Appalachian National Scenic Trail in December
December at Appalachian National Scenic Trail averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 27°F, with about 3.6" of precipitation and roughly 4" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.7× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 27°F
- Average high
- 42°F
Range across the year: 22°F to 84°F
- Precipitation
- 3.6 in
- Snowfall
- 4 in
- Daylight
- 9.1 hours
Roughly 6% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 377,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2025 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.4×) and the February low (0.6×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 34/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 34°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.3 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 33% of annual visitors, choosing December instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 9.1 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 52°F / 34°F | 0.8× Quiet | 42 Poor |
| December | 42°F / 27°F | 0.7× Quiet | 34 Poor |
| January | 37°F / 22°F | 0.7× Quiet | 38 Poor |
All twelve months at Appalachian, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Appalachian in December
The National Park Service tags 3 Appalachian activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 27°F at Appalachian National Scenic Trail, with about 3.6 inches of precipitation and roughly 4 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.3 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Appalachian National Scenic Trail (about 0.7× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 34/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is February. December sits at about 0.7× the park's average, or 6% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 377,000 recreation visits at Appalachian National Scenic Trail, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2025–2025.
Where to stay near Appalachian in December
Booking a December trip to Appalachian National Scenic Trail? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Appalachian
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in December.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (2025–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.