Early winter · Weather & things to do
Grand Canyon in December
This is the coldest month in Grand Canyon: highs average 52°F (11°C) and lows 32°F (0°C), with about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 71/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 52°F (11°C)
- Avg low
- 32°F (0°C)
- Rain
- 1.1 in (29 mm)
- Humidity
- 60%
- Cloud cover
- 52%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 33 min
- Comfort score
- 71/100 · Good
What December feels like
Afternoons only reach about 52°F (11°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
Lows average 32°F (0°C).
Rain is scarce: about 1.1 in (29 mm) for the whole month.
Plan around December
December sits mid-table; the best months are March – May and October & November.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 33 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 95/100 in November to 71/100.
- Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 52°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Grand Canyon in December
December is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
El Tovar Lounge
Small lodge bar with a porch overlooking the rim.
Yavapai Geology Museum
Glass-walled museum on the rim that explains the canyon's rock layers.
Desert View Watchtower
Mary Colter's 1932 stone tower at the east end, with wide views of the river.
Why now December scores 71/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Hopi Point
Hermit Road overlook jutting far into the canyon, with Colorado River views.
Why now Highs near 52°F and 1.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Rim Trail
Mostly paved path linking overlooks from Yavapai Point toward Hermits Rest.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in December
- Sedona in December~88 mi · highs 51°F, 2.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Zion in December~97 mi · highs 41°F, 1.4 in rain or snow · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Bryce Canyon in December~103 mi · highs 33°F, 0.8 in rain or snow · 11°C (19°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in December~158 mi · highs 42°F, 0.8 in rain or snow · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,837 m to Grand Canyon's ~1,015 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.
Grand Canyon in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Grand Canyon?
It's middling, scoring 71/100. The best months are March – May and October & November, at up to 99. Expect highs of 52°F (11°C) and 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain. Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Grand Canyon in December?
Average highs are 52°F (11°C) and average lows 32°F (0°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Grand Canyon in December?
Not much: about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 12.4 in (314 mm).
What should I pack for Grand Canyon in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 52°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Grand Canyon
Planning Grand Canyon in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.