Fire Island National Seashore in December
December at Fire Island National Seashore averages a daytime high near 44°F and an overnight low around 32°F, with about 4.9" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.4× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 32°F
- Average high
- 44°F
Range across the year: 26°F to 80°F
- Precipitation
- 4.9 in
- Daylight
- 9.1 hours
Roughly 4% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 12,000 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 August peak (2.6×) and the January low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 43/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 38°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 55% 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 9.1 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 305,520 recreation visits, up 0.6% from 303,731 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 16.8%, so December may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 53°F / 40°F | 0.6× Quiet | 53 Fair |
| December | 44°F / 32°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
| January | 39°F / 26°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Fire Island, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Fire Island 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.
- Watch Hill Campground (campground): closed all month (October 12, 2026 to May 15, 2027)
- Sailors Haven Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (October 13, 2026 to May 31, 2027)
- Watch Hill Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (October 13, 2026 to May 31, 2027)
- William Floyd Estate (visitor center): closed all month (December 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027)
Things to do at Fire Island in December
The National Park Service tags 4 Fire Island activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 44°F and an overnight low around 32°F at Fire Island National Seashore, with about 4.9 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Fire Island National Seashore (about 0.4× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 43/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is August and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.4× the park's average, or 4% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 12,000 recreation visits at Fire Island National Seashore, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Fire Island in December
Booking a December trip to Fire Island National Seashore? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Fire 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.
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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.