Early winter · Weather & things to do
Capitol Reef in December
This is the coldest month in Capitol Reef: highs average 42°F (5°C) and lows 22°F (-5°C), with about 0.8 in (20 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
- 42°F (5°C)
- Avg low
- 22°F (-5°C)
- Rain or snow
- 0.8 in (20 mm)
- Humidity
- 65%
- Cloud cover
- 61%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 21 min
- Comfort score
- 52/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Afternoons only reach about 42°F (5°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 22°F (-5°C), so expect frost and ice.
Precipitation is light, about 0.8 in (20 mm) of rain or snow, and since the average temperature is below freezing, what does fall may well be snow.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 21 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
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 74/100 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
- Insulated jackethighs only 42°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 22°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Capitol Reef in December
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Hunt & Gather
Torrey's top dinner spot, with upscale comfort food from local ingredients.
Capitol Gorge Trail
Flat walk through a narrow canyon to the Pioneer Register and natural water tanks.
Fruita Orchards
Historic orchards where you can pick cherries, apricots, peaches and apples in season.
Rim Rock Patio
Casual patio bar with beer, pizza and red-cliff views just west of the park.
Gifford Homestead
Restored pioneer farmhouse selling small fruit pies and cinnamon rolls.
Nearby in December
- Bryce Canyon in December~70 mi · highs 33°F, 0.8 in rain or snow · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Canyonlands in December~75 mi · highs 40°F, 0.7 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Arches in December~95 mi · highs 42°F, 1.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Zion in December~118 mi · highs 41°F, 1.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,104 m to Capitol Reef's ~1,674 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Capitol Reef in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Capitol Reef?
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 42°F (5°C) and 0.8 in (20 mm) of rain or snow. Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Capitol Reef in December?
Average highs are 42°F (5°C) and average lows 22°F (-5°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Capitol Reef in December?
Not much: about 0.8 in (20 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 10.1 in (257 mm).
What should I pack for Capitol Reef in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 42°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 22°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Capitol Reef
Planning Capitol Reef in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.