Cumberland Island National Seashore in December
December at Cumberland Island National Seashore averages a daytime high near 65°F and an overnight low around 46°F, with about 3.1" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.7× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 46°F
- Average high
- 65°F
Range across the year: 43°F to 89°F
- Precipitation
- 3.1 in
- Daylight
- 10.0 hours
Roughly 6% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 3,600 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 9th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the March peak (1.6×) and the January low (0.6×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 68/100 ("Good"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 55°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 3.5 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 26% 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 10 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 60,299 recreation visits, down 6.8% from 64,706 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 18.4%, 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 | 71°F / 52°F | 0.8× Quiet | 71 Good |
| December | 65°F / 46°F | 0.7× Quiet | 68 Good |
| January | 62°F / 43°F | 0.6× Quiet | 68 Good |
All twelve months at Cumberland Island, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Cumberland Island in December
The National Park Service tags 21 Cumberland Island activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Beachcombing · 1-2 hours
- Bike to Plum Orchard · 3-5 hours
- Birdwatching at Dungeness
- Explore the Ice House Museum · 10-30 minutes
- Hike the Southend Loop · 3-5 hours
- Kayak to the Island · reservation required
- Plan a Backpacking Trip · 1-7 days · reservation required
- Shop at the Bookstore
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 65°F and an overnight low around 46°F at Cumberland Island National Seashore, with about 3.1 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 3.5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Cumberland Island National Seashore (about 0.7× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 68/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is March 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 4,000 recreation visits at Cumberland Island National Seashore, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Cumberland Island in December
Booking a December trip to Cumberland Island National Seashore? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Cumberland Island
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 Cumberland Island in December?
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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.