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Looking for the most effective nationwide parks to go to in December?
Since we stay within the Southwest, December is the right time to discover close by National Parks. Some parks within the US flip into winter wonderlands, whereas others are lastly bearable with cooler temps. Minus the vacations, you additionally get to benefit from the parks with fewer crowds.
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Last Updated: November 10, 2022
Before we get into it, we need to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Leave no Trace Principles. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, go away what you discover, decrease campfire impression, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
About the National Park by month Series
To put collectively this checklist, we’ve mixed our private experiences and suggestions we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, seasonal points of interest like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions occurring within the space. We additionally thought of any distinctive adventures solely supplied at sure occasions of the yr to seek out essentially the most optimum months to go to every National Park. Phew! that was rather a lot!
It took me a complete week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was value having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Also, take a look at our full checklist of all of the nationwide parks and nationwide park items that embrace soon-to-be nationwide parks.
We additionally selected to go away out the hardest-to-access nationwide parks on this sequence.
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 time is the most well-liked time to journey, and fall often has the right temps, sure nationwide parks are perfect for visiting in December.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this yr? Pick up an America the Beautiful annual go to save cash (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per automobile). Plus, you’re serving to assist the Parks that at all times want funding.
19 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 finest climate in Biscayne National Park begins in December, which can make it busier, however the gentle temperatures are value it. Since 95% of the park is within the water, get able to spend time in a ship or the water. Don’t overlook 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 want? 2-3
Pro Tip: 90% of tourists enter the park through boat, so plan accordingly!
See Related – 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 also you’ll discover fewer mosquitos, and wildlife can be extra energetic and ample.
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 want? 2-3
Pro Tip: Since visiting throughout the dry season is in style, make superior reservations for tenting, lodging, and excursions.
See Related – 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 as a result of we get sufficient of the scorching warmth in Vegas, however I can’t contact Death Valley till winter. December is without doubt one of the finest occasions to go to Death Valley, with heat temperatures throughout the day for hikes. At evening, temperatures drop considerably, so pack layers. It’s the desert means.
Best For / Top Activities: Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Photography
Don’t Miss:
Pro Tip: The park is gigantic. We have been stunned at how lengthy it took to drive from one spot to the subsequent. Give your self loads of journey time. Also, take into account that the times are shorter in December.
See Related – 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 that don’t climb, it’s nonetheless a good time to get pictures of Joshua timber, rock piles, and epic sunsets. There isn’t as a lot to do on this park for those who’re not into climbing, but it surely’s value visiting at the least as soon as. When the temps drop at evening, it’s excellent for sitting across the campfire in case you are fortunate sufficient to get a tenting 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 want? 1 or 2-3 for those who climb
Pro Tip: The park will get busier throughout the cooler seasons, so e-book your web site early for those who’re hoping to camp.
See Related – 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 off-season at Mammoth Cave, making December the most effective time to keep away from crowds. The cave stays the identical temperature year-round (54° F or 12 °C). You’ll get to discover the caves in smaller teams. It can be chilly for those who plan on exploring any floor trails, however when you’ve got the suitable 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 want? 1-3
Local Tip: They provide fewer cave excursions throughout the winter however don’t e-book up shortly like they do in the summertime.
See Related – 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 among the finest occasions to discover Saguaro National Park. If you go to in early December, the crowds are manageable, however 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 want? 1-3
Local Tip: The park has an East and West portion separated by the town (roughly 30-45 minutes). When you propose your journey, take note of the place every path is.
See Related – 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 good time to go to White Sands National Park because it’s a a lot quieter time of yr. You may even camp below the celebs however be ready with cold-weather tenting gear since temperatures are freezing at evening.
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 want? 1-2
Local Tip: Keep your eye on path markers once you’re mountain climbing. It can get disorienting in a short time. We discovered our means again utilizing the path of the solar setting. It additionally helps to obtain an offline model of google maps of the realm.
See Related – 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 want to return to see the nice dunes lined in snow throughout the winter. The park fully transforms, and as an alternative of sandboarding, you’ll be able to sled or snowboard on the dunes. Snow sometimes falls as soon as 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 want? 1-3
Pro Tip: Even although it snows as soon as per week, they clear the roads shortly. Plan your visits throughout the afternoon for the warmest climate.
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 like having a National Park to your self, December is the time to go. The frigid climate retains folks away, however so long as you costume appropriately, it’s a implausible time to discover. You can also get pleasure from winter actions like snowshoeing or cross-country snowboarding.
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 want? 1-3
Pro Tip: Visitor Centers can be closed throughout the winter, however they do share customer hours with the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. Check what’s open earlier than visiting for the reason that park is extra restricted.
See Related – 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 nationwide park lover like us and have finished lots of the above, listed below are some extra concepts for National Parks to go to in December. While December will not be essentially the most excellent month of the yr to go to these parks, it’s nonetheless worthwhile.
Tips for Visiting the Best National Parks in December
- Explore the parks responsibly utilizing Leave no Trace ideas. Stay on established trails, perform something you carry in, and so forth.
- Pick up the National Park Annual Pass for those who plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the yr. It saves you some huge cash.
- It’s at all times a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat throughout the day and funky at evening. Pay consideration to the elevation change too! Some parks can be heat on the valley flooring and chilly at greater elevations.
- You may have a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- Always test the park’s web site and Visitors Center for essentially the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Remember that wildlife is wild. Be acquainted with the best way to work together with animals and the way a lot house you must have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack relies on which park you go to and the actions you propose, however here’s a common information on gadgets we at all times attempt to pack.
Wanna know what to put on on the airport? These are my airport outfits.
FAQs
Are nationwide parks crowded in December?
December is without doubt one of the finest occasions to go to a majority of National Parks as a result of they’re much less crowded than in the summertime, however a choose few get busier in the event that they’re unbearably sizzling in the summertime.
What time of yr is finest to go to nationwide parks?
September and October are typically the most effective occasions to go to since most parks are much less crowded, however this relies on the area or particular actions like leaf-peeping. Plus, it’s often cheaper, the climate is gentle, and the animals are extra energetic.
What nationwide park is finest to go to in December?
We simply made a listing of this! Check it out right here.
What is the most effective nationwide park to go to within the winter?
All the parks on this checklist are good for one purpose or one other, however our vote goes to Death Valley National Park for its variety within the panorama and climate.
What is Zion like in December?
Cold and moist! Temperatures are sometimes 50-60°F throughout the day and effectively beneath freezing at evening. Half of the annual precipitation in Zion falls between December and March.
How is Yellowstone in December?
Yellowstone in December is chilly and snowy. The park additionally has restricted entry, which takes extra planning.
What is Yosemite like in December?
The excessive nation is closed for the winter, however you’ll be able to nonetheless go to Yosemite Valley. It’s sometimes chilly and snowy, however sunny and hotter days occur too.
Is Glacier park open in December?
Glacier National Park is open all yr, however some trails and parts of the park are closed, together with Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass.
How sizzling is Grand Canyon in December?
On the South Rim, the highs are often round 45 levels Fahrenheit, and the lows are about 18.
Can you consider others that belong on this checklist of finest nationwide parks to go to in December? Which ones are we lacking?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
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