Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park in December
December at Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park averages a daytime high near 53°F and an overnight low around 31°F, with about 5.4" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.9× the park's average month, which makes December an average month here.
- Average low
- 31°F
- Average high
- 53°F
Range across the year: 29°F to 89°F
- Precipitation
- 5.4 in
- Daylight
- 9.7 hours
Roughly 7% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 69,000 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 (1.2×) and the January low (0.8×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 43/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 42°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1.8 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 28% 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 9.7 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 971,647 recreation visits, down 3.1% from 1,003,081 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 62°F / 35°F | 1.0× Average | 42 Poor |
| December | 53°F / 31°F | 0.9× Average | 43 Poor |
| January | 51°F / 29°F | 0.8× Quiet | 49 Fair |
All twelve months at Chickamauga & Chattanooga, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 53°F and an overnight low around 31°F at Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, with about 5.4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1.8 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is average at Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park (about 0.9× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 43/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.9× the park's average, or 7% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 69,000 recreation visits at Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Chickamauga & Chattanooga in December
Booking a December trip to Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Chickamauga & Chattanooga
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 Chickamauga & Chattanooga in December?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Chickamauga & Chattanooga 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 (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.