John Muir National Historic Site in December
December at John Muir National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 57°F and an overnight low around 35°F, with about 3.8" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.7× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 35°F
- Average high
- 57°F
Range across the year: 35°F to 88°F
- Precipitation
- 3.8 in
- Daylight
- 9.4 hours
Roughly 6% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 2,600 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at John Muir; by contrast April, the busiest, runs about 1.6× the average — so December is the easiest time to have the place largely to yourself.
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 57/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 46°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. 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 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 9.4 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 38,384 recreation visits, down 16.1% from 45,753 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 64°F / 39°F | 0.9× Average | 60 Good |
| December | 57°F / 35°F | 0.7× Quiet | 57 Fair |
| January | 56°F / 35°F | 0.8× Quiet | 55 Fair |
All twelve months at John Muir, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at John Muir in December
The National Park Service tags 3 John Muir activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Mount Wanda Hiking Trail · 1-2 hours
- Strentzel/Muir Gravesite Tour · 30-30 minutes · reservation required
- Visit the Strentzel/Muir Home · 1-1 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 57°F and an overnight low around 35°F at John Muir National Historic Site, with about 3.8 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 quiet at John Muir National Historic Site (about 0.7× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 57/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is April and the quietest is December. December sits at about 0.7× the park's average, or 6% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 3,000 recreation visits at John Muir National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near John Muir in December
Booking a December trip to John Muir National Historic Site? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near John Muir
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Visiting John Muir in December?
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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.