Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in December
December at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve averages a daytime high near 45°F and an overnight low around 23°F, with about 1.2" of precipitation and roughly 4" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 23°F
- Average high
- 45°F
Range across the year: 19°F to 92°F
- Precipitation
- 1.2 in
- Snowfall
- 4 in
- Daylight
- 9.3 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 850 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1998 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the June peak (1.7×) and the January low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 39/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 34°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.7 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, 2025 drew 27,531 recreation visits, down 8.1% from 29,955 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 57°F / 33°F | 0.7× Quiet | 45 Fair |
| December | 45°F / 23°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 39 Poor |
| January | 43°F / 19°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Tallgrass Prairie, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Tallgrass Prairie in December
The National Park Service tags 7 Tallgrass Prairie activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Bison viewing on the Scenic Overlook Trail · 30-180 minutes
- Break on the Bottomland Trail · 10-120 minutes
- Explore Tallgrass Visitor Center · 10-30 minutes
- Nature Trails · 45 minutes
- Take 12 to West Branch · 4-12 hours
- Take a Self-Guiding Tour of the Ranch · 60 minutes
- Try Catch and Release Fishing
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 45°F and an overnight low around 23°F at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, with about 1.2 inches of precipitation and roughly 4 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.7 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 39/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is June 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 1,000 recreation visits at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1998–2025.
Where to stay near Tallgrass Prairie in December
Booking a December trip to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Tallgrass Prairie
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 (1998–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.