Vietnam Veterans Memorial in December
December at Vietnam Veterans Memorial 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 0.5× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet 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 4% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 190,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1984 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the May peak (1.6×) and the January low (0.4×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 46/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is September: 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 3.1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 29% 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 4,848,112 recreation visits, down 8.5% from 5,295,711 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 11.5%, 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 | 58°F / 42°F | 0.9× Average | 48 Fair |
| December | 49°F / 35°F | 0.5× Quiet | 46 Fair |
| January | 45°F / 30°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 49°F and an overnight low around 35°F at Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 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 3.1 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Vietnam Veterans Memorial (about 0.5× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 46/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.5× the park's average, or 4% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 190,000 recreation visits at Vietnam Veterans Memorial, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1984–2025.
Where to stay near Vietnam Veterans Memorial in December
Booking a December trip to Vietnam Veterans Memorial? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Vietnam Veterans Memorial
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 Vietnam Veterans Memorial in December?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Vietnam Veterans Memorial 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 (1984–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.