Steamtown National Historic Site in December
December at Steamtown National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 40°F and an overnight low around 26°F, with about 2.8" of precipitation and roughly 8" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.8× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 26°F
- Average high
- 40°F
Range across the year: 20°F to 85°F
- Precipitation
- 2.8 in
- Snowfall
- 8 in
- Daylight
- 9.0 hours
Roughly 7% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 5,600 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1989 to 2025.
That makes December the 8th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the August peak (1.9×) and the January low (0.3×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 28/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
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 5.8 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 40% 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 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2024 drew 60,243 recreation visits, up 3.2% from 58,403 in 2023.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 26.4%, 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 | 51°F / 34°F | 0.8× Quiet | 36 Poor |
| December | 40°F / 26°F | 0.8× Quiet | 28 Poor |
| January | 36°F / 20°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
All twelve months at Steamtown, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Steamtown in December
The National Park Service tags 7 Steamtown activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become a Railroad Explorer
- Become a Steamtown Junior Ranger
- Discover the History of Steam · 15-45 minutes
- Explore the Roundhouse · 10-60 minutes
- Find a Souvenir · 5-20 minutes
- Locomotive Shop Tours · 45-60 minutes
- Watch "Steel and Steam" · 18 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 40°F and an overnight low around 26°F at Steamtown National Historic Site, with about 2.8 inches of precipitation and roughly 8 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.8 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Steamtown National Historic Site (about 0.8× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 28/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is August and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.8× the park's average, or 7% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 6,000 recreation visits at Steamtown National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1989–2025.
Where to stay near Steamtown in December
Booking a December trip to Steamtown National Historic Site? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Steamtown
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 (1989–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.