Great Basin in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 65/100 · #10 of 12 months

December is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Great Basin National Park: crowds run 7% of the July peak (1,787 average visits), days average 40°F with 9.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in December

Great Basin averages 1,787 recreation visits in December — 7% of what July, the peak month, draws — the quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Weather & daylight

It is properly cold (highs average 40°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 20°F). It is typically dry (1.0″ of precipitation). Normal snowfall is 10″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 9.5 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station GREAT BASIN NP, NV US (0 mi from park coordinates, 6,850 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.

What to pack for Great Basin in December

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 20°F
• Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 10″ normal snowfall
• Headlamp — only 9.5 hours of daylight in mid-December
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Great Basin are March and April.

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-07-16