Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site in December
December at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 45°F and an overnight low around 16°F, with about 0.4" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 16°F
- Average high
- 45°F
Range across the year: 14°F to 92°F
- Precipitation
- 0.4 in
- Daylight
- 9.3 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 150 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2010 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.6×) and the January low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 43/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is October: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 31°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 13.6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 38% 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 9.3 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2024 drew 6,401 recreation visits, up 9.3% from 5,855 in 2023.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 11.4%, so December may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 55°F / 26°F | 0.9× Average | 38 Poor |
| December | 45°F / 16°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
| January | 44°F / 14°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 44 Poor |
All twelve months at Sand Creek Massacre, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Sand Creek Massacre in December
The National Park Service tags 4 Sand Creek Massacre activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Be a Sand Creek B.A.R.K. Ranger · 5-15 minutes
- Hike the Monument Hill Trail
- Sand Creek Ranger Talk · 30-40 minutes
- The Bluff Trail
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 45°F and an overnight low around 16°F at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, with about 0.4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 13.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 43/100. 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 3% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 0,000 recreation visits at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2010–2025.
Where to stay near Sand Creek Massacre in December
Booking a December trip to Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Sand Creek Massacre
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 (2010–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.