Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site in December
December at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 40°F and an overnight low around 25°F, with about 3.8" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 25°F
- Average high
- 40°F
Range across the year: 19°F to 83°F
- Precipitation
- 3.8 in
- Daylight
- 9.0 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 17,000 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 July peak (1.5×) and the January low (0.4×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 34/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is June: 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 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 33% 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, 2025 drew 295,040 recreation visits, down 27.3% from 406,077 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 51°F / 33°F | 0.8× Quiet | 38 Poor |
| December | 40°F / 25°F | 0.6× Quiet | 34 Poor |
| January | 35°F / 19°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
All twelve months at Vanderbilt Mansion, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Vanderbilt Mansion in December
The National Park Service tags 3 Vanderbilt Mansion activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Explore Bard Rock · 1-3 hours
- Vanderbilt Riverfront Trail · 2-3 hours
- Visit the Formal Gardens · 1-2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 40°F and an overnight low around 25°F at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, with about 3.8 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 34/100. Our recommended month is June.
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 17,000 recreation visits at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Vanderbilt Mansion in December
Booking a December trip to Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Vanderbilt Mansion
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.