Early winter · Weather & things to do
Rocky Mountain NP in December
This is the coldest month in Rocky Mountain NP: highs average 24°F (-4°C) and lows 8°F (-14°C), with about 1.5 in (37 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 49/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 24°F (-4°C)
- Avg low
- 8°F (-14°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.5 in (37 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 62%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 08 min
- Comfort score
- 49/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 24°F (-4°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 8°F (-14°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 1.5 in (37 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 08 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 08 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (51 → 49/100).
- Our Colorado Rockies route recommends Jun – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 8°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Rocky Mountain NP in December
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Estes Park Brewery
Estes Park's longtime brewpub, open since 1993, for post-hike pints and pub food.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 24°F.
Trail Ridge Road
48-mile drive topping out at 12,183 feet, with tundra overlooks the whole way.
Bear Lake
Flat half-mile loop around a subalpine lake under Hallett Peak, and the trailhead for the park's classic hikes.
Alberta Falls
Easy 1.6-mile round-trip hike to a 30-foot cascade on Glacier Creek.
Moraine Park
Wide meadow where elk gather, especially during the fall rut.
Nearby in December
- Denver in December~56 mi · highs 44°F, 0.7 in rain or snow · 11°C (21°F) warmer by day, drier
- Vail in December~60 mi · highs 28°F, 1.9 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Breckenridge in December~62 mi · highs 23°F, 1.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Aspen in December~100 mi · highs 30°F, 2.0 in rain or snow · 4°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,670 m to Rocky Mountain NP's ~2,918 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.
Rocky Mountain NP in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Rocky Mountain NP?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 49/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 24°F (-4°C) and 1.5 in (37 mm) of rain or snow. Our Colorado Rockies route recommends Jun – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Rocky Mountain NP in December?
Average highs are 24°F (-4°C) and average lows 8°F (-14°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Rocky Mountain NP in December?
Not much: about 1.5 in (37 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 21.8 in (553 mm).
What should I pack for Rocky Mountain NP in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 8°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Rocky Mountain NP
Planning Rocky Mountain NP in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.