Early winter · Weather & things to do
Yellowstone National Park in December
This is the coldest month in Yellowstone National Park: highs average 19°F (-7°C) and lows 1°F (-17°C), with about 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 38/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 19°F (-7°C)
- Avg low
- 1°F (-17°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.6 in (91 mm)
- Humidity
- 98%
- Cloud cover
- 77%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 40 min
- Comfort score
- 38/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Highs only reach about 19°F (-7°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 1°F (-17°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 3.6 in (91 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 77%.
Only about 8 h 40 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are July – September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 40 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 41/100 in November to 38/100.
- Our Glacier to Yellowstone route recommends Jun – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 1°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.6 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Yellowstone National Park in December
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Travertine terraces built by hot springs, with boardwalks and elk around the village.
Bear Pit Lounge
Small bar off the Old Faithful Inn dining room with historic etched-glass panels.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 19°F.
Lamar Valley
Broad northern valley known as the best wolf-watching area in the park.
Old Faithful
Yellowstone's best-known geyser, erupting roughly every 60–110 minutes.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Dining room in the park's oldest hotel, overlooking Yellowstone Lake.
Nearby in December
- Yellowstone in December~13 mi · highs 19°F, 3.6 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Grand Teton National Park in December~44 mi · highs 24°F, 3.6 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Jackson in December~67 mi · highs 27°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 5°C (9°F) warmer by day, drier
- Salt Lake City in December~262 mi · highs 37°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 10°C (18°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Yellowstone National Park in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Yellowstone National Park?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 38/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are July – September. Expect highs of 19°F (-7°C) and 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain or snow. Our Glacier to Yellowstone route recommends Jun – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Yellowstone National Park in December?
Average highs are 19°F (-7°C) and average lows 1°F (-17°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Yellowstone National Park in December?
Some: about 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 32.8 in (834 mm).
What should I pack for Yellowstone National Park in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 1°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.6 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Yellowstone National Park
Planning Yellowstone National Park in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.