Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in December
December at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park averages a daytime high near 46°F and an overnight low around 28°F, with about 3.4" of precipitation and roughly 2" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.7× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 28°F
- Average high
- 46°F
Range across the year: 23°F to 84°F
- Precipitation
- 3.4 in
- Snowfall
- 2 in
- Daylight
- 9.3 hours
Roughly 6% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 264,000 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 June peak (1.3×) and the January low (0.6×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 38/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is October: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
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 7.8 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 31% 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 9.3 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 4,579,704 recreation visits, up 3.6% from 4,421,276 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 56°F / 35°F | 0.9× Average | 39 Poor |
| December | 46°F / 28°F | 0.7× Quiet | 38 Poor |
| January | 42°F / 23°F | 0.6× Quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal in December
The National Park Service tags 6 Chesapeake & Ohio Canal activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Skiing and Snowshoeing the C&O Canal Towpath
- Bike the C&O Canal Towpath · 3-5 days
- Explore the Georgetown Waterfront · 60-160 minutes
- Multi-Park Loop
- Paddle the Middle Potomac · 2-4 days
- Take the Scenic Route on the Potomac Heritage Trail · 1-8 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 46°F and an overnight low around 28°F at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, with about 3.4 inches of precipitation and roughly 2 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7.8 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (about 0.7× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 38/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is June and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.7× the park's average, or 6% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 264,000 recreation visits at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal in December
Booking a December trip to Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
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.