Grand Canyon weather
in December
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 5 rainy days across the month, on average.
December at the Grand Canyon is stark and beautiful. South Rim daytime highs of 6°C (43°F), nights well below freezing. Snow becomes regular by month''s end, dusting red rock in white — one of the most photographed conditions at the canyon.
Overlooks are near-empty. Hotel rates at Grand Canyon Village are yearly lows. Bright Angel Trail requires traction devices. Christmas and New Year weeks bring modest holiday crowds — mid-December weekdays are the quietest.
What to pack for Grand Canyon in December
- Proper winter coat rated for freezing temperatures
- Thermal base layers, warm gloves, wool hat
- Waterproof insulated boots with grip
- Traction cleats for icy paths
- Sunscreen (winter sun at 7,000 ft is intense)
What to pack for Grand Canyon in December
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
- →Polarized sunglassesAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Grand Canyon
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
Snow-covered South Rim photography, sunrise at Mather Point (dressed warmly), Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express (December), Yavapai Geology Museum, Rim Trail short walks.
Other places with a similar climate right now
Grand Canyon in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Grand Canyon?
Is December a good time to visit Grand Canyon?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, Grand Canyon averages a high of 6°C (43°F) and a low of -3°C (26°F), with 30mm of rainfall across roughly 5 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Grand Canyon in December?
What is the average temperature in Grand Canyon in December?
The average high temperature in Grand Canyon during December is 6°C (43°F), with an average low of -3°C (26°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Grand Canyon have in December?
How many rainy days does Grand Canyon have in December?
Grand Canyon averages approximately 5 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 30mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Grand Canyon in December?
What should I pack for Grand Canyon in December?
For Grand Canyon in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Grand Canyon in December?
How crowded is Grand Canyon in December?
Tourist crowds in Grand Canyon during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.