Niobrara National Scenic River in December
December at Niobrara National Scenic River averages a daytime high near 36°F and an overnight low around 12°F. Visitation runs about 0.1× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 12°F
- Average high
- 36°F
Range across the year: 9°F to 88°F
- Daylight
- 8.9 hours
Roughly 1% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 350 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2004 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at Niobrara; by contrast July, the busiest, runs about 4× the average.
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 2/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
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 7.8 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 75% 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 77,476 recreation visits, up 4.2% from 74,387 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 48°F / 22°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 11 Poor |
| December | 36°F / 12°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 2 Poor |
| January | 34°F / 9°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 2 Poor |
All twelve months at Niobrara, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Niobrara in December
The National Park Service tags 3 Niobrara activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 36°F and an overnight low around 12°F at Niobrara National Scenic River. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7.8 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Niobrara National Scenic River (about 0.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 2/100. Our recommended month is May. December draws about 5% of the visits Niobrara sees in an average month. Numbers that low usually mean limited access: closed roads, closed facilities or deep-winter conditions. The count alone does not say which, so check the park's current conditions before planning around December.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is December. December sits at about 0.1× the park's average, or 1% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 0,000 recreation visits at Niobrara National Scenic River, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2004–2025.
Where to stay near Niobrara in December
Booking a December trip to Niobrara National Scenic River? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Niobrara
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.