New River Gorge in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 64/100 · #8 of 12 months

December is a quiet month with trade-offs at New River Gorge National Park: crowds run 18% of the July peak (50,744 average visits). Weather: highs average 45°F and lows 27°F, with 3.9″ of precipitation and 9.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Planning New River Gorge? Pack a hiking guide: Best Easy Day Hikes New River Gorge (Falcon) on Amazon. · affiliate link, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases

New River Gorge in December: what the park service says

December at New River Gorge is the quiet season: Canyon Rim and Sandstone are the only visitor centers operating, and both close on Christmas Day. Beckley figures cited by the park put December afternoons near 41°F, with nights in the low 20s. Park headquarters in Glen Jean is administrative only, with no visitor amenities, so head to Canyon Rim for maps, exhibits and help planning a winter hike.

Source: NPS 1, NPS 2, checked 2026-11-05.

Crowds in December

New River Gorge averages 50,744 recreation visits in December — 18% of what July, the peak month, draws — this is the third-quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — crowds are thin by this park's standards.

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 (compare other options)
• Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 3.9″ of precipitation is normal this month

As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches or to a specific product — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.

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

See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-24