Salem Maritime National Historical Park in December
December at Salem Maritime National Historical Park averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 24°F, with about 4.7" of precipitation and roughly 7" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.2× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 24°F
- Average high
- 42°F
Range across the year: 18°F to 80°F
- Precipitation
- 4.7 in
- Snowfall
- 7 in
- Daylight
- 8.9 hours
Roughly 1% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 5,000 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 October peak (3.5×) and the January low (0.1×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 2/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 33°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1.7 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 36% 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 569,839 recreation visits, up 16.6% from 488,831 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 44.1%, 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 | 51°F / 33°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 51 Fair |
| December | 42°F / 24°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 2 Poor |
| January | 36°F / 18°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 2 Poor |
All twelve months at Salem Maritime, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Salem Maritime in December
The National Park Service tags 5 Salem Maritime activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become a Salem Maritime Junior Ranger · 30-120 minutes
- Create a Dominican Faceless Doll · 30-180 minutes
- Drive the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway · 3-6 hours
- Shop Waite & Peirce Souvenirs · 5-30 minutes
- Watch the Sunrise from Derby Wharf · 1-3 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 24°F at Salem Maritime National Historical Park, with about 4.7 inches of precipitation and roughly 7 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1.7 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Salem Maritime National Historical Park (about 0.2× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 2/100. Our recommended month is May. December draws about 16% of the visits Salem Maritime 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 0.2× the park's average, or 1% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 5,000 recreation visits at Salem Maritime National Historical Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Salem Maritime in December
Booking a December trip to Salem Maritime National Historical Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Salem Maritime
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Visiting Salem Maritime in December?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Salem Maritime by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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.