How Crowded Is Niobrara National Scenic River in December?

December runs about 0.1× Niobrara National Scenic River's average month, which makes it a very quiet month here — roughly 1% of the park's yearly visitors come in December.

In a typical December the park sees about 350 recreation visits, 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 — so December is the easiest time to have the place largely to yourself.

On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 42/100 ("Poor"), versus the top-rated June at 79/100 — best overall balance of crowds, weather and daylight.

Typical December weather, from 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals at the nearest station, averages a daytime high near 36°F and an overnight low around 12°F.

That average of about 24°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground.

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.