Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in December
December at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 69°F and an overnight low around 42°F, with about 2.7" 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
- 69°F
Range across the year: 42°F to 97°F
- Precipitation
- 2.7 in
- Daylight
- 9.7 hours
Roughly 7% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 52,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1982 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at Santa Monica Mountains; by contrast May, the busiest, runs about 1.3× the average — so December is the easiest time to have the place largely to yourself.
December is our recommended month at Santa Monica Mountains: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 56°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. 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 26% 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 9.7 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 722,626 recreation visits, up 13% from 639,745 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 10.3%, 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 | 76°F / 46°F | 0.9× Average | 72 Good |
| December | 69°F / 42°F | 0.8× Quiet | 70 Good |
| January | 70°F / 43°F | 0.9× Average | 60 Good |
All twelve months at Santa Monica Mountains, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Santa Monica Mountains 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.
- Circle X Ranch Campground - CLOSED (campground): closed all month (October 29, 2026 to January 1, 2027)
Things to do at Santa Monica Mountains in December
The National Park Service tags 3 Santa Monica Mountains activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Mishe Mokwa Trail to Split Rock · 1-3 hours
- Satwiwa Loop Trail · 1-2 hours
- Solstice Canyon Trail · 2-3 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 69°F and an overnight low around 42°F at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, with about 2.7 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 quiet at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (about 0.8× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 70/100. December is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is December. December sits at about 0.8× the park's average, or 7% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 52,000 recreation visits at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1982–2025.
Where to stay near Santa Monica Mountains in December
Booking a December trip to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Santa Monica Mountains
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 (1982–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.