Grand Canyon National Park in December
December at Grand Canyon National Park averages a daytime high near 43°F and an overnight low around 18°F, with about 1.3" of precipitation and roughly 8" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.7× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 18°F
- Average high
- 43°F
Range across the year: 18°F to 85°F
- Precipitation
- 1.3 in
- Snowfall
- 8 in
- Daylight
- 9.6 hours
Roughly 6% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 309,000 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 July peak (1.5×) and the January low (0.4×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 33/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
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 4 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 9.6 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 4,430,653 recreation visits, down 9.9% from 4,919,163 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 22.4%, 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 | 53°F / 25°F | 0.8× Quiet | 39 Poor |
| December | 43°F / 18°F | 0.7× Quiet | 33 Poor |
| January | 44°F / 19°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Grand Canyon, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Grand Canyon in December
The National Park Service tags 3 Grand Canyon activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 43°F and an overnight low around 18°F at Grand Canyon National Park, with about 1.3 inches of precipitation and roughly 8 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at Grand Canyon National Park (about 0.7× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 33/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.7× the park's average, or 6% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 309,000 recreation visits at Grand Canyon National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Grand Canyon in December
Booking a December trip to Grand Canyon National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Grand Canyon
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.