Early winter · Weather & things to do
Red Rock Canyon in December
This is the coldest month in Red Rock Canyon: highs average 51°F (11°C) and lows 31°F (0°C), with about 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 71/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 51°F (11°C)
- Avg low
- 31°F (0°C)
- Rain
- 0.9 in (23 mm)
- Humidity
- 50%
- Cloud cover
- 50%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 33 min
- Comfort score
- 71/100 · Good
What December feels like
Cool days top out near 51°F (11°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 31°F (0°C), so expect frost and ice.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain.
Plan around December
December sits mid-table; the best months are March – May and October & November.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 31°F.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 2.7 in (68 mm) in total.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 33 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 93/100 in November to 71/100.
- Our Las Vegas New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 51°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 31°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Red Rock Canyon in December
December is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
A 13-mile one-way loop past the Calico Hills and the Keystone Thrust, with trailheads and pullouts along the way.
Why now December scores 71/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Historic ranch under the Wilson Cliffs, with a cabin, blacksmith shop and short trails; Nevada State Parks runs First Day Hikes here.
Why now Highs near 51°F and 0.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
BLM visitor center at the start of the Scenic Drive, with desert exhibits and an outdoor tortoise habitat.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Peppermill
Round-the-clock Strip diner since 1972, with oversized breakfasts and a neon lounge built around a fire pit.
Nearby in December
- Las Vegas in December~16 mi · highs 56°F, 0.7 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Zion in December~155 mi · highs 41°F, 1.4 in rain or snow · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Joshua Tree in December~159 mi · highs 57°F, 0.6 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Palm Springs in December~171 mi · highs 66°F, 0.9 in rain · 8°C (15°F) warmer by day, about as wet
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.
Red Rock Canyon in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Red Rock Canyon?
It's middling, scoring 71/100. The best months are March – May and October & November, at up to 99. Expect highs of 51°F (11°C) and 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain.
How cold is Red Rock Canyon in December?
Average highs are 51°F (11°C) and average lows 31°F (0°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Red Rock Canyon in December?
Not much: about 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 6.5 in (165 mm).
What should I pack for Red Rock Canyon in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 51°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 31°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Red Rock Canyon
Routes in season in December
- Las Vegas New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Red Rock Canyon 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.