Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in December
December at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 53°F and an overnight low around 36°F, with about 8.6" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 36°F
- Average high
- 53°F
Range across the year: 36°F to 96°F
- Precipitation
- 8.6 in
- Daylight
- 9.1 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 24,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at Whiskeytown; by contrast July, the busiest, runs about 2.1× the average — so December is the easiest time to have the place largely to yourself.
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 49/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 45°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 2.6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 45% 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 9.1 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 763,798 recreation visits, down 6% from 812,244 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 19.1%, 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 | 61°F / 41°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 61 Good |
| December | 53°F / 36°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 49 Fair |
| January | 55°F / 37°F | 0.6× Quiet | 47 Fair |
All twelve months at Whiskeytown, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Whiskeytown 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.
- Brandy Creek (campground): closed all month (November 1, 2026 to April 15, 2027)
- Crystal Creek (campground): closed all month (November 1, 2026 to April 15, 2027)
- Dry Creek Group Campground (campground): closed all month (November 1, 2026 to April 1, 2027)
- Sheep Camp (campground): closed all month (November 1, 2026 to April 15, 2027)
Things to do at Whiskeytown in December
The National Park Service tags 3 Whiskeytown activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Gold Panning at Whiskeytown NRA
- Hike to Whiskeytown Falls · 2-3 hours
- Paddling on Whiskeytown Lake · reservation required
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 53°F and an overnight low around 36°F at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, with about 8.6 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 2.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 49/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is December. December sits at about 0.3× the park's average, or 3% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 24,000 recreation visits at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Whiskeytown in December
Booking a December trip to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Whiskeytown
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 Whiskeytown in December?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Whiskeytown by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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.