Looking for the best national parks to visit in December?
Since we live in the Southwest, December is the perfect time to explore nearby National Parks. Some parks in the US turn into winter wonderlands, while others are finally bearable with cooler temps. Minus the holidays, you also get to enjoy the parks with fewer crowds.
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Last Updated: December 19, 2023
Before we get into it, we want to remind everyone to explore the parks responsibly using the 7 Leave No Trace Principles. Have a plan, stay on established trails, carry out anything you carry in, leave what you find, minimize campfire impact, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others.
About the National Park by month Series
To put together this list, we’ve combined our personal experiences and tips we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the weather, accessibility, local forums, seasonal attractions like fall foliage or wildflowers, and special events happening in the area. We also considered any unique adventures only offered at certain times of the year to find the most optimal months to visit each National Park. Phew! that was a lot!
It took me a whole week of research, but since I’m a maximizer, it was worth having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that soon!). Also, check out our complete list of all the national parks and national park units that include soon-to-be national parks.
We also chose to leave out the hardest-to-access national parks in this series.
National Parks By Month: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul
Is December a Good Time to Visit National Parks?
Yes! Though summer is the most popular time to travel, and fall usually has the perfect temps, certain national parks are ideal for visiting in December.
Plan on visiting more than two national parks this year? Pick up an America the Beautiful annual pass to save money (entrance fees to each park are, on average, $30-35 per vehicle). Plus, you are helping support the Parks that always need funding.
9 Best National Parks to Visit in December
To Escape the Cold
1. Biscayne National Park, Florida
9700 SW 328th St, Homestead, FL 33033, map
Average Temperatures: 68°F / 62°F
Why Visit: The best weather in Biscayne National Park starts in December, which will make it busier, but the mild temperatures are worth it. Since 95% of the park is in the water, get ready to spend time in a boat or the water. Don’t forget to look out for manatees!
Best For / Top Activities: Swimming, Snorkeling, Fishing, Hiking
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Boca Chita Key, Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, Snorkeling, Jones Lagoon
- Wildlife – Sea Turtles, Manatees, Spiny Lobster, Snapper, Grouper
- How many days do you need? 2-3
Pro Tip: 90% of visitors enter the park via boat, so plan accordingly!
See More: 7 Remarkable Things to Do in Key West Florida
2. Everglades National Park, Florida
40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, map
Average Temperatures: 78°F / 60°F
Why Visit: December is the dry season in Everglades National Park. You get cooler temps, and you’ll find fewer mosquitos, and wildlife will be more active and abundant.
Best For / Top Activities: Boating, Camping, Kayaking, Bicycling, Fishing, Hiking, Tours
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Shark Valley, Anhinga Trail, Eco Pond, Snake Bight, Nine Mile Pond
- Wildlife – Alligators, Raccoons, Opossums, Bobcats, Gray Fox, Leopard Frogs, Roseate Spoonbill, Manatee
- How many days do you need? 2-3
Pro Tip: Since visiting during the dry season is popular, make advanced reservations for camping, lodging, and tours.
See More: 7 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida
For the Cooler Temps
3. Death Valley National Park, California →
36.4799715,-118.1707461, map
Average Temperatures: 65°F / 39°F
Why Visit: Maybe it’s because we get enough of the scorching heat in Vegas, but I will not touch Death Valley until winter. December is one of the best times to visit Death Valley, with warm temperatures during the day for hikes. At night, temperatures drop significantly, so pack layers. It’s the desert way.
Best For / Top Activities: Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Photography
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Zabriskie Point
- Wildlife – Western Pipistrelle Bat, Desert Kangaroo Rat, Desert Cottontail, Coyote, Kit Fox, Badger, Bobcat, Mountain Lion
- How many days do you need? 1-3
Pro Tip: The park is enormous. We were surprised at how long it took to drive from one spot to the next. Give yourself plenty of travel time. Also, keep in mind that the days are shorter in December.
See More: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
4. Joshua Tree National Park, California →
6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map
Average Temperatures: 61°F / 37°F
Why Visit: We love Joshua Tree in December for the climbing. For those who don’t climb, it’s still a great time to get photos of Joshua trees, rock piles, and epic sunsets. There isn’t as much to do in this park if you’re not into climbing, but it’s worth visiting at least once. When the temps drop at night, it’s perfect for sitting around the campfire if you are lucky enough to get a camping spot.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Stargazing, Camping, Scenic Drives, Climbing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Halls of Horror, Skull Rock
- Wildlife – Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Gray Fox, Desert Kit Fox, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Desert Cottontail
- How many days do you need? 1 or 2-3 if you climb
Pro Tip: The park gets busier during the cooler seasons, so book your site early if you’re hoping to camp.
See More: 11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
5. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
37.1879181,-86.1028107, map
Average Temperatures: 49°F / 38°F
Why Visit: Winter is the low season at Mammoth Cave, making December the best time to avoid crowds. The cave stays the same temperature year-round (54° F or 12 °C). You’ll get to explore the caves in smaller groups. It will be chilly if you plan on exploring any surface trails, but if you have the appropriate gear, you’ll be good to go.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Bicycling, Cave Tours, Kayaking
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mammoth Cave, Doyel Valley Overlook, Sunset Point, Green River
- Wildlife – Bats, White-Tailed Deer, Coyote, Black Bear
- How many days do you need? 1-3
Local Tip: They offer fewer cave tours during the winter but don’t book up quickly like they do in the summer.
See More: Complete National Parks List by State
6. Saguaro National Park, Arizona →
2700 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, map
Average Temperatures: 65°F / 39°F
Why Visit: Cool days make December one of the best times to explore Saguaro National Park. If you visit in early December, the crowds are manageable, but the park’s busiest time is between Christmas and New Year.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Scenic Drive, Photography, Camping, Ranger Programs
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Valley View Overlook Trail, Cactus Forest Drive, Bajada Loop Drive, Signal Hill Trail, Desert Museum
- Wildlife – Bats, Bobcats, Javelina, Mountain Lions, Gray Fox, Coyotes, Ringtail
- How many days do you need? 1-3
Local Tip: The park has an East and West portion separated by the city (roughly 30-45 mins). When you plan your trip, take into account where each trail is.
See More: 11 Beautiful Things to Do in Saguaro National Park
7. White Sands National Park, New Mexico →
19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310, map
Average Temperatures: 57°F / 22°F
Why Visit: December is a great time to visit White Sands National Park since it’s a much quieter time of year. You can even camp under the stars but be prepared with cold-weather camping gear since temperatures are freezing at night.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Bicycling, Backcountry Camping, Photography, Stargazing, Sledding
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Sledding, Dune Life Nature Trail, Alkali Flat Trail, Playa Trail
- Wildlife – American Badger, Apache Pocket Mouse, Black-Tailed Jackrabbit, Bobcat, Coyote, Kit Fox
- How many days do you need? 1-2
Local Tip: Keep your eye on trail markers when you’re hiking. It can get disorienting very quickly. We found our way back using the direction of the sun setting. It also helps to download an offline version of google maps of the area.
See More: 5 Incredible Things to Do at White Sands National Park
For Winter Activities
8. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado →
11999 CO-150, Mosca, CO 81146, map
Average Temperatures: 36°F / 12°F
Why Visit: We need to go back to see the great dunes covered in snow during the winter. The park completely transforms, and instead of sandboarding, you can sled or snowboard on the dunes. Snow typically falls once per week on the dunes and mountains in December.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Sand Boarding, Off-Roading, Stargazing, Photography
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – High Dune, Sand Boarding, Medano Creek, Zapata Falls
- Wildlife – Mule Deer, Ord’s Kangaroo Rats, Black Bears, Abert’s Squirrels, Pronghorn, Pikas, Elk
- How many days do you need? 1-3
Pro Tip: Even though it snows once a week, they clear the roads quickly. Plan your visits during the afternoon for the warmest weather.
See Related – 9 Things You Can’t Miss at Great Sand Dunes National Park
9. Acadia National Park, Maine →
25 Visitor Center Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, map
Average Temperatures: 34°F / 14°F
Why Visit: If you love having a National Park to yourself, December is the time to go. The frigid weather keeps people away, but as long as you dress appropriately, it’s a fantastic time to explore. You also can enjoy winter activities like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Best For / Top Activities: Scenic Drive, Hiking, Snowshoeing, Skiing, Snowmobiling
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Ocean Drive, Jordan Pond Road, Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, Beehive, Cadillac North Ridge Trail
- Wildlife – Moose, Whitetail Deer, Beavers, Seals, Harbor Porpoises
- How many days do you need? 1-3
Pro Tip: Visitor Centers will be closed during the winter, but they do share visitor hours with the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. Check what is open before visiting since the park is more limited.
See More: 15 Breathtaking Things to Do in Acadia National Park
Map of the Best National Parks to Visit in December
Want to See More NATIONAL Parks to Visit in December?
If you’re a national park lover like us and have done many of the above, here are some more ideas for National Parks to visit in December. While December may not be the most ideal month of the year to visit these parks, it’s still worthwhile.
- Great Basin National Park, Nevada
- Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
- Yosemite National Park, California
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Tips for Visiting the Best National Parks in December
- Explore the parks responsibly using Leave no Trace principles. Stay on established trails, carry out anything you carry in, etc.
- Pick up the National Park Annual Pass if you plan on visiting multiple parks within the year. It saves you a lot of money.
- It’s always a good idea to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are warm during the day and cool at night. Pay attention to the elevation change too! Some parks will be warm on the valley floor and cold at higher elevations.
- You may need a reservation. See national parks that now require reservations here.
- Always check the park’s site and Visitors Center for the most up-to-date information on closures.
- Remember that wildlife is wild. Be familiar with how to interact with animals and how much space you should have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you will pack depends on which park you visit and the activities you plan, but here is a general guide on items we always try to pack.
- Camera Gear
- Travel Backpack
- Camping / Backpacking Equipment
- National Park Annual Pass
- National Park Passport
- Layers (The Best Travel Jackets)
- Solid Hiking Shoes
Wanna know what to wear at the airport? These are my airport outfits and our carry-on essentials for every flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit national parks?
Generally, December is considered the off-season for many national parks due to colder weather. Some parks may have limited services, shorter daylight hours, and potential closures of certain roads or facilities. However, if you enjoy winter activities and fewer crowds, it can still be a unique and beautiful time to visit. Plus, it’s a great time to visit parks that are typically too hot to visit in the summer.
What is the warmest National Park in December?
Parks in the southern United States, like Everglades National Park in Florida, tend to be warmer in December compared to parks in northern regions.
Is December a good time to visit Arches National Park?
Arches National Park can be visited in December, but temperatures can be cold. Daytime temperatures are generally milder than nighttime temperatures, and there may be snow on the ground. The park is less crowded during this time.
Is it a good idea to visit the Grand Canyon in December?
The Grand Canyon is open year-round, and visiting in December can be a good idea if you prefer fewer crowds. However, be prepared for colder temperatures, especially at the higher elevations of the South Rim.
Is Yosemite open in December? What is Yosemite like in December? Is it safe to drive to Yosemite in winter?
Yosemite National Park is open in December, but some roads and facilities may be closed due to snow. Yosemite Valley is at a lower elevation and is accessible in winter. Driving conditions can be challenging in snowy weather, so check road conditions and be prepared for winter driving.
Can you go to Bryce Canyon in winter? Is Bryce Canyon open in December?
Bryce Canyon National Park is open in December, and winter can be a beautiful time to visit. Some facilities may close or have reduced hours, but snow-covered hoodoos create a unique and picturesque landscape.
Is Yellowstone worth it in December?
Yellowstone National Park is open in December, offering a serene winter landscape. While a lot of roads are closed, guided snowcoach tours and snowmobile excursions are available, providing a different experience compared to other seasons.
Can you go to Zion in December?
Zion National Park is open in December, and winter can be a quieter time to visit. Some trails may be icy or closed, but the main canyon is accessible.
Can we visit Smoky Mountains in December?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open in December. While it may not be as cold as some northern parks, be prepared for winter weather and the possibility of snow at higher elevations.
Is Glacier National Park open in December? Is Glacier National Park good in December?
Many parts of Glacier National Park are closed in December due to heavy snowfall. While it may not be an ideal time for visiting the entire park, winter enthusiasts can enjoy activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in open areas.
Recap of the 9 Best National Parks to Visit in December
December is a wonderful time to explore the National Parks. You get to take advantage of good weather, and most schools have started back up, so it will be a bit less crowded than in the height of summer. Here is the list of parks we recommend visiting.
- Biscayne National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Mammoth Cave National Park
- Saguaro National Park
- White Sands National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Acadia National Park
National Parks By Month: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul
Can you think of others that belong on this list of best national parks to visit in December? Which ones are we missing?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.