Canyonlands National Park in December
December at Canyonlands National Park averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 18°F, with about 0.6" of precipitation and roughly 3" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 18°F
- Average high
- 42°F
Range across the year: 17°F to 95°F
- Precipitation
- 0.6 in
- Snowfall
- 3 in
- Daylight
- 9.3 hours
Roughly 2% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 16,000 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 May peak (1.8×) and the January low (0.1×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 42/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is October: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 30°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 8.5 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 30% 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 796,057 recreation visits, down 2.7% from 818,492 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 13.2%, so a December visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 55°F / 26°F | 0.6× Quiet | 46 Fair |
| December | 42°F / 18°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
| January | 42°F / 17°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 3 Poor |
All twelve months at Canyonlands, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in December 2026
The National Park Service lists these Canyonlands facilities as closed during December 2026. The dates are the park's own, read on October 11, 2026. A facility that is not listed here may still be closed, so confirm on the park's site before you go.
- Hans Flat Ranger Station (visitor center): closed until December 30, 2026
- The Needles Visitor Center (visitor center): closed from December 6, 2026 to February 13, 2027
Things to do at Canyonlands in December
The National Park Service tags 4 Canyonlands activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Auto Touring in Canyonlands · reservation required
- Backcountry Camping in Canyonlands · 1-14 days · reservation required
- Boating in Canyonlands · 1-12 days · reservation required
- Experience the Shafer Trail · 1 hour
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 18°F at Canyonlands National Park, with about 0.6 inches of precipitation and roughly 3 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 8.5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Canyonlands National Park (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 42/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.3× the park's average, or 2% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 16,000 recreation visits at Canyonlands National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Canyonlands in December
Booking a December trip to Canyonlands National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Canyonlands
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.