Valles Caldera National Preserve in December
December at Valles Caldera National Preserve averages a daytime high near 36°F and an overnight low around 9°F, with about 1.8" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.5× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 9°F
- Average high
- 36°F
Range across the year: 9°F to 74°F
- Precipitation
- 1.8 in
- Daylight
- 9.6 hours
Roughly 4% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 3,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2020 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the September peak (1.7×) and the February low (0.4×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 40/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 23°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 35% 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 9.6 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 84,952 recreation visits, up 3.5% from 82,111 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 152%, 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 | 46°F / 17°F | 0.7× Quiet | 36 Poor |
| December | 36°F / 9°F | 0.5× Quiet | 40 Poor |
| January | 36°F / 9°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
All twelve months at Valles Caldera, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Valles Caldera in December
The National Park Service tags 22 Valles Caldera activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Cross-Country Skiing in Valles Caldera
- Ski the Cerro La Jara Loop · 1-2 hours
- Snowshoeing in Valles Caldera
- Fish the Upper Jaramillo Creek
- Hike the Jemez River Trail · 2-3 hours
- Hike the South Valle Grande Trail · 1-2 hours
- Stargaze in Valles Caldera
- Take a Self-Guided Tour of the Cabin District · 30-60 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 36°F and an overnight low around 9°F at Valles Caldera National Preserve, with about 1.8 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Valles Caldera National Preserve (about 0.5× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 40/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is September and the quietest is February. December sits at about 0.5× the park's average, or 4% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 3,000 recreation visits at Valles Caldera National Preserve, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2020–2025.
Where to stay near Valles Caldera in December
Booking a December trip to Valles Caldera National Preserve? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Valles Caldera
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 (2020–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.