Arches in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 63/100 · #8 of 12 months

December is a quiet month with trade-offs at Arches National Park: crowds run 25% of the May peak (48,970 average visits). Weather: highs average 42°F and lows 24°F, with 0.6″ of precipitation and 9.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Arches in December: what the park service says

December is off-season at Arches: the busy months run March through October, so lines and full lots are less of an issue. Dress for winter, which the park service describes as cold, with highs of 30 to 50°F and lows of 0 to 20°F, and watch for ice, since even small amounts can make trails and roads impassable. Gas is not sold in the park; Moab is about ten minutes away for supplies.

Source: NPS 1, NPS 2, NPS 3, checked 2026-11-05.

Crowds in December

Arches averages 48,970 recreation visits in December — 25% of what May, the peak month, draws — this is the second-quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — crowds are thin by this park's standards.

Weather & daylight

Days are cold (highs average 42°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 24°F). It is typically dry (0.6″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.5 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station ARCHES NP HQS, UT US (9 mi from park coordinates, 4,093 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.

What to pack for Arches in December

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 24°F, below freezing
• Headlamp — only 9.5 hours of daylight in mid-December (compare other options)
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Arches are February and March.

Also at their best in December

Other parks whose computed December verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

• American Samoa in December — 17% of peak crowds, highs 88°F, score 66/100
• Everglades in December — 72% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 64/100
• Biscayne in December — 77% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 62/100

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-24