Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River in December
December at Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River averages a daytime high near 62°F and an overnight low around 38°F, with about 0.4" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.9× the park's average month, which makes December a very busy month here.
- Average low
- 38°F
- Average high
- 62°F
Range across the year: 37°F to 97°F
- Precipitation
- 0.4 in
- Daylight
- 10.1 hours
Roughly 16% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 160 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1985 to 2025.
That makes December the 3rd-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the March peak (2.6×) and the August low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 40/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is February: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 50°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 13.2 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 13% 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 10.1 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2013 drew 703 recreation visits, down 25.8% from 947 in 2009.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 37.1%, 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 | 71°F / 45°F | 2.3× Very busy | 42 Poor |
| December | 62°F / 38°F | 1.9× Very busy | 40 Poor |
| January | 62°F / 37°F | 0.7× Quiet | 60 Good |
All twelve months at Rio Grande, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Rio Grande in December
The National Park Service tags 7 Rio Grande activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 62°F and an overnight low around 38°F at Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River, with about 0.4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 13.2 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very busy at Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River (about 1.9× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 40/100. Our recommended month is February.
The busiest month is March and the quietest is August. December sits at about 1.9× the park's average, or 16% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 0,000 recreation visits at Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1985–2025.
Where to stay near Rio Grande in December
Booking a December trip to Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Rio Grande
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Visiting Rio Grande 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 (1985–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.