New River Gorge in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 64/100 · #8 of 12 months
December is a quiet month with trade-offs at New River Gorge National Park: crowds run 18% of the July peak (50,744 average visits). Weather: highs average 45°F and lows 27°F, with 3.9″ of precipitation and 9.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for New River Gorge in December
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 27°F, below freezing.
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 3.9″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.6 hours of daylight in mid-December.
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Crowds in December
New River Gorge averages 50,744 recreation visits in December — 18% 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 45°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 27°F). Average precipitation is 3.9″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 9.6 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station OAK HILL, WV US (4 mi from park coordinates, 2,040 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.
What to pack for New River Gorge in December
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 27°F, below freezing
- Rain shell + pack cover — 3.9″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Headlamp — only 9.6 hours of daylight in mid-December (compare other options)
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 3.9″ of rain is normal this month
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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for New River Gorge are March and April.
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 New River Gorge crowded in December?
No — December is one of the quieter months: 18% of the July peak, averaging 50,744 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in New River Gorge in December?
Average highs of 45°F, lows of 27°F, 3.9″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, OAK HILL, WV US station).
What should I pack for New River Gorge in December?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Rain shell + pack cover; 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