Canyon de Chelly National Monument in December
December at Canyon de Chelly National Monument averages a daytime high near 43°F and an overnight low around 20°F, with about 0.7" of precipitation and roughly 2" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.7× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 20°F
- Average high
- 43°F
Range across the year: 19°F to 93°F
- Precipitation
- 0.7 in
- Snowfall
- 2 in
- Daylight
- 9.6 hours
Roughly 6% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 34,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 9th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the August peak (1.4×) and the February low (0.6×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 37/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 31°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 11.2 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 33% 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 9.6 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 340,586 recreation visits, down 12.1% from 387,433 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 49.6%, so December may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 56°F / 27°F | 0.7× Quiet | 53 Fair |
| December | 43°F / 20°F | 0.7× Quiet | 37 Poor |
| January | 44°F / 19°F | 0.7× Quiet | 40 Poor |
All twelve months at Canyon de Chelly, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 43°F and an overnight low around 20°F at Canyon de Chelly National Monument, with about 0.7 inches of precipitation and roughly 2 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 11.2 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Canyon de Chelly National Monument (about 0.7× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 37/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is August and the quietest is February. December sits at about 0.7× the park's average, or 6% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 34,000 recreation visits at Canyon de Chelly National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Canyon de Chelly in December
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Top-rated places to stay near Canyon de Chelly
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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.