Zion in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 69/100 · #4 of 12 months

December is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Zion National Park: crowds run 36% of the June peak (214,769 average visits). Weather: highs average 53°F and lows 29°F, with 1.6″ of precipitation and 9.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Zion in December: what the park service says

December is a mixed month for driving Zion Canyon. The park service lists no shuttle service from November 29 to December 25, when private cars can use the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and then holiday shuttles from December 26, when only shuttle riders (and Zion Lodge guests with reservations) can go up the canyon. Check which side of Christmas your dates fall on, arrive early because the park's lots often fill, or park in Springdale and ride the free Springdale Line.

Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.

Crowds in December

Zion averages 214,769 recreation visits in December — 36% of what June, the peak month, draws — this is the third-quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.

Weather & daylight

Expect cool days (highs average 53°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 29°F). It is typically dry (1.6″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.6 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station ZION NP, UT US (1 mi from park coordinates, 4,038 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.

What to pack for Zion in December

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

• Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 29°F, below freezing
• Headlamp — only 9.6 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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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Zion are January and February.

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