Death Valley weather in December
“A steady middle month — well worth visiting with the right expectations.”
Roughly 4 rainy days across the month, on average.
December transforms Death Valley into a mild winter destination. Daytime temperatures average 11.4°C (53°F), dropping to 5.8°C (42°F) at night. You'll experience about 20.3mm of rainfall across 3-4 rainy days, with generous sunshine at 8.3 hours daily. It's one of the driest places on Earth, so precipitation remains minimal even in the wetter winter months.
This season brings a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere to the valley. Crowds thin considerably after the busy autumn months, making December ideal for those seeking solitude among the dunes and canyons. The cooler weather eliminates summer's extreme heat while maintaining comfortable daytime conditions for exploration. Local tourism remains steady rather than peak, creating a peaceful holiday season vibe.
For 2026 travel planning, December offers excellent value and accessibility. Pack layers to handle the temperature swing between sun-warmed days and cool nights. The low rainfall and abundant sunshine mean minimal weather disruptions to your itinerary, though bring a light jacket for evening activities and early mornings.
What to pack for Death Valley in December
December's mild days and cool nights require strategic layering. Bring breathable daytime clothing that sheds easily, plus warm layers for sunset and dawn when temperatures drop significantly. Sun protection remains essential despite cooler temperatures.
- Lightweight merino wool base layer
- Fleece pullover or insulated vest
- Long-sleeve linen shirt
- Wide-brimmed sun hat
- Closed-toe hiking boots
What to pack for Death Valley in December
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
- →Polarized sunglassesAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
We may earn a small commission on any purchase — it doesn't change the price you pay.
Where to stay in Death Valley
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Death Valley across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
Badwater Basin hike, Zabriskie Point sunrise viewing, sand dune photography, Artist's Palette scenic drive.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Death Valley. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Death Valley
While December has its own character in Death Valley, the data-backed best months to visit Death Valley are March, April, May, September. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across a ten-year climate record.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for Death ValleyOther places with a similar climate right now
Death Valley in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Death Valley?
Is December a good time to visit Death Valley?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, Death Valley averages a high of 11°C (53°F) and a low of 6°C (42°F), with 20mm of rainfall across roughly 4 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Death Valley in December?
What is the average temperature in Death Valley in December?
The average high temperature in Death Valley during December is 11°C (53°F), with an average low of 6°C (42°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Death Valley have in December?
How many rainy days does Death Valley have in December?
Death Valley averages approximately 4 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 20mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Death Valley in December?
What should I pack for Death Valley in December?
For Death Valley in December, pack a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Death Valley in December?
How crowded is Death Valley in December?
Tourist crowds in Death Valley during December are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.