New River Gorge National Park & Preserve in December
December at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve averages a daytime high near 44°F and an overnight low around 28°F, with about 3.3" of precipitation and roughly 11" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 28°F
- Average high
- 44°F
Range across the year: 24°F to 81°F
- Precipitation
- 3.3 in
- Snowfall
- 11 in
- Daylight
- 9.4 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 41,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1984 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.9×) and the January low (0.3×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 41/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 36°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 8.9 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 43% 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 9.4 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,958,440 recreation visits, up 8.1% from 1,811,937 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 49.7%, 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 / 35°F | 0.6× Quiet | 45 Fair |
| December | 44°F / 28°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 41 Poor |
| January | 41°F / 24°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at New River Gorge, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these New River Gorge 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.
- Grandview Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (October 26, 2026 to May 27, 2027)
- Thurmond Depot Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (October 31, 2026 to May 26, 2027)
Things to do at New River Gorge in December
The National Park Service tags 11 New River Gorge activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Hunting in the Park
- Bicycling at New River Gorge
- Brooks Overlook · 5 minutes
- Castle Rock Hike · 30-120 minutes
- Hike the Grandview Rim Trail · 0-2 hours
- Sandstone Falls Overlook · 10 minutes
- Trail run at Endless Wall · 60-120 minutes
- Trail Run or hike the Little Laurel Trail · 30-120 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 44°F and an overnight low around 28°F at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, with about 3.3 inches of precipitation and roughly 11 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 8.9 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 41/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.3× the park's average, or 3% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 41,000 recreation visits at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1984–2025.
Where to stay near New River Gorge in December
Booking a December trip to New River Gorge National Park & Preserve? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near New River Gorge
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 (1984–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.