Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in December
December at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 28°F, with about 3.3" of precipitation and roughly 4" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 28°F
- Average high
- 42°F
Range across the year: 23°F to 83°F
- Precipitation
- 3.3 in
- Snowfall
- 4 in
- Daylight
- 9.2 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 590 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2015 to 2025.
That makes December the 9th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the September peak (1.6×) and the October low (0.3×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 33/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 35°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 26% 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 9.2 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2022 drew 3,518 recreation visits, down 56.6% from 8,110 in 2021.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 53°F / 36°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 54 Fair |
| December | 42°F / 28°F | 0.6× Quiet | 33 Poor |
| January | 38°F / 23°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 37 Poor |
All twelve months at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers in December
The National Park Service tags 3 Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 28°F at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, with about 3.3 inches of precipitation and roughly 4 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 33/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is September and the quietest is October. December sits at about 0.6× the park's average, or 5% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 1,000 recreation visits at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2015–2025.
Where to stay near Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers in December
Booking a December trip to Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in December.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (2015–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.