Capitol Reef in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

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

December is a quiet month with trade-offs at Capitol Reef National Park: crowds run 15% of the May peak (32,488 average visits). Weather: highs average 40°F and lows 21°F, with 0.4″ of precipitation and 9.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Capitol Reef in December: what the park service says

December is one of Capitol Reef's coldest months, the park's 1991 to 2020 averages show, with daytime temperatures around 40°F, nights near 21°F and roughly 3 inches of snow. The park and its campgrounds stay open all year, though some roads can close for snow, so call 435-425-3791 for the morning road report. The Gifford House store is closed until March 14. Visitors and leashed pets may wander the historic Fruita orchards at any time of year, the park says.

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

Crowds in December

Capitol Reef averages 32,488 recreation visits in December — 15% of what May, the peak month, draws — this is the third-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 40°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 21°F). It is typically dry (0.4″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.5 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CAPITOL REEF NP, UT US (8 mi from park coordinates, 5,500 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.

What to pack for Capitol Reef in December

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

• Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 21°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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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Capitol Reef 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