Everglades in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

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December is one of the best months of the year to visit Everglades National Park: crowds run 72% of the February peak (74,833 average visits). Weather: highs average 80°F and lows 59°F, with 1.9″ of precipitation and 10.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Everglades in December: what the park service says

December is inside the Everglades dry season, which the park service describes as running November through April: mild and pleasant, with low humidity and clear skies, and one of the most popular times to visit. Rare strong cold fronts can bring near-freezing nights. Mosquitoes and biting flies can still turn up at dawn and dusk, so pack repellent or a head net. Ranger-led programs run at Royal Palm, Flamingo, Shark Valley and Gulf Coast.

Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.

Crowds in December

Everglades averages 74,833 recreation visits in December — 72% of what February, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — book early and start days at dawn.

Weather & daylight

Expect warm days (highs average 80°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 59°F). It is typically dry (1.9″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10.6 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station ROYAL PALM RS, FL US (8 mi from park coordinates, 7 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.

What to pack for Everglades in December

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

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

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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
• 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