Wind Cave · December
Wind Cave in December
December is one of the best times to visit Wind Cave — about as busy as November, about as busy as January.
Expect light crowds (2/10), highs near 41°F, about 9 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 12% 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 Wind Cave’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
- 41°F
- Avg low
- 15°F
- Precipitation
- 0.5"
- Sunrise
- 7:20 AM
- Sunset
- 4:17 PM
- Daylight
- 9h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, HOT SPRINGS, SD US
What's open
Wind Cave in December: access
The park is open all day, every day. Snow or severe weather can limit access to some areas of the park, especially in winter. Visitor Center hours and cave tour schedules vary throughout the year. Visit the park website or call 605.745.4600 for current conditions.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Information
Natural Entrance Tour Route Closes For Season October 1, 2026
The Natural Entrance Tour Route will be closed for the season beginning October 1st, 2026. The Garden of Eden, Fairgrounds, and Accessibility Tour Routes remain available. This annual closure will last through the winter season.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Wind Cave moves to cashless fee collection
Payments for cave tours, campground fees, as well as Interagency Passes at Wind Cave National Park, will be by credit/ debit cards or digital payments only. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.
- Information
Centennial Trailhead Parking
Reminder: Overnight parking without a camping permit is prohibited. Permits are not issued specifically for parking. Shuttles are available in the Black Hills for through hikers on the Centennial Trail.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Wind Cave crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Wind Cave in December
How busy is Wind Cave in December?
December rates 2/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Wind Cave National Park — about 12% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 12,727.
What is the weather like at Wind Cave in December?
In December, Wind Cave averages a high of 41°F and a low of 15°F, with about 0.5 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Wind Cave?
Entry to Wind Cave is free.
When is Wind Cave least crowded?
Wind Cave 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 Wind Cave get in December?
In mid-December, Wind Cave gets about 9 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:20 AM and sunset around 4:17 PM.