Carlsbad Caverns · December
Carlsbad Caverns in December
December is a busy time to visit Carlsbad Caverns — busier than November, busier than January.
Expect heavy crowds (7/10), highs near 57°F, about 10.1 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 66% 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 8% of Carlsbad Caverns’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
- 57°F
- Avg low
- 35°F
- Precipitation
- 0.6"
- Sunrise
- 6:51 AM
- Sunset
- 4:55 PM
- Daylight
- 10.1h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CARLSBAD CAVERNS, NM US
What's open
Carlsbad Caverns in December: access
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open 24-hours a day. Visitor center hours and cave tour schedule vary throughout the year.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Information
Closures Due to Flood Damage
Some areas of the park including Walnut Canyon Desert Drive and some trails remain closed after extensive flood damage. The main park road to the visitor center and cavern is open.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Footwear in the Cavern
For safety, closed-toe shoes with good traction are recommended. Flip flops, sandals, and some walking shoes have little or no traction and increase the possibility of slips, trips, and falls. Watch your step and use the handrails when necessary.
- Information
Timed Entry Ticket Required to Enter Carlsbad Cavern
Reservations are highly recommended and can be purchased by clicking "more" or calling 877-444-6777. Reservations only select the entry time. Upon arrival at the visitor center, an entrance pass must be purchased.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Items Worn or Used in Other Caves Not Allowed
A disease known as White-Nose Syndrome is killing bats in North America. To prevent it from spreading to our bats, do not wear shoes, clothing, or bring any gear into any cave at Carlsbad Caverns National Park that were in another cave.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions have been lifted at Carlsbad Caverns which means that fires such as charcoal fires in grills and the use of camp stoves or portable grills will be allowed. Igniting and maintaining an open fire must be done with materials that are commonly used for warmth and food preparations such as natural firewood or charcoal briquettes. Other materials such as flammable liquids, garbage, plastic, aerosol canisters, or other artificial substances are not permitted.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Carlsbad Caverns crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Carlsbad Caverns in December
How busy is Carlsbad Caverns in December?
December rates 7/10 for crowds (Busy) at Carlsbad Caverns National Park — about 66% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 34,369.
What is the weather like at Carlsbad Caverns in December?
In December, Carlsbad Caverns averages a high of 57°F and a low of 35°F, with about 0.6 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Carlsbad Caverns?
Entrance to Carlsbad Caverns costs $15 (Entrance fee provides access to Carlsbad Cavern by elevator and hiking in. Ranger-guided tours are an additional fee and can be reserved on recreation.gov.).
Do I need a reservation to visit Carlsbad Caverns in December?
A reservation may be required: Timed Entry Ticket Required to Enter Carlsbad Cavern. Reservations are highly recommended and can be purchased by clicking "more" or calling 877-444-6777. Reservations only select the entry time. Upon arrival at the visitor center, an entrance pass must be purchased. Confirm current requirements on nps.gov before you visit.
When is Carlsbad Caverns least crowded?
Carlsbad Caverns is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Carlsbad Caverns get in December?
In mid-December, Carlsbad Caverns gets about 10.1 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:51 AM and sunset around 4:55 PM.