Sierra National Forest

Sierra National Forest Weather in December

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Sierra National Forest, the United States of America in December.

Considering a trip to Sierra National Forest, the United States of America this December and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Sierra National Forest in December

Sierra National Forest, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. December in Sierra National Forest generally has temperatures that range from cold to mild, with precipitation levels ranging from high to heavy. December falls during the winter season.

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is cold in Shaver Lake at 9°C (48°F) to mild in Oakhurst at 13°C (55°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 2°C (36°F) in Oakhurst and -1°C (30°F) in Shaver Lake. In general, this month stands out as the coldest period throughout the year. Given the lower temperatures, it's essential to be well-prepared. Packing the right winter clothing and necessary accessories can make a significant difference in ensuring your comfort and well-being during this chilly season.

For a closer look at conditions across Sierra National Forest, the United States of America, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From high rainfall in Oakhurst with an average of 144 mm (5.7 in) to heavy rainfall in Bass Lake with 175 mm (6.9 in). Based on our climate, it is the month with the most precipitation throughout the year in North Fork.

Average sunshine

Sunshine amounts are decent in most places. North Fork gets approximately 127 hours of sunlight in December, offering a reasonable amount of both bright and cloudy periods. Curious about sunnier destinations? Our weather planner makes it easy to find places worldwide with pleasant weather.

Explore Sierra National Forest by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Sierra National Forest - and find the best time to visit. (based on North Fork)

Best Places to Visit in Sierra National Forest in December

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Sierra National Forest.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Sierra National Forest

What is the weather like in December for some of the most popular destinations in Sierra National Forest, the United States of America?

Temperature range in Sierra National Forest (December)

Precipitation variation in Sierra National Forest (December)

North Fork

In December North Fork generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 12°C (54°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 1°C (34°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
18°C (64°F)
12°C (54°F)
14°C (57°F)
Min temperature
5°C (41°F)
1°C (34°F)
2°C (36°F)
Monthly sun hours
187 hours
127 hours
143 hours
Monthly rainfall
53 mm (2.1 in)
150 mm (5.9 in)
125 mm (4.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
6 days
10 days
8 days
Weather conditions

Oakhurst

In December Oakhurst generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 13°C (55°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 2°C (36°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
18°C (64°F)
13°C (55°F)
14°C (57°F)
Min temperature
5°C (41°F)
2°C (36°F)
2°C (36°F)
Monthly sun hours
187 hours
127 hours
143 hours
Monthly rainfall
56 mm (2.2 in)
144 mm (5.7 in)
111 mm (4.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
14 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Bass Lake

In December Bass Lake generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 11°C (52°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 1°C (34°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
16°C (61°F)
11°C (52°F)
13°C (55°F)
Min temperature
4°C (39°F)
1°C (34°F)
1°C (34°F)
Monthly sun hours
187 hours
127 hours
143 hours
Monthly rainfall
61 mm (2.4 in)
175 mm (6.9 in)
136 mm (5.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
10 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Shaver Lake

In December Shaver Lake generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 9°C (48°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -1°C (30°F) and heavy monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
14°C (57°F)
9°C (48°F)
11°C (52°F)
Min temperature
3°C (37°F)
-1°C (30°F)
0°C (32°F)
Monthly sun hours
187 hours
127 hours
143 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
56 mm (2.2 in)
171 mm (6.7 in)
132 mm (5.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
6 days
10 days
8 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Sierra National Forest, in the United States of America.

Popular cities in December

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Sierra National Forest in December.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
North Fork 12°C (54°F) 1°C (34°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Oakhurst 13°C (55°F) 2°C (36°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Bass Lake 11°C (52°F) 1°C (34°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Shaver Lake 9°C (48°F) -1°C (30°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)

Sierra National Forest weather in December: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Sierra National Forest, the United States of America in December?

December in Sierra National Forest, the United States of America brings less favorable weather. In North Fork, daytime temperatures are typically around 12°C (54°F) and nighttime lows hover near 1°C (34°F).

What is the average temperature in Sierra National Forest, the United States of America in December?

In North Fork, the average daytime high in December is 12°C (54°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around 1°C (34°F).

Does Sierra National Forest, the United States of America get a lot of rain in December?

Sierra National Forest, the United States of America sees substantial rainfall in December. North Fork typically averages about 150 mm (5.9 in), a mix of wet and dry days, but bring an umbrella.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Sierra National Forest, the United States of America?

In our view, December might not be the best time to travel to Sierra National Forest, the United States of America with often less favorable weather in North Fork.

On average, the best time to visit Sierra National Forest, the United States of America is in May and October with generally excellent weather in North Fork. In contrast, July, August and December tend to have less favorable weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Sierra National Forest.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United States of America? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United States of America.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

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