Grand Canyon in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Grand Canyon

-1°C (30°F) High Temp

-12°C (10°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1.0 inch) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Snow-covered canyon creates otherworldly photography opportunities - the red rock contrasts dramatically with white snow, particularly impressive at sunrise and sunset
Dramatically fewer crowds - this destination receives 80% fewer visitors in December, meaning unobstructed viewpoints and peaceful hiking trails
Crystal-clear air visibility extends views up to 160 km (100 miles) on cold, dry days - you can see the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff
Winter wildlife is more visible - elk herds gather near the rim, and California condors are easier to spot against snowy backgrounds

Considerations

North Rim closes completely from mid-October through mid-May - eliminates half the park's viewpoints and hiking options
Dangerous hiking conditions on rim trails due to ice and snow accumulation, particularly on shaded sections that never thaw
Limited daylight hours (9.5 hours) restrict outdoor activities and sightseeing time compared to summer's 14+ hour days

Best Activities in December

South Rim viewpoint photography tours

December's snow transforms the canyon into a winter wonderland perfect for photography. Clear, dry air provides exceptional visibility, and low-angle winter sun creates dramatic lighting. Best shooting times are 7:30-9:00am and 4:30-5:30pm when snow glows pink against red rocks.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops typically cost $150-250 per person. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as winter photography tours are limited. Look for operators providing winter gear and focusing on sunrise/sunset timing. See current photography tour options in the booking section below.

Rim Trail winter hiking

The paved 21 km (13 mile) Rim Trail remains accessible in December with proper footwear. Snow coverage creates spectacular contrasts, and you'll encounter few other hikers. Sections between Verkamp's Visitor Center and Hopi Point are most reliably maintained.

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity requiring microspikes or yaktrax ($25-40 rental locally). Guided winter rim walks cost $75-125 per person and include safety equipment. Start between 10am-2pm when ice has softened. Check current guided hiking options below.

IMAX theater and indoor museum experiences

December's harsh weather makes indoor attractions essential. The IMAX theater shows 'Hidden Secrets of the Grand Canyon' every 30 minutes, and Kolb Studio features rotating photography exhibitions. Perfect for warming up between outdoor activities.

Booking Tip: IMAX tickets cost $15-25 per adult. Museums are included with park entry ($35 per vehicle, valid 7 days). Plan 2-3 hours for complete indoor experiences. No advance booking needed for most indoor attractions.

Winter wildlife viewing expeditions

December offers the year's best wildlife viewing as animals gather at lower elevations. Elk herds of 20-50 animals congregate near Grand Canyon Village, and mule deer are visible throughout the day. California condors soar more frequently in cold air currents.

Booking Tip: Guided wildlife tours cost $80-150 per person and include binoculars and warm transportation. Early morning tours (7-10am) have highest success rates. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as winter tours run limited schedules. See wildlife viewing options in booking section below.

Helicopter winter scenic flights

December helicopter tours offer unmatched aerial views of snow-dusted canyon formations. Cold air provides smoother flights and clearer visibility than summer thermal conditions. Flight paths cover areas inaccessible due to winter trail closures.

Booking Tip: Winter helicopter tours cost $200-450 per person depending on duration (12-45 minutes). Book 3-4 weeks ahead as winter weather can cause cancellations, leading to limited availability. Choose operators with enclosed helicopters and heating. Current flight options available below.

December Events & Festivals

Early December through New Year's Day

Holiday Light Displays at Grand Canyon Village

Historic Grand Canyon Village buildings are decorated with holiday lights throughout December. El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge feature special seasonal decorations and holiday-themed dining experiences.

December 21st

Ranger-led Winter Solstice Programs

Special interpretive programs on December 21st explore how ancient peoples used the canyon for astronomical observations. Programs include sunset viewing and discussions of winter survival adaptations of canyon wildlife.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -15°C (5°F) - essential for icy rim trails and snow-covered viewpoints

Layering system: thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, windproof outer shell - temperatures swing 15°C (27°F) between sun and shade

Microspikes or yaktrax for boots - black ice forms on shaded trail sections and never melts during December

Insulated water bottle - standard bottles freeze solid in 30 minutes at rim temperatures

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 3 but snow reflection increases exposure by 80%

Warm gloves plus liner gloves - necessary for handling cameras and phones in sub-freezing temperatures

Balaclava or warm hat covering ears - wind chill at rim viewpoints adds -10°C (14°F) to actual temperature

Emergency hand/foot warmers - single-use packets provide 6-8 hours warmth for extended outdoor time

Polarized sunglasses - essential for reducing snow glare which can cause temporary blindness

Thermos for hot beverages - limited food services in December and warm drinks prevent hypothermia during long outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Park shuttles run reduced winter schedules with 30-minute intervals instead of summer's 15-minute frequency - plan extra time between viewpoints

Desert View Drive (40 km/25 miles) often closes without notice due to snow and ice - check road conditions at 928-638-7888 before driving

Mather Point and Yavapai Point are plowed first and most frequently - these viewpoints offer the most reliable winter access

El Tovar Hotel's lobby fireplace provides free warming area open 24/7 to all visitors, not just hotel guests - essential knowledge for hypothermia prevention

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting Bright Angel or South Kaibab trail descents without proper winter gear - below-rim trails become dangerous ice tunnels with inadequate escape routes

Driving to the canyon without tire chains or 4WD capability - Arizona law requires winter traction devices and roads close without notice

Underestimating how quickly hypothermia develops - 30 minutes at rim viewpoints in December wind can cause dangerous core temperature drops