El Malpais National Monument in December
December at El Malpais National Monument averages a daytime high near 47°F and an overnight low around 13°F. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 13°F
- Average high
- 47°F
Range across the year: 13°F to 88°F
- Daylight
- 9.7 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 8,200 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1988 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the May peak (1.4×) and the January low (0.5×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 41/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is August: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
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 20.1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 30% 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 9.7 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 151,998 recreation visits, down 7.1% from 163,679 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 7.2%, 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 | 57°F / 21°F | 0.8× Quiet | 45 Fair |
| December | 47°F / 13°F | 0.6× Quiet | 41 Poor |
| January | 47°F / 15°F | 0.5× Quiet | 47 Fair |
All twelve months at El Malpais, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at El Malpais in December
The National Park Service tags 7 El Malpais activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- El Malpais Night Skies · 1-8 hours
- Explore Sandstone Bluffs Overlook · 15-60 minutes
- Follow Ancient Footpaths on the Zuni-Acoma Trail · 2-8 hours
- Hike the El Calderon Trail · 1-3 hours
- Hike the Narrows Rim Trail · 1-6 hours
- Traverse the Lava Falls Trail · 1-2 hours
- Visit La Ventana Natural Arch · 20-30 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 47°F and an overnight low around 13°F at El Malpais National Monument. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 20.1 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at El Malpais National Monument (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 41/100. Our recommended month is August.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.6× the park's average, or 5% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 8,000 recreation visits at El Malpais National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1988–2025.
Where to stay near El Malpais in December
Booking a December trip to El Malpais National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near El Malpais
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 (1988–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.