Dry Tortugas in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 60/100 · #5 of 12 months

December is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Dry Tortugas National Park: crowds run 84% of the May peak (7,302 average visits). Weather: highs average 76°F and lows 67°F, with 2.4″ of precipitation and 10.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in December

Dry Tortugas averages 7,302 recreation visits in December — 84% of what May, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — book early and start days at dawn.

Weather & daylight

Days are pleasant (highs average 76°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 67°F). Average precipitation is 2.4″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 10.6 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station DRY TORTUGAS, FL US (0 mi from park coordinates, 3 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.

What to pack for Dry Tortugas in December

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Packable rain jacket — 2.4″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Dry Tortugas are January and February.

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

See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-24