Redwood National and State Parks in December
December at Redwood National and State Parks averages a daytime high near 51°F and an overnight low around 36°F. Visitation runs about 0.5× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 36°F
- Average high
- 51°F
Range across the year: 36°F to 69°F
- Daylight
- 9.0 hours
Roughly 4% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 22,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 11th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.8×) and the February low (0.5×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 59/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 44°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 42% 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 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,202,480 recreation visits, up 93.1% from 622,883 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 40.1%, 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 | 56°F / 39°F | 0.6× Quiet | 63 Good |
| December | 51°F / 36°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 59 Fair |
| January | 52°F / 36°F | 0.5× Quiet | 59 Fair |
All twelve months at Redwood, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Redwood facilities as closed during December 2026. The dates are the park's own, read on October 11, 2026. A facility that is not listed here may still be closed, so confirm on the park's site before you go.
- Jedediah Smith Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (September 8, 2026 to May 19, 2027)
- Mill Creek Campground - Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park (campground): closed all month (October 1, 2026 to May 7, 2027)
Things to do at Redwood in December
The National Park Service tags 16 Redwood activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Bike Redwoods to Beach on the Ossagon Trail Loop
- Drive the Bald Hills Road · 2-6 hours
- Go Tide Pooling at Enderts Beach · 60-120 minutes
- Hike the James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon Loop · 4-8 hours
- Hike to the Tall Trees Grove · 3-6 hours · reservation required
- Stroll the Simpson-Reed Trail · 30-60 minutes
- Walk the Fern Canyon Loop Trail · 45-90 minutes · reservation required
- Walk the Lady Bird Johnson Grove · 45-60 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 51°F and an overnight low around 36°F at Redwood National and State Parks. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Redwood National and State Parks (about 0.5× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 59/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is February. December sits at about 0.5× the park's average, or 4% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 22,000 recreation visits at Redwood National and State Parks, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Redwood in December
Booking a December trip to Redwood National and State Parks? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Redwood
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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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.