Little River Canyon National Preserve in December
December at Little River Canyon National Preserve averages a daytime high near 55°F and an overnight low around 35°F, with about 5.6" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 35°F
- Average high
- 55°F
Range across the year: 32°F to 91°F
- Precipitation
- 5.6 in
- Daylight
- 9.7 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 32,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2003 to 2025.
That makes December the 11th-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 51/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 45°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.3 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 9.7 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 781,518 recreation visits, up 2.4% from 763,209 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 40.8%, 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 | 64°F / 41°F | 0.9× Average | 52 Fair |
| December | 55°F / 35°F | 0.6× Quiet | 51 Fair |
| January | 52°F / 32°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 52 Fair |
All twelve months at Little River Canyon, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 55°F and an overnight low around 35°F at Little River Canyon National Preserve, with about 5.6 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.3 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Little River Canyon National Preserve (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 51/100. Our recommended month is September.
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 32,000 recreation visits at Little River Canyon National Preserve, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2003–2025.
Where to stay near Little River Canyon in December
Booking a December trip to Little River Canyon National Preserve? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Little River Canyon
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 (2003–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.