Muir Woods National Monument in December
December at Muir Woods National Monument averages a daytime high near 56°F and an overnight low around 42°F, with about 9.8" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.8× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 42°F
- Average high
- 56°F
Range across the year: 42°F to 83°F
- Precipitation
- 9.8 in
- Daylight
- 9.4 hours
Roughly 7% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 57,000 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 (1.7×) and the February low (0.6×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 48/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 49°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4.6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 36% 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 756,573 recreation visits, down 4.5% from 792,494 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 24.5%, 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 | 64°F / 45°F | 0.8× Quiet | 61 Good |
| December | 56°F / 42°F | 0.8× Quiet | 48 Fair |
| January | 57°F / 42°F | 0.6× Quiet | 54 Fair |
All twelve months at Muir Woods, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Muir Woods in December
The National Park Service tags 3 Muir Woods activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Whale watch from Muir Beach Overlook · 0-2 hours
- Hike the Main Trail at Muir Woods · 1-2 hours
- Muir Woods Birdwatching · 1-2 hours · reservation required
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 56°F and an overnight low around 42°F at Muir Woods National Monument, with about 9.8 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Muir Woods National Monument (about 0.8× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 48/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is February. December sits at about 0.8× the park's average, or 7% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 57,000 recreation visits at Muir Woods National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Muir Woods in December
Booking a December trip to Muir Woods National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Muir Woods
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Visiting Muir Woods 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.