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
With average high and low temperatures of 65.1°F (18.4°C) and 38.3°F (3.5°C) respectively, December is Death Valley National Park's coldest month.
Rainfall
In December, in Death Valley National Park, the rain falls for 3 days. Throughout December, 0.31" (8mm) of precipitation is accumulated. In Death Valley National Park,
California, during the entire year, the rain falls for 20 days and collects up to 2.36" (60mm) of precipitation.
Daylight
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 42min of daylight.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:42 am and sunset at 4:32 pm. On the last day of December, in Death Valley National Park, California, sunrise is at 7:00 am and sunset at 4:43 pm PST.
Sunshine
The month with the least sunshine in Death Valley National Park, California, is December, with an average of 6h of sunshine.
UV index
The month with the lowest UV index in Death Valley National Park is December, with an average maximum UV index of 2. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for the average person.
Note: A maximum high UV index of 2 in December translates into the following recommendations:
While many people can endure lengthy sun exposure, it remains imperative to safeguard babies, children, and fair-skinned individuals. Sun's radiation is most powerful around mid-day, so it's best to limit outdoor activities during this time. Stay sun-safe with clothing that is both closely woven and worn loosely.