Early winter · Weather & things to do
Zion in December
This is the coldest month in Zion: highs average 41°F (5°C) and lows 22°F (-6°C), with about 1.4 in (35 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 54/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 41°F (5°C)
- Avg low
- 22°F (-6°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.4 in (35 mm)
- Humidity
- 66%
- Cloud cover
- 51%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 27 min
- Comfort score
- 54/100 · Fair
What December feels like
It's cool, with highs near 41°F (5°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 22°F (-6°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 1.4 in (35 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Only about 9 h 27 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April – June and August – October.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 4.1 in (103 mm) in total.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 27 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 77/100 in November to 54/100.
- Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 41°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 Zion in December
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Oscar's Cafe
Springdale café for big breakfast burritos and Mexican plates on a patio.
Pa'rus Trail
Easy paved riverside path from the visitor center with views of the Watchman.
Zion Outfitter
Rents canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks and drysuits for the Narrows, next to the park entrance.
The Narrows
Wade the Virgin River upstream through a slot canyon from the Riverside Walk.
Bit & Spur Restaurant
Long-running Southwestern restaurant with a garden patio and red-rock views.
Nearby in December
- Bryce Canyon in December~50 mi · highs 33°F, 0.8 in rain or snow · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Grand Canyon in December~97 mi · highs 52°F, 1.1 in rain · 6°C (11°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in December~118 mi · highs 42°F, 0.8 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Las Vegas in December~141 mi · highs 56°F, 0.7 in rain · 9°C (15°F) warmer by day, drier
These averages also cover Zion NP.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,087 m to Zion's ~1,782 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.
Zion in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Zion?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 54/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April – June and August – October. Expect highs of 41°F (5°C) and 1.4 in (35 mm) of rain or snow. Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Zion in December?
Average highs are 41°F (5°C) and average lows 22°F (-6°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Zion in December?
Not much: about 1.4 in (35 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 13.1 in (332 mm).
What should I pack for Zion in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 41°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).
Planning Zion in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.