Early winter · Weather & things to do
Canyonlands in December
This is the coldest month in Canyonlands: highs average 40°F (4°C) and lows 23°F (-5°C), with about 0.7 in (19 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 52/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 40°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 23°F (-5°C)
- Rain or snow
- 0.7 in (19 mm)
- Humidity
- 60%
- Cloud cover
- 55%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 21 min
- Comfort score
- 52/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 40°F (4°C).
Average lows of 23°F (-5°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Precipitation is light, about 0.7 in (19 mm) of rain or snow, and since the average temperature is below freezing, what does fall may well be snow.
Only about 9 h 21 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April & May and September & October.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 21 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 75/100 in November to 52/100.
- Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 23°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Canyonlands in December
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Green River Overlook
Easy view over the winding Green River and the White Rim.
Island in the Sky Visitor Center
Info, maps and ranger talks on the mesa-top district.
Moab Coffee Roasters
Main Street coffee and gelato stop for an early start before the drive to the park.
Upheaval Dome
Short hike to a strange crater whose origin (salt dome or meteor) is still debated.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Overlook 2,000 ft above a gooseneck bend of the Colorado River.
Nearby in December
- Arches in December~32 mi · highs 42°F, 1.1 in rain or snow · 1°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in December~75 mi · highs 42°F, 0.8 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Bryce Canyon in December~136 mi · highs 33°F, 0.8 in rain or snow · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Aspen in December~175 mi · highs 30°F, 2.0 in rain or snow · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Canyonlands in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Canyonlands?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 52/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April & May and September & October. Expect highs of 40°F (4°C) and 0.7 in (19 mm) of rain or snow. Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Canyonlands in December?
Average highs are 40°F (4°C) and average lows 23°F (-5°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Canyonlands in December?
Not much: about 0.7 in (19 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 9.1 in (230 mm).
What should I pack for Canyonlands in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 23°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Canyonlands
Planning Canyonlands in December?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.