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.
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 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
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- —
- Avg low
- —
- Precipitation
- 0.6"
- Sunrise
- 7:20 AM
- Sunset
- 4:17 PM
- Daylight
- 9h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, HOT SPRINGS 5.2 NW, 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:
- Park Closure
Wind Cave Canyon Trail Closed for Repair and Improvement
Wind Cave Canyon Trail is closed so that the trail and adjoining road can be repaired from frequent washouts. Sixteen low water crossings will be hardened and the road resurfaced. The trail could be closed for several weeks.
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.
- Park Closure
Wind Cave Canyon Trail Closed for Repair and Improvement
Wind Cave Canyon Trail is closed so that the trail and adjoining road can be repaired from frequent washouts. Sixteen low water crossings will be hardened and the road resurfaced. The trail could be closed for several weeks.
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 0°F and a low of 0°F, with about 0.6 inches of precipitation.