December in Yosemite: climate, conditions and what to expect in 2026
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 10 rainy days across the month, on average.
December transforms Yosemite into a landscape of frost and silence. Daytime highs hover around 1.7°C (35°F), while nights plummet to -8.7°C (16°F), turning meadows into sheets of ice and rock faces into crystalline sculptures. Expect 186.2mm of precipitation spread across roughly 10-11 days, falling mostly as snow above 2,000 meters and rain in the valley. You'll get about 7.2 hours of weak winter sun per day, with mornings arriving dark and afternoons fading by 4:30pm. The valley floor often stays damp and grey, while higher elevations lock up under snow that can exceed 30cm.
The park becomes genuinely quiet. Summer crowds vanish entirely, replaced by a handful of serious hikers, photographers chasing monochrome landscapes, and families who time their visit around school holidays. Yosemite Village remains open but feels almost abandoned on weekdays. Prices drop noticeably—lodging and entrance fees don't change, but everything else softens. Local rangers actually talk to visitors instead of rushing past. Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Road close by early November and stay sealed until late May, redirecting traffic and shrinking your explorable territory.
Over the past decade, December in Yosemite has stayed remarkably consistent. Snow accumulation varies year to year, but the pattern of freezing valley nights and heavy precipitation persists. 2026 is tracking toward typical conditions—no major climate anomalies forecast. This reliability makes planning straightforward: assume roads above 2,000m will be closed, pack serious winter layers, and embrace the park's most introspective season.
December suits photographers hunting for snow-draped cliffs and winter light, couples seeking solitude, and experienced hikers comfortable with icy trails. Families with school-age kids arrive late December, so aim for early-to-mid month if you want true emptiness. Roads to the valley floor stay open, but chains are mandatory and sometimes not enough—check conditions before driving. In 2026, plan flexible dates and a backup indoor activity (museums, visitor centers) in case weather locks down the park mid-visit.
The Valley is 1% of Yosemite's area but gets 95% of visitors — locals go to Hetch Hetchy (the reservoir that flooded a valley John Muir called equal to Yosemite Valley) which requires a permit and gets no crowds. The Ahwahnee Hotel was renamed 'The Majestic Yosemite' for years due to a trademark dispute with a former concessionaire; the original name returned in 2019. Half Dome cables require a permit lottery, and rangers pull unclipped hikers off in bad weather. Skip Curry Village pizza; drive to El Portal's Yosemite View Lodge or bring your own dinner.
What to pack for Yosemite in December
December in Yosemite demands serious layering. Daytime temperatures barely crack freezing, nights drop well below zero, and moisture—whether rain or snow—cuts through inadequate gear. You'll be caught between intense sun reflecting off snow and genuine cold that numbs exposed skin in minutes.
- Insulated winter parka (down or synthetic fill rated to -15°C / 5°F)
- Thermal base layers (merino wool long underwear, top and bottom)
- Waterproof hiking boots with insulation and aggressive tread
- Wool beanie and balaclava or neck gaiter
- Waterproof gloves or mittens with touchscreen fingers
What to pack for Yosemite in December
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Where to stay in Yosemite
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Delayed flight to Yosemite?
Flights to Yosemite in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Snowshoe the valley floor, photograph Half Dome in winter light, hike Sentinel Dome via plowed roads, visit Ansel Adams gallery and Yosemite Museum.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Yosemite. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Yosemite
While December has its own character in Yosemite, the data-backed best months to visit Yosemite are June, July, August, September. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for YosemiteOther places with a similar climate right now
Yosemite in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good month for Yosemite?
Is December a good month for Yosemite?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In December, Yosemite averages a high of 2°C (35°F) and a low of -9°C (16°F), with 187mm of rainfall across roughly 10 rainy days. Mid-May through early June the waterfalls hit peak flow from Sierra snowmelt — Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil, Vernal all thunder — and Tioga Pass opens without July's four-hour Valley entrance queues.
Q02How warm does Yosemite get in December?
How warm does Yosemite get in December?
The average high temperature in Yosemite during December is 2°C (35°F), with an average low of -9°C (16°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January dumps snow on the Valley floor; locals cross-country ski Badger Pass (California's oldest ski area, 1935) and watch Horsetail Fall's 'firefall' sunset glow late February.
Q03Does it rain a lot in Yosemite in December?
Does it rain a lot in Yosemite in December?
Yosemite averages approximately 10 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 187mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days. January-February atmospheric rivers dump 30 inches of snow above 6,000 feet; Wawona Road (Highway 41) closes for avalanche control and El Portal floods.
Q04What clothes should I bring to Yosemite in December?
What clothes should I bring to Yosemite in December?
For Yosemite in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Bear canister for backcountry (rentable at wilderness centers) — hanging food from trees is banned since 2004 because Yosemite bears learned to defeat every knot.
Q05Are there many tourists in Yosemite in December?
Are there many tourists in Yosemite in December?
Tourist crowds in Yosemite during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. The Valley is 1% of Yosemite's area but gets 95% of visitors — locals go to Hetch Hetchy (the reservoir that flooded a valley John Muir called equal to Yosemite Valley) which requires a permit and gets no crowds. The Ahwahnee Hotel was renamed 'The Majestic Yosemite' for years due to a trademark dispute with a former concessionaire; the original name returned in 2019. Half Dome cables require a permit lottery, and rangers pull unclipped hikers off in bad weather. Skip Curry Village pizza; drive to El Portal's Yosemite View Lodge or bring your own dinner.