Rocky Mountain National Park in December
In December, Rocky Mountain National Park averages a high of 30°F and a low of 5°F, with 1.5 inches of precipitation (rain plus melted snow) and 28.5 inches of snowfall. About 129,000 people visit, the 10th busiest of 12 (quiet). Days are 9 hours 18 minutes long.
- Quiet
- Moderate
- Busy
- Very busy
- Few or no visits (may be closed)
- Best months
- High / low
- 30° / 5°F
- Precipitation
- 1.5in
- Snow
- 28.5in
- Daylight
- 9h 18m
- Visitors
- 129,000
- Crowds
- Quiet
Best months for weather and crowds instead: June (very busy).
Higher or lower in the park, expect a different picture: Waterdale, CO at 5,230 ft averages a December high of 43°F and a low of 16°F.
Weather 1991–2020 averages at Grand Lake 1 NW, CO, 9.2 miles from the park's center, 8,720 ft. Second station lower down: Waterdale, CO, 5,230 ft, 26.4 miles. Visitors National Park Service recreation visits, average of 2023–2025. Updated .
Other parks in December
| Park | High / low °F | Crowds | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park | 36° / 13° | Quiet | Cold |
| Great Sand Dunes National Park | 34° / 12° | Quiet | Cold |
| Arches National Park | 42° / 24° | Quiet | Cool |
| Wind Cave National Park | 39° / 15° | Quiet | Cold |
| Mesa Verde National Park | 40° / 20° | Quiet | Cold |
Closures, reservations and alerts: Rocky Mountain National Park on nps.gov
All twelve months at Rocky Mountain · National parks to visit in December