.

Bush Key is a rare undeveloped, subtropical island in Dry Tortugas National Park. It’s only 16 acres but it’s home to certain bird species (sooty terns and brown noddies) that aren’t found anywhere else on the continental US.

For this reason, Bush Key is not accessible during breeding season (February – September). However, if you visit Dry Tortugas in December you can walk (via a 1-mile land bridge at low tide) or kayak to the island.

Dry Tortugas Average Weather In December

Average December temperatures at Dry Tortuga National Park are typically in the high 70s°F to low 80s°F, with minimal rain. Hurricane season typically ends by late November, which makes December the perfect time to visit.

Keep in mind that there can be strong winds in December. This means water visibility can decrease, and you should expect the possibility of a rough boat ride to the island. Occasionally, the ferry may suspend service if the wind is too strong.

If you’re planning on swimming or snorkeling on your trip, expect Dry Tortugas water temperature in December to be in the mid-70’s. While the water temperatures do not fluctuate significantly throughout the year, they are a few degrees colder in December.

Best Things to Do At Dry Tortugas In December

The best things to do at Dry Tortugas in December are snorkeling, birdwatching, and exploring Fort Jefferson, which is located on Garden Key – the main island at Dry Tortugas National Park.

If you take the ferry to Dry Tortugas, your ticket includes a guided tour of Fort Jefferson.

7. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of my favorite US parks. But many other people feel the same way which means this park is wildly crowded during the summer months.

Zion in December is a much calmer experience with fewer crowds on the trails, making it easier to secure Zion permits for hikes like Angels Landing, and more affordable accommodations.

Fewer crowds also means you’re able to accomplish more in less time. Personally, I think two days in Zion National Park is best, but the highlights can be seen with just one day in Zion if you’re short on time.

It’s location makes Zion a perfect day trip, or weekend road trip from Las Vegas. Additionally, it’s only 4 hours between the Grand Canyon to Zion National Park.

Why Visit Zion In December

In December you’ll find fewer crowds and modest temperatures in Zion.

Additionally, the Zion Shuttle does not operate during the first half of December (operation resume for the holiday week). When the shuttle is operating, private vehicles are not allowed on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. In early December, you can drive your own vehicle through the park, going at your own schedule and pace!

Zion National Park December Weather

December weather in Zion has daytime highs in the 50s°F, and cooler nights hovering around freezing. Because of this, snow in Zion National Park is rare, and when it does fall it rarely sticks around for long.

December Zion National Park Things to Do

December is one of the few times you can drive your own vehicle through Zion Canyon – I recommend you take advantage of this! It’s nice to see the park from your own vehicle without being surrounded by others on the shuttle.

With fewer crowds, it’s also easier to get a permit to hike Angels Landing. I wouldn’t recommend this hike if there is snow on the ground (that would be dangerous!), but chances are you won’t experience this because snow is fairly uncommon in Zion (falling only 2-3 times per year).

If you’re looking for snow, I recommend taking the road trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon – it’s only a 2 hour drive, but Bryce Canyon is at higher elevation and gets more snow than Zion.

8. Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is the third and final National Park in Florida on this list of the best National Parks to visit in December. It’s located just south of Miami which makes it one of the best National Parks to visit in winter if you’re looking for warm weather.

Why Visit Biscayne National Park In December

During December at Biscayne National Park you can expect warm weather perfect for water activities with fewer bugs than in summer.

December is the dry season in Florida, so humidity and water levels are lower than the hot, sticky summer months. However, this also means more crowds, particularly around the holidays.

Average December Weather At Biscayne National Park

December has comfortable temperatures in the mid-70s°F to low 80s°F, and is generally sunny and dry.

Best Things to Do At Biscayne

With favorable weather, popular activities at Biscayne National Park in December include snorkeling, diving, and boating around Biscayne Bay.

9. Grand Canyon National Park

Summer temperatures at the Grand Canyon can be scorching. Visiting during December is a great way to avoid the crowds as well as enjoy more moderate weather for hiking.

While the South Rim remains open year-round, the road to the North Rim is closed in winter. This won’t impact most visitors, though, as very few visitors to Grand Canyon explore the more remote area of the North Rim.

Why Visit Grand Canyon National Park In December

December in the Grand Canyon is a quiet season with stunning views of the snow-covered canyon. You can enjoy more peaceful hikes, overlooks that aren’t swamped with people and you’ll have an easier time securing last minute hotel bookings for better rates.

I recommend flying into Las Vegas and taking a road trip to Grand Canyon National Park during December to capture the best flight prices and rental car deals. This can be done as an out-and-back trip, or you can extend your itinerary and complete the loop from Grand Canyon to Zion National Park.

Grand Canyon December Weather

Grand Canyon temperatures along the South Rim have highs around 40°F in December, and snow is possible. Typically, the canyon floor is 15-20°F warmer than the rim year-round.

Best Things To Do At The Grand Canyon In December

The best activities to do at the Grand Canyon in December include hikes along the South Rim, photography of the snow-covered canyon, and ranger-led programs.

In the winter, private vehicles are allowed on Hermit Road, which heads West from Grand Canyon Village and follows scenic overlooks along the canyon rim. This is a great way to see the Grand Canyon at your own pace and isn’t available to visitors during the summer.

10. Death Valley In December

Death Valley is the driest and hottest place in North America. As you can imagine, the conditions can be extreme during summer when temperatures consistently surpass 120°F. So of course, the best time to visit Death Valley is in the winter when the temperatures are survivable.

Why Visit Death Valley In December

The cooler temperatures in December make Death Valley far more comfortable for being outdoors and hiking. Honestly, the summers here are so hot and there are very few hours you can stand to be outside that it’s almost not worth visiting.

Death Valley December Weather

Death Valley experiences highs in the mid-60s°F during the day, with nighttime temperatures in the 30s°F throughout December.

Best Things To Do In Death Valley In December

The best things to do in Death Valley in December include hiking Golden Canyon and Zabriskie Point, visiting Badwater Basin, and scenic drives like Artist’s Palette Drive.

11. Canyonlands National Park

Last on this list of the best National Parks to visit in December is Canyonlands. Canyonlands is often overlooked, even though it’s right next door to Arches and Moab. It’s a massive National Park comprised of 4 districts, although most visitors only see Island In The Sky – the closest district to Moab and the easiest to access.

Why Visit Canyonlands In December

Canyonlands is a great National Park to visit year-round, but in winter it has fewer visitors and spectacular winter views, as snow occasionally dusts the park. It’s a particularly great addition to a winter visit to Arches.

Average Weather In Canyonlands National Park In December

Highs in the 40s°F, and potential snowfall when visiting Canyonlands in December. While snow doesn’t typically get too deep, it is common to see it dust the canyons.

Best Things To Do In Canyonlands In December

There’s a surprising number of things to do in Canyonlands National Park in December, including scenic drives, stargazing, ranger programs and some easy hikes in Canyonlands National Park like Mesa Arch.

My Pick: Best National Parks To Visit In December

If I had to pick just one National Park to visit in December it would be Zion. It’s one of my favorite National Parks, but visiting during the summer can be challenging given how many people there are.

I highly recommend hiking Angels Landing while you’re there, and renting gear from Zion Outfitters so you can stay warm while hiking The Narrows riverbed.

If you’re looking for a luxury place to stay, I recommend getting a room at Zion Lodge inside the park. Alternatively, there are several great budget-friendly options just outside Zion, in Springdale, including Bumbleberry Inn, The Lodge At Zion Country or this 2 bedroom vacation rental.