How Crowded Is Ice Age National Scenic Trail in December?
December runs about 0.8× Ice Age National Scenic Trail's average month, which makes it a quiet month here — roughly 7% of the park's yearly visitors come in December.
In a typical December the park sees roughly 2,100 recreation visits, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2024 to 2025.
That makes December the 7th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.8×) and the February low (0.6×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 33/100 ("Poor"), versus the top-rated September at 73/100 — pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
Typical December weather, from 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals at the nearest station, averages a daytime high near 30°F and an overnight low around 14°F, with about 1.4" of precipitation and roughly 8" of snow.
That average of about 22°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground.
Because June, July and August together draw about 33% 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 8.7 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 29,125 recreation visits, down 2% from 29,711 in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
December is quiet at Ice Age National Scenic Trail (about 0.8× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor". The single best month overall is September.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is February. December sits at about 0.8× the park's average, or 7% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 2,000 recreation visits at Ice Age National Scenic Trail, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2024–2025.
Where to stay near Ice Age in December
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in December.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (2024–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-07-14.