Weather forecast for the John Muir Trail in December

In December, the John Muir Trail has mostly cold weather. Daytime temperatures usually range from the low 30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit, while nighttime temperatures drop to the teens and twenties. Snow and freezing rain are common, especially in higher areas.

You will often see sunny or partly cloudy days, but be ready for moderate or heavy snow showers. Overcast skies and light freezing rain also occur frequently, making the trail feel very wintry.

As you go south, temperatures may change, but it stays cold overall. Nights are especially cold, with morning frost common. Some parts of the trail get more snow than others.

In short, you need to be prepared for winter conditions, with a mix of clear and unpredictable weather.

Start date
Dec 1
Start town
Happy Isles
End date
Dec 20
End town
Whitney Portal
Units
metric (°C, mm, km)
Total days
20
Total distance
352 km
Daily distance
17.6 km
Average high
3°C
Average low
-6°C
Average precipitation
3.8 mm/day

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