Black Canyon of the Gunnison in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 56/100 · #12 of 12 months
December is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: crowds run 16% of the June peak (7,640 average visits), days average 36°F with 9.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in December
Black Canyon of the Gunnison averages 7,640 recreation visits in December — 16% of what June, the peak month, draws — the second-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — this is genuine quiet-season territory.
Weather & daylight
It is properly cold (highs average 36°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 13°F). It is typically dry (1.5″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.5 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON, CO US (2 mi from park coordinates, 8,151 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.
What to pack for Black Canyon of the Gunnison in December
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 13°F
- Headlamp — only 9.5 hours of daylight in mid-December
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Black Canyon of the Gunnison are March and April.
Common questions
Is Black Canyon of the Gunnison crowded in December?
No — December is one of the quieter months: 16% of the June peak, averaging 7,640 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Black Canyon of the Gunnison in December?
Average highs of 36°F, lows of 13°F, 1.5″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON, CO US station).
What should I pack for Black Canyon of the Gunnison in December?
Insulated parka + thermal base layers; Headlamp; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-07-16