Dry Tortugas · December
Dry Tortugas in December
December is a busy time to visit Dry Tortugas — about as busy as November, about as busy as January.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 79% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- 76°F
- Avg low
- 67°F
- Precipitation
- 2.4"
- Sunrise
- 6:08 AM
- Sunset
- 4:45 PM
- Daylight
- 10.6h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, DRY TORTUGAS, FL US
What's open
Dry Tortugas in December: access
The Dry Tortugas is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. This includes holidays.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Park Closure
Sections of moat wall closed until Summer 2026
Sections of the moat wall that were damaged by Hurricanes Irma (2017) and Ian (2022), as well as several hurricanes in 2024 are undergoing repair and reinforcement. For your safety, please follow posted signage and do not cross any barricades.
- Park Closure
Seasonal Closure: Bush Key
Visitor access to Bush Key is suspended until Fall 2026 to protect nesting Sooty Terns, Brown Noddies, and Magnificent Frigatebirds. Boaters must maintain a distance of 100 feet from the island's mean low tide.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Caution
Garden Key Harbor Light
Vessel operators - the Garden Key Harbor Light is undergoing repairs and is extinguished. At this time it is unknown when the light will again be illuminated.
- Information
Migrant Notice
Like elsewhere in the Florida Keys, we have seen an increase in Cuban migrants arriving by boat from Cuba and landing on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park. You may observe migrant landings at the park and visitor areas may be impacted.
- Park Closure
Sections of moat wall closed until Summer 2026
Sections of the moat wall that were damaged by Hurricanes Irma (2017) and Ian (2022), as well as several hurricanes in 2024 are undergoing repair and reinforcement. For your safety, please follow posted signage and do not cross any barricades.
- Park Closure
Seasonal Closure: Bush Key
Visitor access to Bush Key is suspended until Fall 2026 to protect nesting Sooty Terns, Brown Noddies, and Magnificent Frigatebirds. Boaters must maintain a distance of 100 feet from the island's mean low tide.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Dry Tortugas crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Dry Tortugas in December
How busy is Dry Tortugas in December?
December rates 8/10 for crowds (Busy) at Dry Tortugas National Park — about 79% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 7,296.
What is the weather like at Dry Tortugas in December?
In December, Dry Tortugas averages a high of 76°F and a low of 67°F, with about 2.4 inches of precipitation.