Big Bend · December
Big Bend in December
December is a busy time to visit Big Bend — about as busy as November, busier than January.
Expect heavy crowds (7/10), highs near 62°F, and about 10.3 hours of daylight.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
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 Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
December draws about 11% of Big Bend’s yearly visitors.
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.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Big Bend crowds across the year
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.
How much does it cost to visit Big Bend?
Entrance to Big Bend costs $30 (Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less); valid for 7 days.).
When is Big Bend least crowded?
Big Bend is quietest in July and August. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Big Bend get in December?
In mid-December, Big Bend gets about 10.3 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:39 AM and sunset around 4:56 PM.