Everglades · December
Everglades in December
December is the busiest time to visit Everglades — busier than November, about as busy as January.
Expect peak crowds (9/10), highs near 78°F, about 10.6 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
The park's busiest time. Reservations, early starts, and patience recommended.
About 86% 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 13% of Everglades’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
- 78°F
- Avg low
- 55°F
- Precipitation
- 1.7"
- Sunrise
- 7:01 AM
- Sunset
- 5:36 PM
- Daylight
- 10.6h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Homestead
What's open
Everglades in December: access
Open 24 hours year-round; visitor-center hours reduced in summer
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Caution
Roadwork may cause delays on US 41/Tamiami Trail
Current roadwork is ongoing along the park's northern boundary on US Highway 41/Tamiami Trail to raise the road for Everglades Restoration benefits. Drivers may experience up to 15-minute delays and should watch for personnel, equipment and slow downs.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
For entrance fees, we accept digital passes and credit/debit cards
Digital passes or credit/debit cards are the ONLY method of payment at all fee collection areas. Pre-paid digital passes are available online and may be purchased in advance.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Everglades crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Everglades in December
How busy is Everglades in December?
December rates 9/10 for crowds (Peak) at Everglades National Park — about 86% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 113,227.
What is the weather like at Everglades in December?
In December, Everglades averages a high of 78°F and a low of 55°F, with about 1.7 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Everglades?
Entrance to Everglades costs $35 ($35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days).
When is Everglades least crowded?
Everglades is quietest in June and July. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Everglades get in December?
In mid-December, Everglades gets about 10.6 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:01 AM and sunset around 5:36 PM.