Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in December
December at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 41°F and an overnight low around 24°F. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 24°F
- Average high
- 41°F
Range across the year: 17°F to 84°F
- Daylight
- 9.0 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 185,000 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 (1.7×) and the January low (0.5×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 46/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 33°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 38% 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 3,986,709 recreation visits, down 2.3% from 4,079,763 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 18.1%, 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 | 52°F / 32°F | 0.8× Quiet | 49 Fair |
| December | 41°F / 24°F | 0.6× Quiet | 46 Fair |
| January | 37°F / 17°F | 0.5× Quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Delaware Water Gap, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Delaware Water Gap 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.
- Dingmans Campground (campground): closed all month (November 13, 2026 to April 15, 2027)
- Rivers Bend Group Campground (campground): closed all month (November 30, 2026 to April 21, 2027)
- Valley View Group Campground (campground): closed all month (November 30, 2026 to April 24, 2027)
Things to do at Delaware Water Gap in December
The National Park Service tags 3 Delaware Water Gap activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Snowshoe and Cross-country Ski on the McDade Trail
- Hike the Cliff Trail · 1-4 hours
- Millbrook Village · reservation required
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 41°F and an overnight low around 24°F at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. 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 Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 46/100. Our recommended month is October.
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 185,000 recreation visits at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Delaware Water Gap in December
Booking a December trip to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Delaware Water 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.