Theodore Roosevelt Island in December
December at Theodore Roosevelt Island averages a daytime high near 49°F and an overnight low around 35°F, with about 3.4" of precipitation and roughly 2" of snow. Visitation runs about 1× the park's average month, which makes December an average month here.
- Average low
- 35°F
- Average high
- 49°F
Range across the year: 30°F to 90°F
- Precipitation
- 3.4 in
- Snowfall
- 2 in
- Daylight
- 9.3 hours
Roughly 8% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 13,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 8th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the October peak (1.3×) and the February low (0.7×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 33/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
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 3.7 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 26% 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 159,828 recreation visits, down 8.6% from 174,954 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 58°F / 42°F | 1.2× Busy | 32 Poor |
| December | 49°F / 35°F | 0.9× Average | 33 Poor |
| January | 45°F / 30°F | 0.8× Quiet | 32 Poor |
All twelve months at Theodore Roosevelt Island, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Theodore Roosevelt Island in December
The National Park Service tags 3 Theodore Roosevelt Island activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Discover Theodore Roosevelt Island · 1-3 hours
- Multi-Park Loop
- Silver Line - DC Metro · 1-2 days
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 49°F and an overnight low around 35°F at Theodore Roosevelt Island, with about 3.4 inches of precipitation and roughly 2 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 3.7 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is average at Theodore Roosevelt Island (about 0.9× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 33/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is October and the quietest is February. December sits at about 0.9× the park's average, or 8% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 13,000 recreation visits at Theodore Roosevelt Island, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Theodore Roosevelt Island in December
Booking a December trip to Theodore Roosevelt Island? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Theodore Roosevelt Island
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Visiting Theodore Roosevelt Island in December?
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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.