Manzanar National Historic Site in December
December at Manzanar National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 57°F and an overnight low around 29°F, with about 0.9" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 29°F
- Average high
- 57°F
Range across the year: 29°F to 102°F
- Precipitation
- 0.9 in
- Daylight
- 9.5 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 4,800 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2000 to 2025.
That makes December the 11th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.4×) and the January low (0.5×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 56/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is March: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 43°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.7 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 33% 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 9.5 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 95,764 recreation visits, up 2% from 93,854 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 8.7%, so a December visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 67°F / 36°F | 0.7× Quiet | 61 Good |
| December | 57°F / 29°F | 0.6× Quiet | 56 Fair |
| January | 58°F / 30°F | 0.5× Quiet | 59 Fair |
All twelve months at Manzanar, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Manzanar in December
The National Park Service tags 3 Manzanar activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become a Manzanar Junior Ranger · 1-2 hours
- Driving, Biking, and Walking at Manzanar · 1-2 hours
- Explore Manzanar Block 14 Exhibits · 1-2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 57°F and an overnight low around 29°F at Manzanar National Historic Site, with about 0.9 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.7 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Manzanar National Historic Site (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 56/100. Our recommended month is March.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.6× the park's average, or 5% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 5,000 recreation visits at Manzanar National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2000–2025.
Where to stay near Manzanar in December
Booking a December trip to Manzanar National Historic Site? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Manzanar
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Visiting Manzanar 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 (2000–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.