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), days average 85°F with 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
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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
Is Virgin Islands crowded in December?
Yes — December runs 89% of Virgin Islands's peak, averaging 35,260 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Virgin Islands in December?
Average highs of 85°F, lows of 75°F, 2.9″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, CHARLOTTE AMALIE AP, VI VQ station).
What should I pack for Virgin Islands in December?
Sun protection and 2L+ water per person; Packable rain jacket; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-12