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Virgin Islands in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 53/100 · #11 of 12 months

December is peak season — the 3rd-busiest month of the year, at Virgin Islands National Park: crowds run 89% of the March peak (35,260 average visits). Weather: highs average 85°F and lows 75°F, with 2.9″ of precipitation and 11 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Bring for Virgin Islands in December

  1. Sun protection and 2L+ water per personSee it on AmazonWhy: highs average 85°F.
  2. Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 2.9″ of precipitation is normal this month.
  3. Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.

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Virgin Islands in December: what the park service says

Planning a December trip to Virgin Islands National Park on St. John? The Cruz Bay Visitor Center, about two blocks from the public ferry dock up Route 20, is open Monday to Thursday 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday until 1:30 p.m., and closes on December 25. Trunk Bay charges an entry fee, with facilities open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the snack bar from 10 a.m. Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground has reopened; book it through its own website or by phone.

Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.

Turquoise water laps white sandy shore fringed with lush green vegetation.
Virgin Islands National Park — photo: NPS Photo (public-domain NPS media)

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.

Average visits (December)
35,260 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)
Share of the year
10% of annual visitation
vs. peak (March)
89%

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.

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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:

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). See every month at Virgin Islands.

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). Compare it with other national parks in December.

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. Going in January instead? Virgin Islands in January has its own list.

← Virgin Islands in November All months Virgin Islands in January →

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

Also check in December

The nearest other parks that are not closed or rated Harsh in December, with the same NPS × NOAA verdict. Distance is a straight line.