Yellowstone National Park in December
In December, Yellowstone National Park averages a high of 23°F and a low of 3°F, with 2.4 inches of precipitation (rain plus melted snow). About 33,000 people visit, the 10th busiest of 12 (quiet). Days are 8 hours 50 minutes long.
- Quiet
- Moderate
- Busy
- Very busy
- Few or no visits (may be closed)
- Best months
- High / low
- 23° / 3°F
- Precipitation
- 2.4in
- Snow
- –in
- Daylight
- 8h 50m
- Visitors
- 33,000
- Crowds
- Quiet
Best months for weather and crowds instead: July (very busy), August (very busy) and September (very busy).
Higher or lower in the park, expect a different picture: Gardiner, MT at 5,275 ft averages a December high of 34°F and a low of 17°F.
Weather 1991–2020 averages at Yellowstone Lake, WY, 4.3 miles from the park's center, 7,835 ft. Second station lower down: Gardiner, MT, 5,275 ft, 32.7 miles. Visitors National Park Service recreation visits, average of 2023–2025. Updated .
Other parks in December
| Park | High / low °F | Crowds | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway | 25° / 2° | Few or no visits | Cold |
| Grand Teton National Park | 24° / 4° | Quiet | Cold |
| Glacier National Park | 29° / 20° | Few or no visits | Cold |
| Mount Rushmore National Memorial | 37° / 20° | Quiet | Cold |
| Wind Cave National Park | 39° / 15° | Quiet | Cold |
Closures, reservations and alerts: Yellowstone National Park on nps.gov
All twelve months at Yellowstone · National parks to visit in December