December favors the tropics and deserts: Florida's dry season begins, the Caribbean is past hurricane season, and the Southwest is quiet and cool.
The dry season starts, mosquitoes retreat, and migrating birds arrive. December through April is when the Everglades is truly at its best.
Hikes to do: Anhinga Trail, Gumbo Limbo Trail, Mahogany Hammock, Coastal Prairie Trail
Don't miss: Anhinga Trail, Shark Valley, Flamingo
Tip: Holiday weeks are busy. Paddling permits and Flamingo campsites book ahead.
Hurricane season officially ends November 30. December brings dry, breezy days, calm snorkeling and the start of peak season.
Hikes to do: Reef Bay Trail, Ram Head Trail, Lind Point Trail, Cinnamon Bay Loop
Don't miss: Trunk Bay, Francis Bay turtles, Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins
Tip: Winter swells sometimes kick up on north shore beaches. Check the live alerts.
Winter days at the summit are cool and often clear in the mornings. When Kīlauea is erupting, winter nights make the crater glow especially vivid.
Hikes to do: Kīlauea Iki, Crater Rim Trail, Mauna Ulu, Napau Trail
Don't miss: Kīlauea summit overlooks, Kīlauea Iki, Chain of Craters Road
Tip: Volcanic gas (vog) levels change daily. Check the live alerts before hiking near vents.
Cool, clear and quiet before the holiday rush. December is excellent for dark-sky stargazing and long canyon hikes.
Hikes to do: Golden Canyon, Mosaic Canyon, Badwater Basin, Salt Creek Interpretive
Don't miss: Mesquite Flat Dunes at night, Badwater Basin, Artist's Palette
Tip: Overnight lows can approach freezing. Pack warm layers for stargazing.
Sunny winter hiking in the 60s. The desert is quiet in early December before holiday visitors arrive.
Hikes to do: Wasson Peak, Hugh Norris Trail, Cactus Forest Loop, Valley View Overlook
Don't miss: Cactus Forest Loop Drive, Signal Hill petroglyphs, Gates Pass sunset (just outside the park)
Tip: Sunset is early (around 5:20 p.m.). Plan hikes to finish before dark.
December brings cooler days and clear water around Fort Jefferson, 70 miles west of Key West, without summer's heat or peak hurricane risk.
Hikes to do: Fort Jefferson Moat Walk, Garden Key Grounds
Don't miss: Fort Jefferson, Snorkeling the moat wall, Loggerhead and Bush Keys (seasonal)
Tip: Winter cold fronts can cancel ferry and seaplane trips. Have a backup day.
Snow on the red hoodoos, crisp dark skies and almost no crowds. Winter Bryce is magical if you dress for it.
Hikes to do: Rim Trail, Queen's Garden, Navajo Loop, Mossy Cave
Don't miss: Sunrise and Sunset Points in snow, Inspiration Point, Rim Trail
Tip: Parts of the Navajo Loop close in winter for rockfall and ice. Check the live alerts.