Theodore Roosevelt in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Harsh season · VisitWhen score 52/100 · #11 of 12 months
December is a harsh-season month at Theodore Roosevelt National Park: crowds run 1% of the July peak (1,983 average visits). Weather: highs average 31°F and lows 7°F, with 0.6″ of precipitation and 8.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Theodore Roosevelt in December
- Insulated parka + thermal base layersSee it on AmazonWhy: average lows of 7°F.
- Traction devices (microspikes) and gaitersSee it on AmazonWhy: 6″ normal snowfall.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 8.5 hours of daylight in mid-December.
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Crowds in December
Theodore Roosevelt averages 1,983 recreation visits in December — 1% of what July, the peak month, draws — this is the quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — crowds are thin by this park's standards.
Weather & daylight
Days are cold (highs average 31°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 7°F). It is typically dry (0.6″ of precipitation). Normal snowfall is 6″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 8.5 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station MEDORA, ND US (5 mi from park coordinates, 2,268 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.
What to pack for Theodore Roosevelt in December
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 7°F
- Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 6″ normal snowfall (compare other options)
- Headlamp — only 8.5 hours of daylight in mid-December (compare other options)
- Insulated, waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 6″ of snow is normal this month
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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Theodore Roosevelt are April and May.
Also at their best in December
Other parks whose computed December verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- American Samoa in December — 17% of peak crowds, highs 88°F, score 66/100
- Everglades in December — 72% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 64/100
- Biscayne in December — 77% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 62/100
Common questions
Is Theodore Roosevelt crowded in December?
No — December is one of the quieter months: 1% of the July peak, averaging 1,983 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Theodore Roosevelt.
What is the weather like in Theodore Roosevelt in December?
Average highs of 31°F, lows of 7°F, 0.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, MEDORA, ND US station). Compare it with other national parks in December.
What should I pack for Theodore Roosevelt in December?
Insulated parka + thermal base layers; Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in January instead? Theodore Roosevelt in January has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-24
Also check in December
The nearest other parks that are not closed or rated Harsh in December, with the same NPS × NOAA verdict. Distance is a straight line.
- Badlands in December — Shoulder, score 60/100, about 230 mi away
- Rocky Mountain in December — Shoulder, score 57/100, about 470 mi away
- Great Sand Dunes in December — Shoulder, score 57/100, about 640 mi away
- Arches in December — Shoulder, score 63/100, about 650 mi away