Cabrillo National Monument in December
December at Cabrillo National Monument averages a daytime high near 66°F and an overnight low around 49°F, with about 1.5" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.9× the park's average month, which makes December an average month here.
- Average low
- 49°F
- Average high
- 66°F
Range across the year: 49°F to 77°F
- Precipitation
- 1.5 in
- Daylight
- 9.9 hours
Roughly 8% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 65,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 9th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.3×) and the September low (0.9×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 72/100 ("Good"). Our recommended month is September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 57°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 2.3 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 29% of annual visitors, choosing December instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 9.9 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2024 drew 845,912 recreation visits, up 4.4% from 810,147 in 2023.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 17.2%, so December may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 71°F / 54°F | 0.9× Average | 76 Excellent |
| December | 66°F / 49°F | 0.9× Average | 72 Good |
| January | 66°F / 49°F | 0.9× Average | 74 Good |
All twelve months at Cabrillo, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Cabrillo in December
The National Park Service tags 5 Cabrillo activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Whale Watching at Cabrillo
- Visit the Cabrillo Tidepools · reservation required
- Bayside Trail · 1-2 hours
- Coastal Trail · 30-60 minutes
- Earn Your Cabrillo Junior Ranger Badge · 30-90 minutes · reservation required
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 66°F and an overnight low around 49°F at Cabrillo National Monument, with about 1.5 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 2.3 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is average at Cabrillo National Monument (about 0.9× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 72/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is September. December sits at about 0.9× the park's average, or 8% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 65,000 recreation visits at Cabrillo National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Cabrillo in December
Booking a December trip to Cabrillo National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Cabrillo
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in December.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.