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.
Expect heavy crowds (8/10), highs near 76°F, about 10.6 hours of daylight, and 2 seasonal closures in effect.
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 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 8% of Dry Tortugas’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
- 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 Winter 2026
Sections of the moat wall that were damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton (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
Most of Bush Key is now open to the public. To protect nesting frigatebirds, a small area on the north side of Bush Key, all of Long Key, and all vegetation remains closed until further notice.
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.
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.
How much does it cost to visit Dry Tortugas?
Entrance to Dry Tortugas costs $15 (The entrance fee for Dry Tortugas National Park is $15.00 per person and is good for 7 consecutive days. Any person 15 years old and under is exempt from paying an entrance fees (including international visitors). Ferry tickets include the cost of entrance to the park, but NOT camping fees. Seaplane will charge the entrance fee upon arrival. Plan to bring cash for each person aged 16-years of age and older. Private boaters may purchase a digital pass in advance or pay cash/check at Garden Key main dock.).
When is Dry Tortugas least crowded?
Dry Tortugas is quietest in October and August. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Dry Tortugas get in December?
In mid-December, Dry Tortugas gets about 10.6 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:08 AM and sunset around 4:45 PM.