Voyageurs National Park in December
December at Voyageurs National Park averages a daytime high near 21°F and an overnight low around 2°F, with about 1.1" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 2°F
- Average high
- 21°F
Range across the year: -8°F to 78°F
- Precipitation
- 1.1 in
- Daylight
- 8.1 hours
Roughly 0% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 220 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at Voyageurs; by contrast August, the busiest, runs about 2.6× the average.
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 0/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 12°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 10.9 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 64% 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 8.1 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 206,326 recreation visits, up 3.7% from 199,030 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 8.4%, 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 | 34°F / 17°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 2 Poor |
| December | 21°F / 2°F | 0.0× Very quiet | 0 Poor |
| January | 16°F / -8°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 41 Poor |
All twelve months at Voyageurs, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Voyageurs facilities as closed during December 2026. The dates are the park's own, read on October 11, 2026. A facility that is not listed here may still be closed, so confirm on the park's site before you go.
- Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (September 27, 2026 to May 28, 2027)
- Ash River Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (September 28, 2026 to May 28, 2027)
- Crane Lake Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (September 28, 2026 to May 28, 2027)
- Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (September 28, 2026 to May 28, 2027)
Things to do at Voyageurs in December
The National Park Service tags 16 Voyageurs activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 21°F and an overnight low around 2°F at Voyageurs National Park, with about 1.1 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 10.9 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Voyageurs National Park (about 0.0× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 0/100. Our recommended month is September. December draws about 1% of the visits Voyageurs sees in an average month. Numbers that low usually mean limited access: closed roads, closed facilities or deep-winter conditions. The count alone does not say which, so check the park's current conditions before planning around December.
The busiest month is August and the quietest is December. December sits at about 0.0× the park's average, or 0% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 0,000 recreation visits at Voyageurs National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Voyageurs in December
Booking a December trip to Voyageurs National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Voyageurs
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.