Washington Monument in December
December at Washington Monument 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 0.8× 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 7% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 32,000 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 August peak (1.3×) and the February low (0.7×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 45/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is October: 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 2.9 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 31% 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, 2024 drew 247,208 recreation visits, down 0.6% from 248,750 in 2023.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 38.5%, 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 | 58°F / 42°F | 0.9× Average | 48 Fair |
| December | 49°F / 35°F | 0.8× Quiet | 45 Fair |
| January | 45°F / 30°F | 0.8× Quiet | 37 Poor |
All twelve months at Washington Monument, 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 Washington Monument, 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 2.9 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Washington Monument (about 0.8× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 45/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is August 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 32,000 recreation visits at Washington Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Washington Monument in December
Booking a December trip to Washington Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Washington Monument
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.