Petroglyph National Monument in December
December at Petroglyph National Monument averages a daytime high near 49°F and an overnight low around 24°F, with about 0.6" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.9× the park's average month, which makes December an average month here.
- Average low
- 24°F
- Average high
- 49°F
Range across the year: 24°F to 93°F
- Precipitation
- 0.6 in
- Daylight
- 9.6 hours
Roughly 8% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 22,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1992 to 2025.
That makes December the 7th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the October peak (1.4×) and the August low (0.8×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 42/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 37°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 2.2 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 21% 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 9.6 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 310,672 recreation visits, down 12.4% from 354,534 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 42%, 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 | 59°F / 32°F | 1.0× Average | 48 Fair |
| December | 49°F / 24°F | 0.9× Average | 42 Poor |
| January | 50°F / 24°F | 0.8× Quiet | 48 Fair |
All twelve months at Petroglyph, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Petroglyph in December
The National Park Service tags 6 Petroglyph activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Boca Negra Canyon · 5-60 minutes
- Picnicking at Petroglyph National Monument · 1-3 hours
- Piedras Marcadas Canyon · 1-2 hours
- Rinconada Canyon · 90-120 minutes
- Volcanoes Day Use Area · 1-4 hours
- WNPA Park Store
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 49°F and an overnight low around 24°F at Petroglyph National Monument, with about 0.6 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 2.2 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is average at Petroglyph National Monument (about 0.9× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 42/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is October and the quietest is August. December sits at about 0.9× the park's average, or 8% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 22,000 recreation visits at Petroglyph National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1992–2025.
Where to stay near Petroglyph in December
Booking a December trip to Petroglyph National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Petroglyph
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Visiting Petroglyph in December?
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in December.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1992–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.