On the lookout for the very best nationwide parks to go to in December?
Since we stay within the Southwest, December is the right time to discover close by Nationwide 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.
Final Up to date: November 4, 2023
Earlier than we get into it, we need to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Go away no Hint Ideas. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, go away what you discover, reduce campfire impression, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
In regards to the Nationwide Park by month Sequence
To place 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 sights 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 search out essentially the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was rather a lot!
It took me a complete week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was price having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Additionally, take a look at our full checklist of all of the nationwide parks and nationwide park models that embrace soon-to-be nationwide parks.
We additionally selected to go away out the hardest-to-access nationwide parks on this collection.
Nationwide Parks By Month: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Could | Jun | Jul
Is December a Good Time to Go to Nationwide Parks?
Sure! Although summer season is the preferred 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? Decide up an America the Stunning annual move to economize (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per automobile). Plus, you’re serving to help the Parks that all the time want funding.
9 Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in December
To Escape the Chilly
1. Biscayne Nationwide Park, Florida
9700 SW 328th St, Homestead, FL 33033, map
Common Temperatures: 68°F / 62°F
Why Go to: The most effective climate in Biscayne Nationwide Park begins in December, which is able to make it busier, however the delicate temperatures are price it. Since 95% of the park is within the water, get able to spend time in a ship or the water. Don’t neglect to look out for manatees!
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Swimming, Snorkeling, Fishing, Mountain climbing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Boca Chita Key, Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, Snorkeling, Jones Lagoon
- Wildlife – Sea Turtles, Manatees, Spiny Lobster, Snapper, Grouper
- What number of days do you want? 2-3
Professional Tip: 90% of tourists enter the park through boat, so plan accordingly!
See Extra: 7 Outstanding Issues to Do in Key West Florida
2. Everglades Nationwide Park, Florida
40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, map
Common Temperatures: 78°F / 60°F
Why Go to: December is the dry season in Everglades Nationwide Park. You get cooler temps, and also you’ll discover fewer mosquitos, and wildlife will probably be extra lively and ample.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Boating, Tenting, Kayaking, Bicycling, Fishing, Mountain climbing, Excursions
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Shark Valley, Anhinga Path, Eco Pond, Snake Bight, 9 Mile Pond
- Wildlife – Alligators, Raccoons, Opossums, Bobcats, Grey Fox, Leopard Frogs, Roseate Spoonbill, Manatee
- What number of days do you want? 2-3
Professional Tip: Since visiting in the course of the dry season is well-liked, make superior reservations for tenting, lodging, and excursions.
See Extra: 7 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Sarasota Florida
For the Cooler Temps
3. Dying Valley Nationwide Park, California →
36.4799715,-118.1707461, map
Common Temperatures: 65°F / 39°F
Why Go to: Possibly it’s as a result of we get sufficient of the scorching warmth in Vegas, however I can’t contact Dying Valley till winter. December is without doubt one of the greatest occasions to go to Dying Valley, with heat temperatures in the course of the day for hikes. At evening, temperatures drop considerably, so pack layers. It’s the desert method.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Images
Don’t Miss:
Professional Tip: The park is big. We had been stunned at how lengthy it took to drive from one spot to the following. Give your self loads of journey time. Additionally, remember the fact that the times are shorter in December.
See Extra: 15 Unimaginable Issues to Do in Dying Valley Nationwide Park
4. Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, California →
6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map
Common Temperatures: 61°F / 37°F
Why Go to: We love Joshua Tree in December for the climbing. For many who 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 in case you’re not into climbing, but it surely’s price visiting a minimum of as soon as. When the temps drop at evening, it’s good for sitting across the campfire in case you are fortunate sufficient to get a tenting spot.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountain climbing, Backpacking, Stargazing, Tenting, Scenic Drives, Climbing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Backyard, Halls of Horror, Cranium Rock
- Wildlife – Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Grey Fox, Desert Package Fox, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Desert Cottontail
- What number of days do you want? 1 or 2-3 in case you climb
Professional Tip: The park will get busier in the course of the cooler seasons, so guide your web site early in case you’re hoping to camp.
See Extra: 11 Superb Issues to Do in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
5. Mammoth Cave Nationwide Park, Kentucky
37.1879181,-86.1028107, map
Common Temperatures: 49°F / 38°F
Why Go to: Winter is the off-season at Mammoth Cave, making December the very best 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 will likely be chilly in case you plan on exploring any floor trails, however you probably have the suitable gear, you’ll be good to go.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountain climbing, Bicycling, Cave Excursions, Kayaking
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mammoth Cave, Doyel Valley Overlook, Sundown Level, Inexperienced River
- Wildlife – Bats, White-Tailed Deer, Coyote, Black Bear
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Native Tip: They provide fewer cave excursions in the course of the winter however don’t guide up shortly like they do in the summertime.
See Extra: Full Nationwide Parks Record by State
6. Saguaro Nationwide Park, Arizona →
2700 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, map
Common Temperatures: 65°F / 39°F
Why Go to: Cool days make December among the best occasions to discover Saguaro Nationwide Park. For those who go to in early December, the crowds are manageable, however the park’s busiest time is between Christmas and New 12 months.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountain climbing, Scenic Drive, Images, Tenting, Ranger Applications
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Valley View Overlook Path, Cactus Forest Drive, Bajada Loop Drive, Sign Hill Path, Desert Museum
- Wildlife – Bats, Bobcats, Javelina, Mountain Lions, Grey Fox, Coyotes, Ringtail
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Native Tip: The park has an East and West portion separated by town (roughly 30-45 minutes). If you plan your journey, take note of the place every path is.
See Extra: 11 Stunning Issues to Do in Saguaro Nationwide Park
7. White Sands Nationwide Park, New Mexico →
19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310, map
Common Temperatures: 57°F / 22°F
Why Go to: December is a good time to go to White Sands Nationwide Park because it’s a a lot quieter time of yr. You’ll be able to even camp below the celebs however be ready with cold-weather tenting gear since temperatures are freezing at evening.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountain climbing, Bicycling, Backcountry Tenting, Images, Stargazing, Sledding
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Sledding, Dune Life Nature Path, Alkali Flat Path, Playa Path
- Wildlife – American Badger, Apache Pocket Mouse, Black-Tailed Jackrabbit, Bobcat, Coyote, Package Fox
- What number of days do you want? 1-2
Native Tip: Hold your eye on path markers whenever you’re mountain climbing. It could actually get disorienting in a short time. We discovered our method again utilizing the course of the solar setting. It additionally helps to obtain an offline model of google maps of the world.
See Extra: 5 Unimaginable Issues to Do at White Sands Nationwide Park
For Winter Actions
8. Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park, Colorado →
11999 CO-150, Mosca, CO 81146, map
Common Temperatures: 36°F / 12°F
Why Go to: We have to return to see the nice dunes lined in snow in the course of the winter. The park fully transforms, and as a substitute of sandboarding, you possibly can sled or snowboard on the dunes. Snow usually falls as soon as per week on the dunes and mountains in December.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountain climbing, Sand Boarding, Off-Roading, Stargazing, Images
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Excessive Dune, Sand Boarding, Medano Creek, Zapata Falls
- Wildlife – Mule Deer, Ord’s Kangaroo Rats, Black Bears, Abert’s Squirrels, Pronghorn, Pikas, Elk
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Despite the fact that it snows as soon as every week, they clear the roads shortly. Plan your visits in the course of the afternoon for the warmest climate.
See – 9 Issues You Can’t Miss at Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park
9. Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine →
25 Customer Heart Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, map
Common Temperatures: 34°F / 14°F
Why Go to: For those who love having a Nationwide 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.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drive, Mountain climbing, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding, Snowmobiling
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Ocean Drive, Jordan Pond Street, Thunder Gap, Sand Seaside, Beehive, Cadillac North Ridge Path
- Wildlife – Moose, Whitetail Deer, Beavers, Seals, Harbor Porpoises
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Customer Facilities will probably be closed in the course of the winter, however they do share customer hours with the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. Examine what’s open earlier than visiting for the reason that park is extra restricted.
See Extra: 15 Breathtaking Issues to Do in Acadia Nationwide Park
Map of the Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in December
Need to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in December?
For those who’re a nationwide park lover like us and have finished lots of the above, listed here are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in December. Whereas December will not be essentially the most splendid month of the yr to go to these parks, it’s nonetheless worthwhile.
Suggestions for Visiting the Greatest Nationwide Parks in December
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Leave no Trace principles. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and so on.
- Decide up the Nationwide Park Annual Move in case you plan on visiting a number of parks inside the yr. It saves you some huge cash.
- It’s all the time a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat in the course of the day and funky at evening. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks will probably be heat on the valley ground and chilly at larger elevations.
- Chances are you’ll want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- All the time test the park’s web site and Guests Heart for essentially the most up-to-date info on closures.
- Do not forget that wildlife is wild. Be accustomed to how one can work together with animals and the way a lot house you must have between you and them.
Steadily Requested Questions
ARE NATIONAL PARKS CROWDED IN DECEMBER?
December is without doubt one of the greatest occasions to go to a majority of Nationwide 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 scorching in the summertime.
WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS BEST TO VISIT NATIONAL PARKS?
September and October are typically the very best occasions to go to since most parks are much less crowded, however this is dependent upon the area or particular actions like leaf-peeping. Plus, it’s often cheaper, the climate is delicate, and the animals are extra lively.
WHAT NATIONAL PARK IS BEST TO VISIT IN DECEMBER?
We simply made a listing of this! Test it out here.
WHAT IS THE BEST NATIONAL PARK TO VISIT IN THE WINTER?
All of the parks on this checklist are good for one purpose or one other, however our vote goes to Dying Valley Nationwide Park for its range within the panorama and climate.
WHAT IS ZION LIKE IN DECEMBER?
Chilly and moist! Temperatures are usually 50-60°F in the course of 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 possibly can nonetheless go to Yosemite Valley. It’s usually chilly and snowy, however sunny and hotter days occur too.
IS GLACIER PARK OPEN IN DECEMBER?
Glacier Nationwide Park is open all yr, however some trails and parts of the park are closed, together with Going-to-the-Solar Street and Logan Move.
HOW HOT IS GRAND CANYON IN DECEMBER?
On the South Rim, the highs are often round 45 levels Fahrenheit, and the lows are about 18.
Nationwide Parks By Month: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Could | Jun | Jul
Are you able to consider others that belong on this checklist of greatest nationwide parks to go to in December? Which of them are we lacking?
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Esther and Jacob are the founders of Native Adventurer, one of many prime 5 journey blogs within the US. They imagine that journey might be discovered close to and much and hope to encourage others to discover domestically. They discover a brand new metropolis in depth yearly and at present base themselves in Las Vegas.
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