Gateway Arch in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 68/100 · #10 of 12 months

December is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Gateway Arch National Park: crowds run 20% of the July peak (93,014 average visits), days average 44°F with 9.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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 — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

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
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Gateway Arch are April and September.

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-07-16