Point Reyes National Seashore in December
December at Point Reyes National Seashore averages a daytime high near 57°F and an overnight low around 42°F, with about 7.8" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.9× the park's average month, which makes December an average month here.
- Average low
- 42°F
- Average high
- 57°F
Range across the year: 42°F to 81°F
- Precipitation
- 7.8 in
- Daylight
- 9.4 hours
Roughly 7% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 173,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.4×) and the March low (0.8×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 50/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is May: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 50°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 19.1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 32% 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 2,429,601 recreation visits, up 2.4% from 2,371,800 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 65°F / 46°F | 0.9× Average | 59 Fair |
| December | 57°F / 42°F | 0.9× Average | 50 Fair |
| January | 57°F / 43°F | 0.8× Quiet | 56 Fair |
All twelve months at Point Reyes, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Point Reyes in December
The National Park Service tags 50 Point Reyes activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Kayak Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour · 1-8 hours
- Backcountry Camping at Point Reyes National Seashore · 2-5 days · reservation required
- Bike to Wildcat Campground · 3-5 hours · reservation required
- Hike the Chimney Rock Trail · 40-90 minutes
- Hike the Meadow–Horse Trails Loop · 2-4 hours
- Hike the Tomales Point Trail to Windy Gap · 40-90 minutes
- Hike to Sculptured Beach · 3-5 hours
- Tule Elk Viewing At Point Reyes National Seashore · 1-5 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 57°F and an overnight low around 42°F at Point Reyes National Seashore, with about 7.8 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 19.1 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is average at Point Reyes National Seashore (about 0.9× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 50/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is March. December sits at about 0.9× the park's average, or 7% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 173,000 recreation visits at Point Reyes National Seashore, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Point Reyes in December
Booking a December trip to Point Reyes National Seashore? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Point Reyes
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Visiting Point Reyes 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.