Stones River National Battlefield in December
December at Stones River National Battlefield averages a daytime high near 51°F and an overnight low around 31°F, with about 5.5" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.8× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 31°F
- Average high
- 51°F
Range across the year: 28°F to 89°F
- Precipitation
- 5.5 in
- Daylight
- 9.6 hours
Roughly 7% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 23,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the May peak (1.3×) and the February low (0.7×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 43/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 41°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4.5 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 28% 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 9.6 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 454,614 recreation visits, up 1.9% from 446,160 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 41.6%, 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 | 61°F / 37°F | 0.9× Average | 51 Fair |
| December | 51°F / 31°F | 0.8× Quiet | 43 Poor |
| January | 48°F / 28°F | 0.7× Quiet | 46 Fair |
All twelve months at Stones River, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 51°F and an overnight low around 31°F at Stones River National Battlefield, with about 5.5 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4.5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Stones River National Battlefield (about 0.8× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 43/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is February. December sits at about 0.8× the park's average, or 7% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 23,000 recreation visits at Stones River National Battlefield, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Stones River in December
Booking a December trip to Stones River National Battlefield? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Stones River
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.