Arches National Park in December
December at Arches National Park averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 24°F, with about 0.6" of precipitation and roughly 4" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 24°F
- Average high
- 42°F
Range across the year: 22°F to 99°F
- Precipitation
- 0.6 in
- Snowfall
- 4 in
- Daylight
- 9.3 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 43,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the June peak (1.5×) and the January low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 39/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 33°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7.5 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 35% of annual visitors, choosing December instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 9.3 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,511,740 recreation visits, up 3.1% from 1,466,528 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 56°F / 33°F | 0.6× Quiet | 50 Fair |
| December | 42°F / 24°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 39 Poor |
| January | 42°F / 22°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Arches, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Arches in December
The National Park Service tags 3 Arches activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Arches Junior Ranger Program
- Stargaze at Panorama Point · 15-120 minutes
- Start at Arches Visitor Center · 15-60 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 24°F at Arches National Park, with about 0.6 inches of precipitation and roughly 4 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7.5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Arches National Park (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 39/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is June and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.3× the park's average, or 3% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 43,000 recreation visits at Arches National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Arches in December
Booking a December trip to Arches National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Arches
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in December.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.