Bluestone National Scenic River in December
December at Bluestone National Scenic River averages a daytime high near 45°F and an overnight low around 29°F, with about 3.2" of precipitation and roughly 4" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.1× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 29°F
- Average high
- 45°F
Range across the year: 25°F to 85°F
- Precipitation
- 3.2 in
- Snowfall
- 4 in
- Daylight
- 9.4 hours
Roughly 1% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 270 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1993 to 2025.
That makes December the 8th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (2.8×) and the January low (0.1×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 3/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 37°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7.6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 60% 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 9.4 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 12,446 recreation visits, up 69.9% from 7,327 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 42.6%, so December may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 56°F / 35°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 19 Poor |
| December | 45°F / 29°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 3 Poor |
| January | 42°F / 25°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 3 Poor |
All twelve months at Bluestone, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 45°F and an overnight low around 29°F at Bluestone National Scenic River, with about 3.2 inches of precipitation and roughly 4 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Bluestone National Scenic River (about 0.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 3/100. Our recommended month is May. December draws about 11% of the visits Bluestone sees in an average month. Numbers that low usually mean limited access: closed roads, closed facilities or deep-winter conditions. The count alone does not say which, so check the park's current conditions before planning around December.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.1× the park's average, or 1% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 0,000 recreation visits at Bluestone National Scenic River, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1993–2025.
Where to stay near Bluestone in December
Booking a December trip to Bluestone National Scenic River? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Bluestone
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.
Visiting Bluestone in December?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Bluestone by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in December.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1993–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.