Haleakalā National Park in December
December at Haleakalā National Park averages a daytime high near 61°F and an overnight low around 45°F, with about 5.3" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.1× the park's average month, which makes December an average month here.
- Average low
- 45°F
- Average high
- 61°F
Range across the year: 43°F to 66°F
- Precipitation
- 5.3 in
- Daylight
- 10.7 hours
Roughly 9% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 87,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 4th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.1×) and the November low (0.9×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 38/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 53°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 6.8 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 27% 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 10.7 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 853,711 recreation visits, up 16.6% from 732,477 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 23.3%, 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 | 63°F / 47°F | 0.8× Quiet | 70 Good |
| December | 61°F / 45°F | 1.1× Average | 38 Poor |
| January | 61°F / 44°F | 0.9× Average | 55 Fair |
All twelve months at Haleakalā, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Haleakalā in December
The National Park Service tags 8 Haleakalā activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become a Haleakalā Junior Ranger · 1-2 hours
- Enjoy the Sunrise · 2-4 hours · reservation required
- Moderate Hike into Haleakalā's Crater · 1-2 hours
- Moderate Hike to the Crater Edge · 1-2 hours
- Moderate Hike up to the Bamboo Forest · 1 hour
- Short Hike to Leleiwi Overlook · 30-60 minutes
- Short Hike to Makahiku Falls · 1 hour
- Strenuous Hike Across the Crater Floor · 7-9 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 61°F and an overnight low around 45°F at Haleakalā National Park, with about 5.3 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.8 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is average at Haleakalā National Park (about 1.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 38/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is November. December sits at about 1.1× the park's average, or 9% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 87,000 recreation visits at Haleakalā National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Haleakalā in December
Booking a December trip to Haleakalā National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Haleakalā
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.