Missouri National Recreational River in December
December at Missouri National Recreational River averages a daytime high near 34°F and an overnight low around 14°F, with about 0.9" of precipitation and roughly 7" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 14°F
- Average high
- 34°F
Range across the year: 10°F to 85°F
- Precipitation
- 0.9 in
- Snowfall
- 7 in
- Daylight
- 8.9 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 6,600 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2004 to 2025.
That makes December the 9th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the September peak (1.8×) and the February low (0.4×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 37/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 24°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 35% 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 8.9 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 166,390 recreation visits, up 8.4% from 153,521 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 11.4%, 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 | 46°F / 25°F | 0.8× Quiet | 33 Poor |
| December | 34°F / 14°F | 0.6× Quiet | 37 Poor |
| January | 30°F / 10°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 41 Poor |
All twelve months at Missouri, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Missouri in December
The National Park Service tags 12 Missouri activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 34°F and an overnight low around 14°F at Missouri National Recreational River, with about 0.9 inches of precipitation and roughly 7 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Missouri National Recreational River (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 37/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is September and the quietest is February. December sits at about 0.6× the park's average, or 5% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 7,000 recreation visits at Missouri National Recreational River, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2004–2025.
Where to stay near Missouri in December
Booking a December trip to Missouri National Recreational River? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Missouri
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 (2004–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.