How Crowded Is Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument in December?
December runs about 1.1× Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument's average month, which makes it an average month here — roughly 9% of the park's yearly visitors come in December.
In a typical December the park sees roughly 5,100 recreation visits, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2021 to 2025.
That makes December the 5th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the February peak (1.5×) and the July low (0.4×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 33/100 ("Poor"), versus the top-rated August at 76/100 — pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
Typical December weather, from 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals at the nearest station, averages a daytime high near 56°F and an overnight low around 30°F, with about 0.4" of precipitation.
That average of about 43°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter.
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 9.5 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 51,964 recreation visits, down 14% from 60,431 in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
December is average at Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument (about 1.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor". The single best month overall is August.
The busiest month is February and the quietest is July. December sits at about 1.1× the park's average, or 9% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 5,000 recreation visits at Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2021–2025.
Where to stay near Tule Springs Fossil Beds in December
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Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (2021–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-07-14.