Acadia in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 30/100 · #11 of 12 months
December is a quiet month with trade-offs at Acadia National Park: crowds run 2% of the August peak (15,739 average visits). Weather: highs average 38°F and lows 22°F, with 5.7″ of precipitation and 8.9 hours of daylight. Headline access is typically closed this month — see the access warning below. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Acadia in December
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 22°F, below freezing.
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 5.7″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 8.9 hours of daylight in mid-December.
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Crowds in December
Acadia averages 15,739 recreation visits in December — 2% of what August, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — crowds are thin by this park's standards.
Weather & daylight
Days are cold (highs average 38°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 22°F). This is one of the wetter months (5.7″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 8.9 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station ACADIA NP, ME US (2 mi from park coordinates, 470 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.
What to pack for Acadia in December
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 22°F, below freezing
- Rain shell + pack cover — 5.7″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Headlamp — only 8.9 hours of daylight in mid-December (compare other options)
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 5.7″ of rain is normal this month
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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Acadia are May and June.
Also at their best in December
Other parks whose computed December verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- American Samoa in December — 17% of peak crowds, highs 88°F, score 66/100
- Everglades in December — 72% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 64/100
- Biscayne in December — 77% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 62/100
Common questions
Is Acadia crowded in December?
No — December is one of the quieter months: 2% of the August peak, averaging 15,739 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Acadia in December?
Average highs of 38°F, lows of 22°F, 5.7″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, ACADIA NP, ME US station).
What should I pack for Acadia in December?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Rain shell + pack cover; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
Is everything open at Acadia in December?
Most of Park Loop Road and Cadillac Summit Road are typically closed to vehicles Dec 1–Apr 14; spring opening is weather-dependent, icy or snow-packed trails are common into April, and many park facilities close for the season in November. Check current NPS conditions before planning. Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.
See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-24