Ozark National Scenic Riverways in December
December at Ozark National Scenic Riverways averages a daytime high near 48°F and an overnight low around 24°F, with about 3.3" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 24°F
- Average high
- 48°F
Range across the year: 21°F to 92°F
- Precipitation
- 3.3 in
- Daylight
- 9.5 hours
Roughly 2% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 29,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (2.6×) and the January low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 47/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 36°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.5 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 56% 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 9.5 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,116,835 recreation visits, down 16.9% from 1,343,779 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 60°F / 32°F | 0.6× Quiet | 53 Fair |
| December | 48°F / 24°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 47 Fair |
| January | 45°F / 21°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 3 Poor |
All twelve months at Ozark, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Ozark 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.
- Round Spring Ranger Station (visitor center): closed all month (September 2, 2026 to May 21, 2027)
- Pulltite Ranger Station (visitor center): closed all month (September 6, 2026 to May 31, 2027)
- Alley General Store (visitor center): closed all month (November 1, 2026 to May 21, 2027)
- Alley Mill (visitor center): closed all month (November 1, 2026 to May 21, 2027)
Things to do at Ozark in December
The National Park Service tags 30 Ozark 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 48°F and an overnight low around 24°F at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, with about 3.3 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Ozark National Scenic Riverways (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 47/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.3× the park's average, or 2% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 29,000 recreation visits at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Ozark in December
Booking a December trip to Ozark National Scenic Riverways? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Ozark
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
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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.