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

Looking for a better window? The computed best months for New River Gorge are March and April.

Common questions

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