City Of Rocks National Reserve in December
December at City Of Rocks National Reserve averages a daytime high near 39°F and an overnight low around 21°F, with about 0.8" of precipitation and roughly 5" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 21°F
- Average high
- 39°F
Range across the year: 21°F to 86°F
- Precipitation
- 0.8 in
- Snowfall
- 5 in
- Daylight
- 8.9 hours
Roughly 2% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 2,400 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1992 to 2025.
That makes December the 9th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the June peak (2.1×) and the February low (0.1×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 42/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is October: 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 14.6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 45% 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 8.9 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 90,898 recreation visits, up 1.1% from 89,949 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 23%, 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 | 50°F / 28°F | 0.6× Quiet | 43 Poor |
| December | 39°F / 21°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
| January | 40°F / 21°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 2 Poor |
All twelve months at City Of Rocks, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at City Of Rocks in December
The National Park Service tags 7 City Of Rocks activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Ice Climbing
- Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Winter Birding
- Winter Camping · 1-14 days · reservation required
- Winter Photography
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 39°F and an overnight low around 21°F at City Of Rocks National Reserve, with about 0.8 inches of precipitation and roughly 5 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 14.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at City Of Rocks National Reserve (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 42/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is June and the quietest is February. December sits at about 0.3× the park's average, or 2% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 2,000 recreation visits at City Of Rocks National Reserve, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1992–2025.
Where to stay near City Of Rocks in December
Booking a December trip to City Of Rocks National Reserve? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near City Of Rocks
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 (1992–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.