Cape Hatteras National Seashore in December
December at Cape Hatteras National Seashore averages a daytime high near 58°F and an overnight low around 45°F, with about 4.6" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.4× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 45°F
- Average high
- 58°F
Range across the year: 40°F to 87°F
- Precipitation
- 4.6 in
- Daylight
- 9.6 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 84,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.9×) and the January low (0.3×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 61/100 ("Good"). Our recommended month is November: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 51°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 11.3 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 45% 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 9.6 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 2,684,009 recreation visits, down 2.9% from 2,762,954 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 13%, 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 | 65°F / 52°F | 0.7× Quiet | 63 Good |
| December | 58°F / 45°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 61 Good |
| January | 54°F / 40°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 58 Fair |
All twelve months at Cape Hatteras, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Cape Hatteras facilities as closed during December 2026. The dates are the park's own, read on October 11, 2026. A facility that is not listed here may still be closed, so confirm on the park's site before you go.
- Cape Point Campground (campground): closed all month (November 28, 2026 to April 2, 2027)
- Frisco Campground (campground): closed all month (November 28, 2026 to April 2, 2027)
- Hatteras Island Weather Bureau Station (visitor center): closed all month (December 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027)
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 58°F and an overnight low around 45°F at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, with about 4.6 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 11.3 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (about 0.4× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 61/100. Our recommended month is November.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.4× the park's average, or 3% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 84,000 recreation visits at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Cape Hatteras in December
Booking a December trip to Cape Hatteras National Seashore? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Cape Hatteras
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 (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.