Acadia · December
Acadia in December
December is one of the best times to visit Acadia — quieter than November, about as busy as January.
Expect light crowds (1/10), highs near 37°F, about 8.9 hours of daylight, and 3 seasonal closures in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 9% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
December draws about 2% of Acadia’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- 37°F
- Avg low
- 22°F
- Precipitation
- 5.0"
- Sunrise
- 7:02 AM
- Sunset
- 3:54 PM
- Daylight
- 8.9h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Bar Harbor
What's open
Acadia in December: access
Open 24 hours; Park Loop Road closed Dec 1 to mid-Apr; Cadillac reservations in season
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Park Closure
Southern Section of Ocean Path Closed for Repairs
Starting Aug 31, a section of Ocean Path will be closed for repairs from a trailhead across from the Otter Point parking lot to the trail's southern terminus.
- Park Closure
Schoodic Mountain Road Closed for Repairs
Starting Aug 31, the Schoodic Mountain Road will be closed for repairs from Schoodic Loop Road to the summit of Schoodic Head. Workers will be operating heavy equipment for resurfacing, regrading and ditching.
- Park Closure
Eastern Section of Beech Mountain Loop Trail Closed for Repairs
Starting Sept 21, the eastern section of the Beech Mountain Loop Trail will be closed for repairs from a junction just beyond the parking lot to just below the summit at the fire tower. Three alternate routes to the summit are available: the outer loop of the Beech Mountain Loop Trail, Beech South Ridge Trail and Beech West Ridge Trail.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
No additional active alerts or warnings reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Acadia crowds across the year
FAQ
Acadia in December
How busy is Acadia in December?
December rates 1/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Acadia National Park — about 9% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 68,265.
What is the weather like at Acadia in December?
In December, Acadia averages a high of 37°F and a low of 22°F, with about 5.0 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Acadia?
Entrance to Acadia costs $35 ($35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days).
When is Acadia least crowded?
Acadia is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Acadia get in December?
In mid-December, Acadia gets about 8.9 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:02 AM and sunset around 3:54 PM.