United States, North America
Yosemite in December
Snow on the granite walls and a quiet Valley, except the holiday week. Badger Pass typically opens when snow allows.
The straight answer
December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Yosemite. Snow on the granite walls and a quiet Valley, except the holiday week. Badger Pass typically opens when snow allows.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 48F (9C), snow possible
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What December is like in Yosemite
December is cool, with Valley highs near 48F (9C) and snow possible on the granite walls. The Valley is quiet and prices are low, except during the holiday week between Christmas and New Year. The high country is closed, and Badger Pass typically opens once there is enough snow.
It suits couples and families who want a peaceful, wintry Valley and some snow play. Hikers wanting long trails or big waterfalls should plan for spring or September. Carry chains and be flexible with your plans around storms, since roads can require them at short notice.
Make the most of December
What is especially good about Yosemite this month.
Snow on the Valley walls
A light snowfall on El Capitan and Half Dome makes the Valley feel hushed and beautiful.
Badger Pass opens
When snow allows, skiing and snowshoeing return, a good outing for families.
Winter Junior Rangers
The Junior Ranger program runs all year, a fun indoor and outdoor activity for kids.
What to pack for December
- Tire chains
- An insulated jacket, hat and gloves
- Waterproof boots
- Traction devices for icy paths
Our timing tip
Visit in the first half of December for the quietest Valley, before the holiday rush fills lodging.
Book Yosemite for December.
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- Hotels for December
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in YosemiteOpens a hotel search for Yosemite in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in YosemiteWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in YosemiteTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Yosemite for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Yosemite
Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
Best in May and June, when the spray soaks you on the granite steps. Start early; it is the most popular hike in the park.
Glacier Point
The best view of Half Dome and the Valley. The road is seasonal, typically open from late May or June into November.
Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Road
The high country, typically open from late May or June into November depending on snow.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Park at the welcome plaza and take the seasonal shuttle, or walk in off-season.
Half Dome
The cables are typically up from late May to mid October, and a permit, awarded by lottery, is required to climb them.
Tunnel View
The classic view of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome at the Valley's west end. Best in late afternoon light or after a storm clears.
Beat the crowds
- Enter the park before 8am in summer; parking in the Valley fills by mid morning on busy days, and the free Valley shuttle is the way around.
- Visit midweek. The park's own analysis found that most weekdays kept available parking, while weekends and holidays are where congestion builds.
- Spend summer days in the high country along Tioga Road or at Wawona and Hetch Hetchy instead of Yosemite Valley.
- Book in-park lodging and campgrounds the moment they open for your dates; they sell out quickly for summer.
Know before you go
- Yosemite is open all year, but Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are seasonal: typically open from late May or June until the first major storm in November. Opening dates vary widely with snowpack.
- Timed-entry or peak-hours reservations have been required in some recent years and not in others. Yosemite did not use a timed reservation system in 2026. Check the park's current entrance rules before any trip.
- Half Dome cables are typically up from late May to mid October, and a permit, awarded by preseason and daily lottery, is required to climb them.
- Winter storms can require tire chains on park roads at short notice, even in the Valley; carry them from November through March.
Yosemite in December, quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Yosemite?
December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Yosemite. Snow on the granite walls and a quiet Valley, except the holiday week. Badger Pass typically opens when snow allows.
What is the weather like in Yosemite in December?
Cool, highs near 48F (9C), snow possible.
Is Yosemite crowded in December?
December is one of the quieter months in Yosemite; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Yosemite.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
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