Camp Nelson National Monument in December
December at Camp Nelson National Monument averages a daytime high near 45°F and an overnight low around 29°F, with about 3.6" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.7× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 29°F
- Average high
- 45°F
Range across the year: 27°F to 86°F
- Precipitation
- 3.6 in
- Daylight
- 9.4 hours
Roughly 6% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 1,300 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2021 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.4×) and the January low (0.4×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 35/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is April: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 37°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 32% 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, 2025 drew 20,763 recreation visits, down 40.2% from 34,716 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 56°F / 35°F | 0.9× Average | 37 Poor |
| December | 45°F / 29°F | 0.7× Quiet | 35 Poor |
| January | 45°F / 27°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 48 Fair |
All twelve months at Camp Nelson, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 45°F and an overnight low around 29°F at Camp Nelson National Monument, with about 3.6 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Camp Nelson National Monument (about 0.7× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 35/100. Our recommended month is April.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.7× the park's average, or 6% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 1,000 recreation visits at Camp Nelson National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2021–2025.
Where to stay near Camp Nelson in December
Booking a December trip to Camp Nelson National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Camp Nelson
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 (2021–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.