Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in December
December at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 33°F and an overnight low around 21°F, with about 2.3" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 21°F
- Average high
- 33°F
Range across the year: 20°F to 86°F
- Precipitation
- 2.3 in
- Daylight
- 8.2 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 34,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at Lake Roosevelt; by contrast July, the busiest, runs about 2.5× the average — so December is the easiest time to have the place largely to yourself.
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 40/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 27°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 29 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 8.2 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,183,757 recreation visits, up 8.5% from 1,091,489 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 12.4%, so December may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 42°F / 26°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 44 Poor |
| December | 33°F / 21°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 40 Poor |
| January | 33°F / 20°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 40 Poor |
All twelve months at Lake Roosevelt, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Lake Roosevelt 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.
- Fort Spokane Visitor Center and Museum (visitor center): closed all month (September 3, 2026 to May 22, 2027)
- Camp Na-Bor-Lee (non-profit operated) (campground): closed all month (October 1, 2026 to May 14, 2027)
- Cloverleaf Campground (campground): closed all month (October 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027)
- Hawk Creek Campground (campground): closed all month (November 13, 2026 to May 21, 2027)
- Evans Campground (campground): closed all month (December 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027)
- Evans Group Site (campground): closed all month (December 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027)
- Gifford Campground (campground): closed all month (December 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027)
- Gifford Group Site (campground): closed all month (December 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027)
- Haag Cove Campground (campground): closed all month (December 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027)
- Hawk Creek Campground (campground): closed all month (December 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027)
- Hunters Campground (campground): closed all month (December 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027)
- Hunters Group Sites (campground): closed all month (December 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027)
- Jones Bay Campground (campground): closed all month (December 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027)
- Kamloops Island Campground (campground): closed all month (December 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027)
7 more facilities are listed as closed in December.
Things to do at Lake Roosevelt in December
The National Park Service tags 3 Lake Roosevelt activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 33°F and an overnight low around 21°F at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, with about 2.3 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 29 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 40/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is December. December sits at about 0.3× the park's average, or 3% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 34,000 recreation visits at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Lake Roosevelt in December
Booking a December trip to Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Lake Roosevelt
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.