Gateway Arch in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 68/100 · #10 of 12 months
December is a quiet month with trade-offs at Gateway Arch National Park: crowds run 20% of the July peak (93,014 average visits). Weather: highs average 44°F and lows 29°F, with 2.3″ of precipitation and 9.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Bring for Gateway Arch in December
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 29°F, below freezing.
- Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 2.3″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.5 hours of daylight in mid-December.
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Crowds in December
Gateway Arch averages 93,014 recreation visits in December — 20% of what July, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — crowds are thin by this park's standards.
Weather & daylight
Expect cold conditions (highs average 44°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 29°F). Average precipitation is 2.3″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 9.5 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CAHOKIA ST LOUIS AP, IL US (4 mi from park coordinates, 413 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.
What to pack for Gateway Arch in December
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 29°F, below freezing
- Packable rain jacket — 2.3″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Headlamp — only 9.5 hours of daylight in mid-December (compare other options)
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Gateway Arch are April and September.
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 Gateway Arch crowded in December?
No — December is one of the quieter months: 20% of the July peak, averaging 93,014 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Gateway Arch in December?
Average highs of 44°F, lows of 29°F, 2.3″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, CAHOKIA ST LOUIS AP, IL US station).
What should I pack for Gateway Arch in December?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Packable rain jacket; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-24