Black Canyon of the Gunnison in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 56/100 · #12 of 12 months
December is a quiet month with trade-offs at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: crowds run 16% of the June peak (7,640 average visits). Weather: highs average 36°F and lows 13°F, with 1.5″ of precipitation and 9.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Black Canyon of the Gunnison in December
- Insulated parka + thermal base layersSee it on AmazonWhy: average lows of 13°F.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.5 hours of daylight in mid-December.
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
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Crowds in December
Black Canyon of the Gunnison averages 7,640 recreation visits in December — 16% of what June, the peak month, draws — this is the second-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — crowds are thin by this park's standards.
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 (compare other options)
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Black Canyon of the Gunnison are March and April.
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
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). See every month at Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
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). Compare it with other national parks in December.
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. Going in January instead? Black Canyon of the Gunnison in January has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-24
Also check in December
The nearest other parks that are not closed or rated Harsh in December, with the same NPS × NOAA verdict. Distance is a straight line.
- Arches in December — Shoulder, score 63/100, about 100 mi away
- Mesa Verde in December — Shoulder, score 62/100, about 100 mi away
- Great Sand Dunes in December — Shoulder, score 57/100, about 130 mi away
- Rocky Mountain in December — Shoulder, score 57/100, about 160 mi away