Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in December
December at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park averages a daytime high near 47°F and an overnight low around 26°F, with about 5.3" of precipitation and roughly 1" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 26°F
- Average high
- 47°F
Range across the year: 23°F to 85°F
- Precipitation
- 5.3 in
- Snowfall
- 1 in
- Daylight
- 9.5 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 36,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 11th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the October peak (1.4×) and the January low (0.5×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 38/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: 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 11.4 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 32% 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 9.5 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 765,010 recreation visits, up 4.9% from 729,249 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 57°F / 31°F | 0.8× Quiet | 39 Poor |
| December | 47°F / 26°F | 0.6× Quiet | 38 Poor |
| January | 44°F / 23°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Cumberland Gap, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 47°F and an overnight low around 26°F at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, with about 5.3 inches of precipitation and roughly 1 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 11.4 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 38/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is October and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.6× the park's average, or 5% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 36,000 recreation visits at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Cumberland Gap in December
Booking a December trip to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Cumberland Gap
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.