Rocky Mountain · December · Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park in December

December is a fair month for Rocky Mountain National Park, with some limitations. Crowds are moderate. Highs average 26°F and lows 7°F, with about 1.28 inches of rain.

December is rated fair at Rocky Mountain. Consider Jul–Sep instead.

Full park guideAll parks in December
RatingFair
CrowdsModerate
Avg high / low26°F / 7°F
Rain1.28 in

What to expect

Honest take: December is not the month for Rocky Mountain. Snowshoeing and backcountry skiing at Bear Lake. Trail Ridge Road is closed, but elk and moose are easy to spot.

Local tip

Start alpine hikes at dawn. Afternoon thunderstorms above the treeline are dangerous almost every summer day.

Good to know

  • Best months overall: Jul–Sep.
  • Closest airport: Denver (DEN), about 1.5–2 hours.
  • Before you go: The park has required timed-entry permits from late May to October in recent years. Check current conditions on nps.gov.

2-day Rocky Mountain itinerary · Packing list

Questions

Is December a good time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?

December is a fair month for Rocky Mountain National Park, with some limitations. Crowds are moderate. Highs average 26°F and lows 7°F, with about 1.28 inches of rain.

What is the weather like in Rocky Mountain National Park in December?

Highs average 26°F and lows 7°F, with about 1.28 inches of rain. Conditions are fair this month, so check the month-by-month ratings before you commit.

How crowded is Rocky Mountain National Park in December?

Crowds are moderate in December.