Great Sand Dunes · December · Colorado

Great Sand Dunes National Park in December

December is a fair month for Great Sand Dunes National Park, with some limitations. It is one of the quietest times to go. Highs average 32°F and lows 12°F, with about 0.73 inches of rain.

December is rated fair at Great Sand Dunes. Consider May–Jun, Sep instead.

Full park guideAll parks in December
RatingFair
CrowdsQuiet
Avg high / low32°F / 12°F
Rain0.73 in

What to expect

Honest take: December is not the month for Great Sand Dunes. Snow on the dunes is spectacular and you'll be nearly alone. Cold, but sunny.

Local tip

Wear shoes on the dunes in summer; the sand can burn bare feet. Start dune hikes by 9 a.m.

Good to know

  • Best months overall: May–Jun, Sep.
  • Closest airport: Colorado Springs (COS), about 2.5–3 hours.
  • Before you go: Medano Pass Primitive Road requires high-clearance 4x4. Check current conditions on nps.gov.

2-day Great Sand Dunes itinerary · Packing list

Questions

Is December a good time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park?

December is a fair month for Great Sand Dunes National Park, with some limitations. It is one of the quietest times to go. Highs average 32°F and lows 12°F, with about 0.73 inches of rain.

What is the weather like in Great Sand Dunes National Park in December?

Highs average 32°F and lows 12°F, with about 0.73 inches of rain. Conditions are fair this month, so check the month-by-month ratings before you commit.

How crowded is Great Sand Dunes National Park in December?

December is one of the quietest months at Great Sand Dunes National Park.