Shenandoah in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 72/100 · #6 of 12 months

December is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Shenandoah National Park: crowds run 11% of the October peak (34,330 average visits), days average 47°F with 9.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in December

Shenandoah averages 34,330 recreation visits in December — 11% of what October, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Weather & daylight

Days are cool (highs average 47°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 28°F). Average precipitation is 3.1″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 9.5 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station LURAY 5 E, VA US (9 mi from park coordinates, 1,400 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.

What to pack for Shenandoah in December

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

• Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 28°F, below freezing
• Packable rain jacket — 3.1″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Headlamp — only 9.5 hours of daylight in mid-December
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Shenandoah are February and March.

Common questions

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