Curecanti National Recreation Area in December
December at Curecanti National Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 29°F and an overnight low around 3°F, with about 0.8" of precipitation and roughly 12" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 3°F
- Average high
- 29°F
Range across the year: -1°F to 83°F
- Precipitation
- 0.8 in
- Snowfall
- 12 in
- Daylight
- 9.3 hours
Roughly 2% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 20,000 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 July peak (2.6×) and the January low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 42/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 16°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 8.8 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 54% 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 807,117 recreation visits, down 17.7% from 980,899 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 44°F / 16°F | 0.5× Quiet | 38 Poor |
| December | 29°F / 3°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
| January | 26°F / -1°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Curecanti, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Curecanti facilities as closed during December 2026. The dates are the park's own, read on October 11, 2026. A facility that is not listed here may still be closed, so confirm on the park's site before you go.
- East Portal Campground (campground): closed all month (October 1, 2026 to April 14, 2027)
Things to do at Curecanti in December
The National Park Service tags 5 Curecanti activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Drive CO Highway 92 · 2-4 hours
- Drive U.S. Highway 50 · 2-4 hours
- Hike Dillon Pinnacles · 2-3 hours
- Hike Hermits Rest Trail · 2-3 hours
- Hike Neversink Trail · 30-60 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 29°F and an overnight low around 3°F at Curecanti National Recreation Area, with about 0.8 inches of precipitation and roughly 12 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 8.8 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Curecanti National Recreation Area (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 42/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.3× the park's average, or 2% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 20,000 recreation visits at Curecanti National Recreation Area, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Curecanti in December
Booking a December trip to Curecanti National Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Curecanti
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 (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.