White Sands National Park in December
December at White Sands National Park averages a daytime high near 57°F and an overnight low around 22°F, with about 0.7" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.9× the park's average month, which makes December an average month here.
- Average low
- 22°F
- Average high
- 57°F
Range across the year: 22°F to 97°F
- Precipitation
- 0.7 in
- Daylight
- 9.8 hours
Roughly 7% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 46,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 8th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the March peak (1.6×) and the January low (0.6×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 45/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 39°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 9.2 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 26% 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 9.8 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 659,742 recreation visits, down 6.1% from 702,236 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 24.4%, 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 | 67°F / 29°F | 0.8× Quiet | 58 Fair |
| December | 57°F / 22°F | 0.9× Average | 45 Fair |
| January | 57°F / 22°F | 0.6× Quiet | 56 Fair |
All twelve months at White Sands, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at White Sands in December
The National Park Service tags 8 White Sands activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Hiking Alkali Flat Trail · 3-5 hours
- Hiking Backcountry Camping Trail · 2-3 hours
- Hiking Dune Life Nature Trail · 45-60 minutes
- Hiking Interdune Boardwalk · 15-30 minutes
- Hiking the Ice Age Trail · 45-60 minutes
- Picnicking at White Sands
- Sledding at the Alkali Flat Trailhead
- Sledding at the Roadrunner Picnic Area
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 57°F and an overnight low around 22°F at White Sands National Park, with about 0.7 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 9.2 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is average at White Sands National Park (about 0.9× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 45/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is March and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.9× the park's average, or 7% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 46,000 recreation visits at White Sands National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near White Sands in December
Booking a December trip to White Sands National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near White Sands
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 White Sands in December?
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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.