Early winter · Weather & things to do
Yellowstone in December
This is the coldest month in Yellowstone: 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 39 min
- Comfort score
- 38/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 19°F (-7°C).
Average lows of 1°F (-17°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 77%.
Only about 8 h 39 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 39 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 41/100 in November to 38/100.
- December sits inside the Mid-Dec – Mar window our Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone route recommends.
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 places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Yellowstone in December
With highs near 19°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Yellow-walled canyon where the 308-foot Lower Falls builds a huge cone of ice in winter.
Lamar Valley
Wide valley in northeast Yellowstone with bison, elk and the park's best chances of seeing wolves in winter.
West Yellowstone
Montana gateway town at the West Entrance, where most snowcoach and guided snowmobile tours to Old Faithful begin.
Grand Prismatic Spring
The largest hot spring in the United States, in Midway Geyser Basin; in winter its steam drifts over the Firehole River.
Nearby in December
- Yellowstone National Park 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~57 mi · highs 24°F, 3.6 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Jackson in December~79 mi · highs 27°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 5°C (9°F) warmer by day, drier
- Salt Lake City in December~274 mi · highs 37°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 10°C (19°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 in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Yellowstone?
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. December is inside the Mid-Dec – Mar window our Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone route recommends.
How cold is Yellowstone 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 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 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 places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Yellowstone
Routes in season in December
- Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone Mid-Dec – Mar
Planning Yellowstone in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.