El Morro National Monument in December
December at El Morro National Monument averages a daytime high near 44°F and an overnight low around 14°F, with about 1" of precipitation and roughly 6" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.5× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 14°F
- Average high
- 44°F
Range across the year: 14°F to 85°F
- Precipitation
- 1.0 in
- Snowfall
- 6 in
- Daylight
- 9.7 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 2,600 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 (1.5×) and the January low (0.5×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 40/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is June: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 29°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.2 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 9.7 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 48,797 recreation visits, down 15.6% from 57,827 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 54°F / 21°F | 0.7× Quiet | 39 Poor |
| December | 44°F / 14°F | 0.5× Quiet | 40 Poor |
| January | 44°F / 14°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 44 Poor |
All twelve months at El Morro, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at El Morro in December
The National Park Service tags 3 El Morro activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- El Morro Campground · 1-14 days
- Hike the Inscription Rock Trail · 30-60 minutes
- Hiking the Headland Trail · 60-150 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 44°F and an overnight low around 14°F at El Morro National Monument, with about 1 inches of precipitation and roughly 6 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.2 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at El Morro National Monument (about 0.5× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 40/100. Our recommended month is June.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.5× the park's average, or 5% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 3,000 recreation visits at El Morro National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near El Morro in December
Booking a December trip to El Morro National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near El Morro
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.
Visiting El Morro in December?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for El Morro by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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.