New River Gorge in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 64/100 · #8 of 12 months
December is a solid shoulder-season month to visit New River Gorge National Park: crowds run 18% of the July peak (50,744 average visits), days average 45°F with 9.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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 — this is genuine quiet-season territory.
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
- 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 — 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's free 30-day trial includes fast free delivery, so gear ordered this week arrives before you leave — and returns are free if a layer doesn't fit. Start the free 30-day trial →
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.
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 2026-09-12