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.

Partial access: The North Rim is closed to vehicles roughly December–mid-May; the South Rim is open year-round. Current NPS conditions →

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.

Average visits (December)

297,951 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

6.4% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

56%

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

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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Grand Canyon are February 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 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 2026-09-12