Gettysburg National Military Park in December
December at Gettysburg National Military Park averages a daytime high near 45°F and an overnight low around 26°F, with about 3.3" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 26°F
- Average high
- 45°F
Range across the year: 21°F to 86°F
- Precipitation
- 3.3 in
- Daylight
- 9.2 hours
Roughly 2% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 19,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 11th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.7×) and the January low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 44/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 35°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.8 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 9.2 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 730,398 recreation visits, down 1.5% from 741,574 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 19.3%, 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 | 56°F / 32°F | 0.7× Quiet | 44 Poor |
| December | 45°F / 26°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 44 Poor |
| January | 40°F / 21°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Gettysburg, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Gettysburg 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.
- David Wills House (visitor center): closed all month (November 20, 2026 to May 10, 2027)
Things to do at Gettysburg in December
The National Park Service tags 5 Gettysburg activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Eisenhower Ranger Programs
- Gettysburg Junior Ranger Program · 1-2 hours
- Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center · 2-3 hours · reservation required
- Horseback Riding Trails at Gettysburg · 2-4 hours
- Ranger Programs at Gettysburg · 20-180 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 45°F and an overnight low around 26°F at Gettysburg National Military Park, with about 3.3 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.8 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Gettysburg National Military Park (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 44/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.3× the park's average, or 2% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 19,000 recreation visits at Gettysburg National Military Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Gettysburg in December
Booking a December trip to Gettysburg National Military Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Gettysburg
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.