Haleakalā in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 48/100 · #12 of 12 months
December is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Haleakalā National Park: crowds run 94% of the July peak (76,915 average visits), days average 61°F with 10.9 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in December
Haleakalā averages 76,915 recreation visits in December — 94% of what July, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Days are mild (highs average 61°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 45°F). This is one of the wetter months (5.3″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 10.9 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station HALEAKALA RS 338, HI US (7 mi from park coordinates, 6,962 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.
What to pack for Haleakalā in December
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Rain shell + pack cover — 5.3″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Haleakalā are April and August.
Common questions
Is Haleakalā crowded in December?
Yes — December runs 94% of Haleakalā's peak, averaging 76,915 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Haleakalā in December?
Average highs of 61°F, lows of 45°F, 5.3″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, HALEAKALA RS 338, HI US station).
What should I pack for Haleakalā in December?
Rain shell + pack cover; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-07-16