Natural Bridges National Monument in December
December at Natural Bridges National Monument averages a daytime high near 39°F and an overnight low around 20°F, with about 1.1" of precipitation and roughly 8" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.2× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 20°F
- Average high
- 39°F
Range across the year: 20°F to 89°F
- Precipitation
- 1.1 in
- Snowfall
- 8 in
- Daylight
- 9.4 hours
Roughly 2% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 1,400 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 11th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the May peak (2.2×) and the January low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 3/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is August: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
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 1.4 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 27% 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 9.4 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 70,400 recreation visits, down 7% from 75,680 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 24.4%, 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 | 50°F / 29°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 46 Fair |
| December | 39°F / 20°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 3 Poor |
| January | 39°F / 20°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 3 Poor |
All twelve months at Natural Bridges, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Natural Bridges in December
The National Park Service tags 7 Natural Bridges activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Hike to Kachina Bridge · 1-2 hours
- Hike to Owachomo Bridge · 20-60 minutes
- Hike to Sipapu Bridge · 1-2 hours
- Hike to the Horse Collar Ruin Overlook · 30-45 minutes
- Walk to the Kachina Bridge Viewpoint · 10 minutes
- Walk to the Owachomo Bridge Viewpoint · 10 minutes
- Walk to the Sipapu Bridge Viewpoint · 10 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 39°F and an overnight low around 20°F at Natural Bridges National Monument, with about 1.1 inches of precipitation and roughly 8 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1.4 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Natural Bridges National Monument (about 0.2× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 3/100. Our recommended month is August. December draws about 19% of the visits Natural Bridges sees in an average month. Numbers that low usually mean limited access: closed roads, closed facilities or deep-winter conditions. The count alone does not say which, so check the park's current conditions before planning around December.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.2× the park's average, or 2% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 1,000 recreation visits at Natural Bridges National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Natural Bridges in December
Booking a December trip to Natural Bridges National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Natural Bridges
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.