Canyonlands in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 63/100 · #11 of 12 months
December is a quiet month with trade-offs at Canyonlands National Park: crowds run 16% of the May peak (19,880 average visits). Weather: highs average 42°F and lows 18°F, with 0.6″ of precipitation and 9.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Planning Canyonlands? Pack a guidebook: Moon Arches & Canyonlands on Amazon. · affiliate link, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases
Bring for Canyonlands in December
- Insulated parka + thermal base layersSee it on AmazonWhy: average lows of 18°F.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.5 hours of daylight in mid-December.
Affiliate links: VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Prices can change; Amazon shows the current one.
Crowds in December
Canyonlands averages 19,880 recreation visits in December — 16% of what May, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — crowds are thin by this park's standards.
Weather & daylight
Days are cold (highs average 42°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 18°F). It is typically dry (0.6″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.5 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CANYONLANDS-THE NEEDLES, UT US (0 mi from park coordinates, 4,906 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.
What to pack for Canyonlands in December
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 18°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
As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches or to a specific product — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.
Packing for a trip with a date on it? Amazon Prime includes fast delivery on eligible items, and eligible new members may be offered a free trial, so gear ordered this week can arrive before you leave. Delivery speed varies by item and address. See if you can try Prime free →
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.
If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Canyonlands 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
Is Canyonlands crowded in December?
No — December is one of the quieter months: 16% of the May peak, averaging 19,880 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Canyonlands in December?
Average highs of 42°F, lows of 18°F, 0.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, CANYONLANDS-THE NEEDLES, UT US station).
What should I pack for Canyonlands 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 2026-09-24