Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in December
December at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park averages a daytime high near 45°F and an overnight low around 25°F, with about 3.5" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.4× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 25°F
- Average high
- 45°F
Range across the year: 21°F to 86°F
- Precipitation
- 3.5 in
- Daylight
- 9.2 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 11,000 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 (0.1×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 42/100 ("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 5.6 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 537,876 recreation visits, up 10.2% from 488,049 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 46.8%, 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 | 56°F / 32°F | 1.0× Average | 34 Poor |
| December | 45°F / 25°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
| January | 41°F / 21°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 3 Poor |
All twelve months at Harpers Ferry, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Harpers Ferry in December
The National Park Service tags 4 Harpers Ferry activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 45°F and an overnight low around 25°F at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, with about 3.5 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (about 0.4× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 42/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is July 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 11,000 recreation visits at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Harpers Ferry in December
Booking a December trip to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Harpers Ferry
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Visiting Harpers Ferry in December?
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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.