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Big Bend · December

Big Bend in December

December is a busy time to visit Big Bend — about as busy as November, busier than January.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

7/10
Busy

Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.

About 63% of this park's busiest month.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →

Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe

Visitation

Typical December visits vs. the year

December (typical)60,956
Peak — March96,795
Quietest — August16,110

Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Weather

December weather

Avg high
62°F
Avg low
38°F
Precipitation
0.5"
Sunrise
6:39 AM
Sunset
4:56 PM
Daylight
10.3h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, PANTHER JUNCTION, TX US

What's open

Big Bend in December: access

Big Bend National Park is always open. You can enter and exit at any time of the day or night. Park entrances are open 24 hours daily, all year.

No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.

Source: NPS Data API

Conditions

Current alerts

  • Information

    Bringing a Pet to Big Bend?

    Bringing your pet to Big Bend National Park will limit some of your park explorations and opportunities. Pets are not allowed on park trails, in the backcountry, or on the river. Pets are allowed only where vehicles can go. Pets may not be left unattended

    Details on nps.gov →
  • Information

    Big Bend is a NO DRONE Zone

    The use of drones is prohibited in Big Bend National Park. Thank you for preserving the peace and tranquility of Big Bend.

  • Information

    Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry is open Friday-Monday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

    Until further notice, the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry will be open Friday through Monday, 9:00 am through 4:00 pm. It will not change to winter hours at this time.

Source: NPS Data API

Context

Big Bend crowds across the year

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov7Dec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in December

FAQ

Big Bend in December

How busy is Big Bend in December?

December rates 7/10 for crowds (Busy) at Big Bend National Park — about 63% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 60,956.

What is the weather like at Big Bend in December?

In December, Big Bend averages a high of 62°F and a low of 38°F, with about 0.5 inches of precipitation.