San Juan Island National Historical Park in December
December at San Juan Island National Historical Park averages a daytime high near 46°F and an overnight low around 37°F, with about 2.5" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 37°F
- Average high
- 46°F
Range across the year: 37°F to 73°F
- Precipitation
- 2.5 in
- Daylight
- 8.1 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 21,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 9th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.8×) and the January low (0.5×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 48/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is October: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 42°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. 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 42% 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 8.1 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 420,922 recreation visits, up 3.7% from 405,925 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 68.5%, 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 / 40°F | 0.6× Quiet | 54 Fair |
| December | 46°F / 37°F | 0.6× Quiet | 48 Fair |
| January | 47°F / 37°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 53 Fair |
All twelve months at San Juan Island, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these San Juan Island 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.
- American Camp Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (November 13, 2026 to March 4, 2027)
Things to do at San Juan Island in December
The National Park Service tags 7 San Juan Island activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Biking on San Juan Island · reservation required
- Go Kayaking · 15-300 minutes
- Observe Animals on San Juan Island
- Picnicking on San Juan Island
- San Juan Island Junior Ranger Program
- Take in the Views on San Juan Island
- Visit a Beach · 0-24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 46°F and an overnight low around 37°F at San Juan Island National Historical Park, with about 2.5 inches of precipitation. 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 quiet at San Juan Island National Historical Park (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 48/100. Our recommended month is October.
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 21,000 recreation visits at San Juan Island National Historical Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near San Juan Island in December
Booking a December trip to San Juan Island National Historical Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near San Juan Island
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 San Juan Island in December?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for San Juan Island 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.