Big Thicket National Preserve in December
December at Big Thicket National Preserve averages a daytime high near 64°F and an overnight low around 40°F, with about 5.4" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1× the park's average month, which makes December an average month here.
- Average low
- 40°F
- Average high
- 64°F
Range across the year: 38°F to 95°F
- Precipitation
- 5.4 in
- Daylight
- 10.0 hours
Roughly 9% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 21,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1981 to 2025.
That makes December the 7th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the October peak (1.2×) and the February low (0.7×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 37/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is March: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 52°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.4 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 27% 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 10 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 228,310 recreation visits, down 16% from 271,823 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 15.7%, so a December visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 72°F / 47°F | 1.1× Average | 35 Poor |
| December | 64°F / 40°F | 1.0× Average | 37 Poor |
| January | 63°F / 38°F | 0.8× Quiet | 60 Good |
All twelve months at Big Thicket, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Big Thicket in December
The National Park Service tags 19 Big Thicket activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Backcountry Camp at Big Thicket National Preserve
- Bike the Big Sandy Trail · 4-8 hours
- Hike the Beaver Slide Trail · 30-60 minutes
- Hike the Birdwatchers Trail · 30-60 minutes
- Hike the Longleaf Pine Trail · 30-60 minutes
- Hike the Sundew Trail · 1-2 hours
- Hike to the Sandhill Loop Trail · 2-8 hours
- Paddle Village Creek · 2-6 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 64°F and an overnight low around 40°F at Big Thicket National Preserve, with about 5.4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.4 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is average at Big Thicket National Preserve (about 1.0× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 37/100. Our recommended month is March.
The busiest month is October and the quietest is February. December sits at about 1.0× the park's average, or 9% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 21,000 recreation visits at Big Thicket National Preserve, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1981–2025.
Where to stay near Big Thicket in December
Booking a December trip to Big Thicket National Preserve? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Big Thicket
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in December.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1981–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.