Prince William Forest Park in December
December at Prince William Forest Park averages a daytime high near 49°F and an overnight low around 32°F, with about 3.3" of precipitation and roughly 2" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 32°F
- Average high
- 49°F
Range across the year: 28°F to 88°F
- Precipitation
- 3.3 in
- Snowfall
- 2 in
- Daylight
- 9.3 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 16,000 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 July peak (1.3×) and the January low (0.6×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 49/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is April: 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 7.3 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 32% 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 9.3 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 339,015 recreation visits, down 4.6% from 355,196 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 58°F / 39°F | 1.0× Average | 42 Poor |
| December | 49°F / 32°F | 0.6× Quiet | 49 Fair |
| January | 45°F / 28°F | 0.6× Quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Prince William Forest, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Prince William Forest 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.
- Camp Goodwill (Cabin Camp 1) (campground): closed all month (November 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027)
- Camp Mawavi (Cabin Camp 2) (campground): closed all month (November 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027)
- Camp Orenda (Cabin Camp 3 Group) (campground): closed all month (November 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027)
- Camp Pleasant (Cabin Camp 4) (campground): closed all month (November 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027)
- Cabin Camp 3 (Individual Cabins) (campground): closed all month (November 9, 2026 to April 17, 2027)
- Oak Ridge Campground (campground): closed all month (December 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027)
Things to do at Prince William Forest in December
The National Park Service tags 7 Prince William Forest activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Prince William Forest Park · 10-120 minutes
- Bike the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Prince William Forest Park · 1-3 hours
- Biking in Prince William
- Chopawamsic Backcountry · 1-14 days · reservation required
- Hike to the Taylor Farm Site · 30-120 minutes
- Orienteering In Prince William
- Prince William Forest Park Junior Ranger · 20-60 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 49°F and an overnight low around 32°F at Prince William Forest Park, with about 3.3 inches of precipitation and roughly 2 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7.3 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Prince William Forest Park (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 49/100. Our recommended month is April.
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 16,000 recreation visits at Prince William Forest Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Prince William Forest in December
Booking a December trip to Prince William Forest Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Prince William Forest
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 (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.