December · FL

Everglades National Park in December.

By Nicholas Major · Last updated

Everglades National Park in December is a good choice for cooler outdoor visits. Royal Palm's normal high is 80°F (27°C), with a low of 59°F (15°C). Consider the Anhinga Trail for a short walk, and bring insect protection even in dry season.

NOAA's Royal Palm RS station represents the Royal Palm area. These normals are not an average for every entrance, the Gulf Coast or Florida Bay, and they do not forecast weather on your visit.

In short

December averages 74,833 park-wide recreation visits, 72% of February's peak. That is lower than January–March, but it does not predict Christmas-week crowds or parking at Royal Palm.

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Start with the Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm

The Anhinga Trail begins at Royal Palm. Its flat paved path and elevated boardwalk offer a short walking option. Check trail conditions before making it the focus of your visit.

NPS also warns that black vultures can damage soft vehicle parts at Royal Palm, especially in winter. Read the official vehicle-protection advice before leaving your car.

Pack for mild days, insects and possible cold fronts

NPS says mosquitoes and biting flies can still occur in dry season, including at dawn and dusk. Pack insect protection and a layer for cooler periods. Strong cold fronts can occasionally bring near-freezing conditions, so use the forecast rather than relying on the monthly normal.

Confirm facility hours and any activity bookings for your dates. The park's entrances do not interconnect inside the park; choose the entrance for your destination before planning other stops.

Questions about December

Is December a good time to visit Everglades National Park?

Yes, for cooler outdoor visits with lower average park-wide counts than January–March. The Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm is a short paved and boardwalk option. Bring insect protection, check the forecast and confirm conditions and hours for your dates.

Are there mosquitoes in the Everglades in December?

There can be. NPS says mosquitoes and biting flies may still occur during dry season, including at dawn and dusk. Do not treat December as insect-free; prepare for the area and activities you choose.

Sources and limits

NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals: ROYAL PALM RS, FL US (USC00087760), 7 feet. Normal high: 80.0°F (26.7°C); normal low: 58.6°F (14.8°C). These are long-term averages, not a forecast.

NPS Visitor Use Statistics Data Package, 2025: 2021–2025 average recreation visits for Everglades National Park (EVER). The December 2025 count is 70,926. Counts measure visits, not unique people or a day's parking pressure.

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Independence

Independent site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Park Service. Data comes from the official NPS Visitor Use Statistics Data Package, 2025; editorial analysis is ours. The NPS Arrowhead and other NPS marks are not used.

Last updated · 2026-10-15