Lava Beds National Monument in December
December at Lava Beds National Monument averages a daytime high near 41°F and an overnight low around 22°F, with about 1.5" of precipitation and roughly 8" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.4× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 22°F
- Average high
- 41°F
Range across the year: 22°F to 86°F
- Precipitation
- 1.5 in
- Snowfall
- 8 in
- Daylight
- 9.0 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 4,300 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 11th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (2.3×) and the January low (0.3×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 40/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 32°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 3.3 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 49% 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 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 143,659 recreation visits, up 12.6% from 127,563 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 50°F / 27°F | 0.6× Quiet | 39 Poor |
| December | 41°F / 22°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 40 Poor |
| January | 43°F / 23°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
All twelve months at Lava Beds, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 41°F and an overnight low around 22°F at Lava Beds National Monument, with about 1.5 inches of precipitation and roughly 8 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 3.3 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Lava Beds National Monument (about 0.4× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 40/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.4× the park's average, or 3% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 4,000 recreation visits at Lava Beds National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Lava Beds in December
Booking a December trip to Lava Beds National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Lava Beds
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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.