First Ladies National Historic Site in December
December at First Ladies National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 40°F and an overnight low around 26°F, with about 2.9" of precipitation and roughly 9" of snow. Visitation runs about 1.6× the park's average month, which makes December a busy month here.
- Average low
- 26°F
- Average high
- 40°F
Range across the year: 20°F to 84°F
- Precipitation
- 2.9 in
- Snowfall
- 9 in
- Daylight
- 9.1 hours
Roughly 13% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 1,500 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2006 to 2025.
It is the single busiest month of the year at First Ladies; January, the quietest, runs only about 0.3× the average — a 5-to-1 swing between high and low season.
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 2/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: 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 9.1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 35% 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, 2024 drew 12,642 recreation visits, up 13% from 11,187 in 2023.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 26.7%, 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 | 51°F / 34°F | 0.8× Quiet | 34 Poor |
| December | 40°F / 26°F | 1.6× Busy | 2 Poor |
| January | 36°F / 20°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at First Ladies, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 40°F and an overnight low around 26°F at First Ladies National Historic Site, with about 2.9 inches of precipitation and roughly 9 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 9.1 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is busy at First Ladies National Historic Site (about 1.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 2/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is December and the quietest is January. December sits at about 1.6× the park's average, or 13% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 1,000 recreation visits at First Ladies National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2006–2025.
Where to stay near First Ladies in December
Booking a December trip to First Ladies National Historic Site? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near First Ladies
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in December.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (2006–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.