Colorado National Monument in December
December at Colorado National Monument averages a daytime high near 39°F and an overnight low around 22°F, with about 0.8" of precipitation and roughly 5" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 22°F
- Average high
- 39°F
Range across the year: 21°F to 93°F
- Precipitation
- 0.8 in
- Snowfall
- 5 in
- Daylight
- 9.3 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 23,000 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 May peak (1.3×) and the February low (0.6×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 40/100 ("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 4.2 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 9.3 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 483,436 recreation visits, down 0.9% from 488,038 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 23.5%, 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 | 51°F / 31°F | 0.8× Quiet | 41 Poor |
| December | 39°F / 22°F | 0.6× Quiet | 40 Poor |
| January | 39°F / 21°F | 0.6× Quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Colorado, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Colorado in December
The National Park Service tags 10 Colorado activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Accessible Visit to Colorado National Monument · 2-4 hours
- Hiking from Devils Kitchen Picnic Area · 1-8 hours
- Hiking in Colorado National Monument · 15-360 minutes
- Junior Ranger of the Monument · 20-60 minutes
- Road Biking on Rim Rock Drive · 2-5 hours
- Shop for Monument Souvenirs · 10-60 minutes
- Short Hikes in the Monument · 20-60 minutes
- Start at Saddlehorn Visitor Center · 15-60 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 39°F and an overnight low around 22°F at Colorado National Monument, 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 4.2 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Colorado National Monument (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 40/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is February. December sits at about 0.6× the park's average, or 5% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 23,000 recreation visits at Colorado National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Colorado in December
Booking a December trip to Colorado National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Colorado
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
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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.