Virgin Islands in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 53/100 · #11 of 12 months

December is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Virgin Islands National Park: crowds run 89% of the March peak (35,260 average visits). Weather: highs average 85°F and lows 75°F, with 2.9″ of precipitation and 11 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in December

Virgin Islands averages 35,260 recreation visits in December — 89% of what March, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — book early and start days at dawn.

Weather & daylight

Days run warm (highs average 85°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 75°F). Average precipitation is 2.9″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 11 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CHARLOTTE AMALIE AP, VI VQ (16 mi from park coordinates, 20 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.

What to pack for Virgin Islands in December

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

• Sun protection and 2L+ water per person — highs average 85°F
• Packable rain jacket — 2.9″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches or to a specific product — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.

Packing for a trip with a date on it? Amazon Prime includes fast delivery on eligible items, and eligible new members may be offered a free trial, so gear ordered this week can arrive before you leave. Delivery speed varies by item and address. See if you can try Prime free →
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.

If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Virgin Islands are August 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

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