Early winter · Weather & things to do
Abiquiú in December
This is the coldest month in Abiquiú: highs average 43°F (6°C) and lows 22°F (-6°C), with about 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 56/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 43°F (6°C)
- Avg low
- 22°F (-6°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.2 in (31 mm)
- Humidity
- 67%
- Cloud cover
- 55%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 33 min
- Comfort score
- 56/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Cool days top out near 43°F (6°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 22°F (-6°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 1.2 in (31 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because nights fall well below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April & May and September & October.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 33 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 79/100 in November to 56/100.
- Our Northern New Mexico High Desert route recommends Mar – May, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 43°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 22°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Abiquiú in December
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Ghost Ranch
Red cliffs and badlands that O'Keeffe painted, with trails, museums and guided tours.
Bode's General Store
Long-running general store and deli serving breakfast burritos and green chile.
Café Abiquiú
Restaurant at the Abiquiu Inn with New Mexican dishes and river views.
Chimney Rock Trail
3-mile round trip up a mesa to views over Ghost Ranch and Abiquiú Lake.
Georgia O'Keeffe Home & Studio
Guided tour of the adobe home and studio where O'Keeffe lived and worked.
Nearby in December
- Santa Fe in December~42 mi · highs 40°F, 0.9 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Taos in December~44 mi · highs 40°F, 1.3 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Albuquerque in December~80 mi · highs 48°F, 0.7 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Aspen in December~208 mi · highs 30°F, 2.0 in rain or snow · 7°C (13°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,346 m to Abiquiú's ~1,849 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Abiquiú in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Abiquiú?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 56/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April & May and September & October. Expect highs of 43°F (6°C) and 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain or snow. Our Northern New Mexico High Desert route recommends Mar – May, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Abiquiú in December?
Average highs are 43°F (6°C) and average lows 22°F (-6°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Abiquiú in December?
Not much: about 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 15.2 in (386 mm).
What should I pack for Abiquiú in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 43°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 22°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Abiquiú in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.