Mesa Verde · December
Mesa Verde in December
December is one of the best times to visit Mesa Verde — quieter than November, about as busy as January.
Expect light crowds (1/10), highs near 40°F, about 9.6 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 10% 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 2% of Mesa Verde’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
- 40°F
- Avg low
- 20°F
- Precipitation
- 1.5"
- Sunrise
- 7:20 AM
- Sunset
- 4:57 PM
- Daylight
- 9.6h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, MESA VERDE NP, CO US
What's open
Mesa Verde in December: access
The park is open daily except for emergency conditions. The Visitor & Research Center and Mesa Verde Museum are open all year but closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Ancestral sites, picnic areas, and trails are open 8 am to sunset. Some park areas including Wetherill Mesa, campground, and other visitor services are closed during winter. Cliff dwelling tours are mid-May through late October. Reservations are required and available 14 days in advance of tour date online at www.recreation.gov.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Information
Road Construction
Road work will begin on the first four miles of the Main Park Road during the week of September 20 - 26. Expect delays up to 15 minutes. Far View Sites and Cedar Tree Tower are closed for road improvements. Wetherill Mesa Road has compacted gravel for 30 feet; motorcycles should take extra caution on this road.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
No additional active alerts or warnings reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Mesa Verde crowds across the year
FAQ
Mesa Verde in December
How busy is Mesa Verde in December?
December rates 1/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Mesa Verde National Park — about 10% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 8,558.
What is the weather like at Mesa Verde in December?
In December, Mesa Verde averages a high of 40°F and a low of 20°F, with about 1.5 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Mesa Verde?
Entrance to Mesa Verde costs $30 (Valid for 7 days.).
When is Mesa Verde least crowded?
Mesa Verde 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 Mesa Verde get in December?
In mid-December, Mesa Verde gets about 9.6 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:20 AM and sunset around 4:57 PM.