Whitman Mission National Historic Site in December
December at Whitman Mission National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 41°F and an overnight low around 27°F, with about 1.7" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 27°F
- Average high
- 41°F
Range across the year: 27°F to 90°F
- Precipitation
- 1.7 in
- Daylight
- 8.5 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 1,300 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 Whitman Mission; by contrast May, the busiest, runs about 1.7× the average — so December is the easiest time to have the place largely to yourself.
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 45/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is September: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 34°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.2 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 8.5 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 54,089 recreation visits, down 11.8% from 61,331 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 12.1%, 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 | 50°F / 31°F | 0.6× Quiet | 46 Fair |
| December | 41°F / 27°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 45 Fair |
| January | 42°F / 27°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
All twelve months at Whitman Mission, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Whitman Mission in December
The National Park Service tags 4 Whitman Mission activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Visit the Whitman Mission Museum
- Walk the Trails and Tour the Mission Grounds · 15-60 minutes
- Watch A Prophecy Fulfilled · 25 minutes
- Whitman Mission NHS Audio Tour · 30-90 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 41°F and an overnight low around 27°F at Whitman Mission National Historic Site, with about 1.7 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.2 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Whitman Mission National Historic Site (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 45/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is December. December sits at about 0.3× the park's average, or 3% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 1,000 recreation visits at Whitman Mission National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Whitman Mission in December
Booking a December trip to Whitman Mission National Historic Site? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Whitman Mission
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.