Mojave National Preserve in December
December at Mojave National Preserve averages a daytime high near 53°F and an overnight low around 40°F, with about 1.6" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.1× the park's average month, which makes December an average month here.
- Average low
- 40°F
- Average high
- 53°F
Range across the year: 40°F to 92°F
- Precipitation
- 1.6 in
- Daylight
- 9.6 hours
Roughly 9% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 68,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1997 to 2025.
That makes December the 3rd-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the November peak (1.3×) and the August low (0.7×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 35/100 ("Poor"). 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 12.6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 22% 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 9.6 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 569,844 recreation visits, up 34.1% from 424,864 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 7.7%, 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 | 62°F / 47°F | 1.3× Busy | 33 Poor |
| December | 53°F / 40°F | 1.1× Average | 35 Poor |
| January | 54°F / 40°F | 1.0× Average | 46 Fair |
All twelve months at Mojave, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Mojave in December
The National Park Service tags 7 Mojave activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Hike Desert Sand Dunes · 1-4 hours
- Hike the Kelso Dunes · 30-180 minutes
- Hike the Rings Loop · 1-2 hours
- Teutonia Peak trail · 0-3 hours
- Visit a Lava Tube · 0-30 minutes
- Visit Kelso Depot
- Wander Through the Joshua Trees · 1-1 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 53°F and an overnight low around 40°F at Mojave National Preserve, with about 1.6 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 12.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is average at Mojave National Preserve (about 1.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 35/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is November and the quietest is August. December sits at about 1.1× the park's average, or 9% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 68,000 recreation visits at Mojave National Preserve, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1997–2025.
Where to stay near Mojave in December
Booking a December trip to Mojave National Preserve? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Mojave
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Visiting Mojave 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 (1997–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.