Theodore Roosevelt National Park in December
December at Theodore Roosevelt National Park averages a daytime high near 28°F and an overnight low around 10°F. Visitation runs about 0.1× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 10°F
- Average high
- 28°F
Range across the year: 6°F to 82°F
- Daylight
- 8.3 hours
Roughly 0% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 2,700 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at Theodore Roosevelt; by contrast July, the busiest, runs about 2.7× the average.
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 1/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 19°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 9.7 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 61% 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 8.3 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 729,893 recreation visits, about flat from 732,951 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 39°F / 20°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
| December | 28°F / 10°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 1 Poor |
| January | 24°F / 6°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 1 Poor |
All twelve months at Theodore Roosevelt, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Theodore Roosevelt 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.
- Painted Canyon Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (October 25, 2026 to June 15, 2027)
- Roundup Group Horse Camp (campground): closed all month (November 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027)
Things to do at Theodore Roosevelt in December
The National Park Service tags 23 Theodore Roosevelt activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become a Theodore Roosevelt National Park Junior Ranger
- Bike the South Unit Scenic Drive
- Drive the South Unit Scenic Drive
- Hike Coal Vein Trail · 30-45 minutes
- Hike the Painted Canyon Nature Trail · 30-80 minutes
- Hike Wind Canyon Trail · 5-30 minutes
- See the Stars in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Watch the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Film: Refuge of the American Spirit · 17 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 28°F and an overnight low around 10°F at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 9.7 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Theodore Roosevelt National Park (about 0.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 1/100. Our recommended month is May. December draws about 5% of the visits Theodore Roosevelt sees in an average month. Numbers that low usually mean limited access: closed roads, closed facilities or deep-winter conditions. The count alone does not say which, so check the park's current conditions before planning around December.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is December. December sits at about 0.1× the park's average, or 0% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 3,000 recreation visits at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Theodore Roosevelt in December
Booking a December trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Theodore Roosevelt
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.
Visiting Theodore Roosevelt in December?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Theodore Roosevelt by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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.