White Sands · December · New Mexico

White Sands National Park in December

December is a good month to visit White Sands National Park. Crowds are moderate. Highs average 53°F and lows 33°F, with about 0.86 inches of rain.

December gets a good rating at White Sands. The very best months are Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov.

Full park guideAll parks in December
RatingGood
CrowdsModerate
Avg high / low53°F / 33°F
Rain0.86 in

What to expect

December is good at White Sands. Cool, clear and calm, the best time for hikes across the dunes. Occasional snow on white sand is surreal.

Local tip

Waxed plastic snow saucers work best for sledding. Pick a steep dune face without vegetation at the bottom.

Good to know

  • Best months overall: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov.
  • Closest airport: El Paso (ELP), about 1.5 hours.
  • Before you go: Missile tests on the neighboring range can close Dunes Drive and US-70 for a few hours; check the park's closure schedule. Check current conditions on nps.gov.

2-day White Sands itinerary · Packing list

Questions

Is December a good time to visit White Sands National Park?

December is a good month to visit White Sands National Park. Crowds are moderate. Highs average 53°F and lows 33°F, with about 0.86 inches of rain.

What is the weather like in White Sands National Park in December?

Highs average 53°F and lows 33°F, with about 0.86 inches of rain. December is rated good for visiting.

How crowded is White Sands National Park in December?

Crowds are moderate in December.