Greenbelt Park in December
December at Greenbelt Park averages a daytime high near 47°F and an overnight low around 30°F, with about 3.5" of precipitation and roughly 2" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.4× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 30°F
- Average high
- 47°F
Range across the year: 25°F to 87°F
- Precipitation
- 3.5 in
- Snowfall
- 2 in
- Daylight
- 9.3 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 3,000 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 May peak (1.8×) and the January low (0.4×).
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 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 3.7 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 36% 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 9.3 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 130,314 recreation visits, up 67.8% from 77,642 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 44%, 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 | 57°F / 37°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 59 Fair |
| December | 47°F / 30°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 44 Poor |
| January | 43°F / 25°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Greenbelt, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Greenbelt in December
The National Park Service tags 8 Greenbelt activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Azalea Trail 1.2 miles · 30-60 minutes
- Camping in Greenbelt Park, Maryland · reservation required
- Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps · 5-10 minutes
- Experience an Urban Oasis at Greenbelt Park · 1-2 days · reservation required
- Green Line - DC Metro · 1-2 days
- Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East · 30-90 minutes
- Perimeter Trail 5.2 miles · 60-120 minutes
- Yellow Line - DC Metro · 1-2 days
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 47°F and an overnight low around 30°F at Greenbelt Park, with about 3.5 inches of precipitation and roughly 2 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 3.7 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Greenbelt Park (about 0.4× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 44/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.4× the park's average, or 3% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 3,000 recreation visits at Greenbelt Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Greenbelt in December
Booking a December trip to Greenbelt Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Greenbelt
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.