Death Valley weather
in December
“A steady middle month — well worth visiting with the right expectations.”
Roughly 4 rainy days across the month, on average.
In december, Death Valley settles into its quieter, cooler pace. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 11°C (53°F), cooling to 6°C after sunset. Rain is rare enough that you can plan without a contingency. Long days of sunshine reward early starts.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for Death Valley in December
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Death Valley in December
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
- →Polarized sunglassesAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Death Valley
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Death Valley in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Death Valley?
Is December a good time to visit Death Valley?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, Death Valley averages a high of 11°C (53°F) and a low of 6°C (42°F), with 20mm of rainfall across roughly 4 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Death Valley in December?
What is the average temperature in Death Valley in December?
The average high temperature in Death Valley during December is 11°C (53°F), with an average low of 6°C (42°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Death Valley have in December?
How many rainy days does Death Valley have in December?
Death Valley averages approximately 4 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 20mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Death Valley in December?
What should I pack for Death Valley in December?
For Death Valley in December, pack a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Death Valley in December?
How crowded is Death Valley in December?
Tourist crowds in Death Valley during December are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.