Capitol Reef National Park in December
December at Capitol Reef National Park averages a daytime high near 40°F and an overnight low around 21°F, with about 0.4" of precipitation and roughly 2" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 21°F
- Average high
- 40°F
Range across the year: 21°F to 91°F
- Precipitation
- 0.4 in
- Snowfall
- 2 in
- Daylight
- 9.3 hours
Roughly 2% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 27,000 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 (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 42/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is April: 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 1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 32% 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 1,388,476 recreation visits, down 2.4% from 1,422,490 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 18.8%, 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 | 51°F / 30°F | 0.6× Quiet | 47 Fair |
| December | 40°F / 21°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
| January | 41°F / 21°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 3 Poor |
All twelve months at Capitol Reef, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Capitol Reef in December
The National Park Service tags 10 Capitol Reef activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Bicycle Touring
- Driving the Burr Trail · 1-14 days
- Hike a Strenuous Trail
- Hike an Easy or Moderate Trail
- Picnic
- Scenic Drive Tour · 90 minutes
- Stargaze
- Visit the Petroglyph Panel · 5-30 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 40°F and an overnight low around 21°F at Capitol Reef National Park, with about 0.4 inches of precipitation and roughly 2 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Capitol Reef National Park (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 42/100. Our recommended month is April.
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 27,000 recreation visits at Capitol Reef National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Capitol Reef in December
Booking a December trip to Capitol Reef National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Capitol Reef
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.