Independence National Historical Park in December
December at Independence National Historical Park averages a daytime high near 47°F and an overnight low around 33°F, with about 4.3" of precipitation and roughly 4" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 33°F
- Average high
- 47°F
Range across the year: 28°F to 89°F
- Precipitation
- 4.3 in
- Snowfall
- 4 in
- Daylight
- 9.2 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 166,000 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 (1.6×) and the January low (0.5×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 37/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 40°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1.5 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 9.2 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,926,580 recreation visits, down 31.2% from 2,798,651 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 39.9%, 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 / 41°F | 0.8× Quiet | 48 Fair |
| December | 47°F / 33°F | 0.6× Quiet | 37 Poor |
| January | 42°F / 28°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Independence, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Independence in December
The National Park Service tags 9 Independence activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become an Independence Junior Ranger · 5-120 minutes
- Find the Perfect Souvenir · 5-20 minutes
- Get the B. Free Franklin Cancellation · 5-15 minutes
- Listen for the Sound of Sticky Ink · 10-20 minutes
- Play the Virtual Glass Armonica · 30-60 minutes
- Stand in Abraham Lincoln's Place · 15-20 minutes
- Take a "Bell-fie" · 15-55 minutes
- Tour Independence Hall · 20-35 minutes · reservation required
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 47°F and an overnight low around 33°F at Independence National Historical Park, with about 4.3 inches of precipitation and roughly 4 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1.5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Independence National Historical Park (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 37/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.6× the park's average, or 5% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 166,000 recreation visits at Independence National Historical Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Independence in December
Booking a December trip to Independence National Historical Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Independence
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Visiting Independence 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.