Cuyahoga Valley National Park in December
December at Cuyahoga Valley National Park averages a daytime high near 39°F and an overnight low around 24°F, with about 3.1" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 24°F
- Average high
- 39°F
Range across the year: 18°F to 82°F
- Precipitation
- 3.1 in
- Daylight
- 9.0 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 120,000 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 (1.6×) and the January low (0.4×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 38/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 31°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 11 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 37% 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 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 3,025,325 recreation visits, up 3.9% from 2,912,454 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 21.7%, 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 | 49°F / 32°F | 0.7× Quiet | 42 Poor |
| December | 39°F / 24°F | 0.6× Quiet | 38 Poor |
| January | 33°F / 18°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
All twelve months at Cuyahoga Valley, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Cuyahoga Valley 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.
- Canal Exploration Center (visitor center): closed all month (November 1, 2026 to May 1, 2027)
Things to do at Cuyahoga Valley in December
The National Park Service tags 13 Cuyahoga Valley activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Go Snowshoeing in the Cuyahoga Valley
- Become a Cuyahoga Valley Junior Ranger · 1-3 hours
- Go Birding in the Cuyahoga Valley
- Go Mountain Biking in Cuyahoga Valley · 20-60 minutes
- Hike the Ledges Trail · 1-2 hours
- Hike to Blue Hen Falls from Boston · 1-2 hours
- Plan Your Event at Cuyahoga Valley · reservation required
- Stop by Boston Mill Visitor Center
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 39°F and an overnight low around 24°F at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, with about 3.1 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 11 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Cuyahoga Valley National 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 July 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 120,000 recreation visits at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Cuyahoga Valley in December
Booking a December trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Cuyahoga Valley
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.