Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site in December
December at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 46°F and an overnight low around 18°F, with about 0.3" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.5× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 18°F
- Average high
- 46°F
Range across the year: 18°F to 95°F
- Precipitation
- 0.3 in
- Daylight
- 9.4 hours
Roughly 4% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 1,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 9th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the May peak (1.9×) and the January low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 41/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 32°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4.8 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 38% of annual visitors, choosing December instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 9.4 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2024 drew 16,102 recreation visits, down 18.3% from 19,718 in 2023.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 20.8%, so December may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 57°F / 27°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 53 Fair |
| December | 46°F / 18°F | 0.5× Quiet | 41 Poor |
| January | 47°F / 18°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 8 Poor |
All twelve months at Bent's Old Fort, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Bent's Old Fort in December
The National Park Service tags 7 Bent's Old Fort activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become a Junior Ranger at Bent's Old Fort
- Birdwatching at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
- Guided Tours of Bent's Old Fort · 45-55 minutes
- Hiking along the Arkansas River · 30-90 minutes
- Plaza Access in the Fort · 10-30 minutes
- Trail to History · 3-15 minutes
- Western National Parks Store at Bent's Old Fort
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 46°F and an overnight low around 18°F at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, with about 0.3 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4.8 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site (about 0.5× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 41/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.5× the park's average, or 4% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 1,000 recreation visits at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Bent's Old Fort in December
Booking a December trip to Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Bent's Old Fort
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in December.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.