Martin Van Buren National Historic Site in December
December at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 39°F and an overnight low around 23°F, with about 2.9" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.4× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 23°F
- Average high
- 39°F
Range across the year: 16°F to 84°F
- Precipitation
- 2.9 in
- Daylight
- 8.9 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 530 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1982 to 2025.
That makes December the 9th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (2.2×) and the January low (0.3×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 39/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 31°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4.7 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 48% 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, 2025 drew 15,807 recreation visits, down 10.8% from 17,712 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 28.9%, 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 | 50°F / 32°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 49 Fair |
| December | 39°F / 23°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 39 Poor |
| January | 34°F / 16°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
All twelve months at Martin Van Buren, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Martin Van Buren 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 (November 1, 2026 to May 23, 2027)
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 39°F and an overnight low around 23°F at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, with about 2.9 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4.7 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site (about 0.4× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 39/100. Our recommended month is May.
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 1,000 recreation visits at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1982–2025.
Where to stay near Martin Van Buren in December
Booking a December trip to Martin Van Buren National Historic Site? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Martin Van Buren
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 (1982–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.