Grand Canyon in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 53/100 · #12 of 12 months
December is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Grand Canyon National Park: crowds run 56% of the July peak (297,951 average visits), days average 43°F with 9.7 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in December
Grand Canyon averages 297,951 recreation visits in December — 56% of what July, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly.
Weather & daylight
Days are cold (highs average 43°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 24°F). It is typically dry (1.2″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.7 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station GRAND CANYON VISITOR CTR, AZ US (1 mi from park coordinates, 7,083 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.
What to pack for Grand Canyon 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 9.7 hours of daylight in mid-December
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Grand Canyon are February and April.
Common questions
Is Grand Canyon crowded in December?
Moderately: December runs 56% of the July peak, averaging 297,951 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Grand Canyon in December?
Average highs of 43°F, lows of 24°F, 1.2″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, GRAND CANYON VISITOR CTR, AZ US station).
What should I pack for Grand Canyon in December?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Headlamp; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
Is everything open at Grand Canyon in December?
The North Rim is closed to vehicles roughly December–mid-May; the South Rim is open year-round. Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.
See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-07-16