Wilson's Creek National Battlefield in December
December at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield averages a daytime high near 46°F and an overnight low around 27°F, with about 2.6" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.7× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 27°F
- Average high
- 46°F
Range across the year: 23°F to 88°F
- Precipitation
- 2.6 in
- Daylight
- 9.5 hours
Roughly 6% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 16,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the August peak (1.8×) and the January low (0.5×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 42/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 36°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 34% 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 370,558 recreation visits, up 3.6% from 357,805 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 41.5%, 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 | 57°F / 35°F | 0.7× Quiet | 52 Fair |
| December | 46°F / 27°F | 0.7× Quiet | 42 Poor |
| January | 43°F / 23°F | 0.5× Quiet | 45 Fair |
All twelve months at Wilson's Creek, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Wilson's Creek in December
The National Park Service tags 4 Wilson's Creek activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- March with the Missouri State Guard · 25-90 minutes
- Report for Duty at Wilson's Creek NB · 2-4 hours
- Tour a Family Farm Turned Field Hospital · 15-45 minutes
- Travel the Tour Road at Wilson's Creek · 15-120 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 46°F and an overnight low around 27°F at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, with about 2.6 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 quiet at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield (about 0.7× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 42/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is August and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.7× the park's average, or 6% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 16,000 recreation visits at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Wilson's Creek in December
Booking a December trip to Wilson's Creek National Battlefield? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Wilson's Creek
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 Wilson's Creek in December?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Wilson's Creek 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.