December weather forecast
Death Valley National Park, CA

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Amargosa Range
Amargosa Range's Zabriskie point located in the Death Valley National Park in California

Weather in December

Closing off the year, December in Death Valley National Park introduces a winter chill, with temperatures plummeting to their lowest levels. The tail end of the year sees temperatures drop to an annual low of 38.3°F (3.5°C). Conversely, the UV index also hits a low point, rounding off at just 2 units. The year wraps up with a slight uptick in rainfall, though it remains largely negligible. Though it's the darkest month of the year with just under 10 hours of daylight, December offers a unique, cooler perspective of the park's typically intense climate.

Temperature

December, with its average high-temperature of 65.1°F (18.4°C) and an average low-temperature of 38.3°F (3.5°C), holds the record as the coldest month.

Rainfall

In Death Valley National Park, in December, during 3 rainfall days, 0.31" (8mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Death Valley National Park, during the entire year, the rain falls for 20 days and collects up to 2.36" (60mm) of precipitation.

Daylight

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 42min of daylight.
On the first day of December, sunrise is at 6:42 am and sunset at 4:32 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:00 am and sunset at 4:43 pm PST.

Sunshine

The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 6h of sunshine.

UV index

December is the month with the lowest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 2. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a low threat to health from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for average individuals.
Note: The daily maximum UV index of 2 in December interprets into the following advice:
Most people can stay in the Sun for up to 1 hour without burning, apart from children that always must be protected from sun exposure. During midday, the Sun's radiation is strongest, and it's advisable to reduce direct exposure. Sunglasses providing both UVA and UVB protection are non-negotiable on sunlit days.

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest?

December stands out as Death Valley National Park's coldest month, with temperatures ranging between an average high of 65.1°F (18.4°C) and a low of 38.3°F (3.5°C).

What are the temperatures in December?

In Death Valley National Park, 65.1°F (18.4°C) is the average high-temperature and 38.3°F (3.5°C) is the average low-temperature during December.

How much does it rain in December?

In Death Valley National Park, during December, the rain falls for 3 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.31" (8mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 42min of daylight.

How many hours of daylight does Death Valley National Park have in December?

The average day length in December is 9h and 43min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in December?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:42 am and sunset at 4:32 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:00 am and sunset at 4:43 pm PST.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

With an average of 6h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.

How long on average sun shines in December?

In Death Valley National Park, the average sunshine duration in December is 6h.

When is the lowest UV index?

With an average maximum UV index of 2, December is the month with the lowest UV index.

What is the UV index reading in December?

In December, the average daily maximum UV index is 2. A UV Index reading of 2, and below, represents a minimal hazard to health from unsafe exposure to Sun's UV rays.
Average rainfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average UV index

Average temperature in December
Death Valley National Park, CA

Average temperature in December - Death Valley National Park, CA
  • Average high temperature in December: 65.2°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (116.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (65.2°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 38.3°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (88°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (38.3°F).

Average rainfall in December
Death Valley National Park, CA

Average rainfall in December - Death Valley National Park, CA
  • Average rainfall in December: 0.3"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is February (0.5").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is May (0").

Average rainfall days in December
Death Valley National Park, CA

Average rainfall days in December - Death Valley National Park, CA
  • Average rainfall days in December: 3 days

The months with the highest number of rainy days are January, February, March and December (3 days).
The months with the least rainy days are June and July (0 days).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Death Valley National Park, CA

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Death Valley National Park, CA
  • Average daylight in December: 9h and 4min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 42min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 6h

The months with the most sunshine are June and July (Average sunshine: 13h).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 6h).

Average UV index in December
Death Valley National Park, CA

Average UV index in December - Death Valley National Park, CA
  • Average UV index in December: 2

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 10).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 2).

Death Valley National Park, California, USA

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