Capulin Volcano National Monument in December
December at Capulin Volcano National Monument averages a daytime high near 46°F and an overnight low around 14°F, with about 0.8" of precipitation and roughly 9" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.5× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 14°F
- Average high
- 46°F
Range across the year: 14°F to 86°F
- Precipitation
- 0.8 in
- Snowfall
- 9 in
- Daylight
- 9.5 hours
Roughly 4% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 2,900 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (2.7×) and the January low (0.3×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 39/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 30°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 3.2 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 52% 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 9.5 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2024 drew 96,078 recreation visits, up 8.5% from 88,514 in 2023.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 40.4%, so a December visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 55°F / 22°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
| December | 46°F / 14°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 39 Poor |
| January | 46°F / 15°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Capulin Volcano, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Capulin Volcano in December
The National Park Service tags 5 Capulin Volcano activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become a Junior Ranger at Capulin Volcano · 20-45 minutes
- Drive to the Top of Capulin Volcano · 30-120 minutes
- Explore the Visitor Center at Capulin Volcano · 5-30 minutes
- Hike Trails at the Base of Capulin Volcano · 10-180 minutes
- View the Night Sky at Capulin Volcano · 30-120 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 46°F and an overnight low around 14°F at Capulin Volcano National Monument, with about 0.8 inches of precipitation and roughly 9 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 3.2 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Capulin Volcano National Monument (about 0.5× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 39/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is July 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 3,000 recreation visits at Capulin Volcano National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Capulin Volcano in December
Booking a December trip to Capulin Volcano National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Capulin Volcano
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Visiting Capulin Volcano in December?
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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.