John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site in December
December at John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 26°F, with about 5.1" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.1× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 26°F
- Average high
- 42°F
Range across the year: 19°F to 85°F
- Precipitation
- 5.1 in
- Daylight
- 8.9 hours
Roughly 1% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 190 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 October peak (3.4×) and the January low (0.1×).
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 34°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 3 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 44% 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 8.9 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2024 drew 18,180 recreation visits, down 26.8% from 24,838 in 2019.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 19.2%, 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 | 53°F / 34°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 55 Fair |
| December | 42°F / 26°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 2 Poor |
| January | 37°F / 19°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 2 Poor |
All twelve months at John Fitzgerald Kennedy, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these John Fitzgerald Kennedy 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.
- Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (October 28, 2026 to May 28, 2027)
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 26°F at John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, with about 5.1 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 3 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site (about 0.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 2/100. Our recommended month is May. December draws about 10% of the visits John Fitzgerald Kennedy sees in an average month. Numbers that low usually mean limited access: closed roads, closed facilities or deep-winter conditions. The count alone does not say which, so check the park's current conditions before planning around December.
The busiest month is October and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.1× the park's average, or 1% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 0,000 recreation visits at John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near John Fitzgerald Kennedy in December
Booking a December trip to John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near John Fitzgerald Kennedy
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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.