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Grand Canyon - Things to Do in Grand Canyon in December

Things to Do in Grand Canyon in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

Good time to visit Low Season · Budget Friendly

December Weather in Grand Canyon

Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance

53°F (12°C) High Temp
36°F (2°C) Low Temp
0.0 inches (0 mm) Rainfall
70% Humidity
⚠ Ice forms on north-facing trails by 9 AM - carry traction devices ⚠ Sudden temperature drops of 20°C (36°F) when sun disappears behind canyon walls

Is December Right for You?

Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking

Advantages
  • + South Rim stays open with 0 crowds. You'll get sunrise at Hopi Point to yourself. Impossible in summer. Worth it.
  • + Snow-dusted red rocks create the most dramatic photos of the year. The contrast is unreal at viewpoints like Desert View. Bring a polarizer.
  • + El Tovar Hotel's lobby fireplace becomes the social heart of the park. Hot chocolate tastes better at 2,100 m (6,890 ft). Chat with strangers.
  • + Mule deer move to lower elevations. Spot them grazing right along the rim trail near Bright Angel Lodge. Keep quiet.
Considerations
  • − North Rim closes October 15th. You'll miss the best hiking if that's your priority. Plan for May.
  • − Shorter days mean 5:30 PM sunsets - plan accordingly for long hikes below rim
  • − Ice patches form on trails. The Bright Angel Trail gets treacherous without microspikes. Buy them in advance.

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Best Activities in December

Top things to do during your visit

Rim Trail Winter Photography Walks

December's low sun angle and snow-dusted formations create the canyon's most dramatic lighting. The 21 km (13 mile) Rim Trail between Hermit's Rest and Grand Canyon Village becomes a photographer's great destination at golden hour. You'll shoot through the Desert View Watchtower without tour bus photobombs. Morning frost crystals form on south-facing walls when overnight lows hit -7°C (19°F), creating natural macro subjects. Bring a macro lens.

Booking Tip: No permits needed for rim walks. Book sunrise photography tours 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed operators. See current options in booking section below.
Below-Rim Day Hikes with Gear Support

December's 10°C (50°F) highs make the 12 km (7.5 mile) round-trip to Plateau Point pleasant. No summer heat exhaustion risk. The trail drops 1,200 m (3,900 ft) through nine distinct rock layers, and winter air clarity means you can spot the Colorado River from 8 km (5 miles) out. Carry microspikes for the icy switchbacks above the 1.5 mile resthouse. Start early.

Booking Tip: Book guided day hikes 10 days ahead. Operators provide traction devices and emergency gear. Self-guided requires winter hiking experience. Know your limits.
Grand Canyon Railway Holiday Express

The 1923 Pullman cars run special December departures from Williams, 100 km (62 miles) south. Steam locomotive #4960 pulls vintage coaches through ponderosa pine forests while 'cowboy musicians' roam the aisles. At the canyon, you get 3.5 hours to explore. Just enough time for lunch at El Tovar and the Rim Trail walk to Maricopa Point. Book early.

Booking Tip: Holiday trains book solid by November 15th. Regular daily service continues through winter if you miss the themed departures. Still fun.
Desert View Drive Winter Solstice Tours

December 21st brings the year's shortest shadow. Good for shooting the 21 m (70 ft) Desert View Watchtower against the canyon. The 40 km (25 mile) drive from Grand Canyon Village passes six pullouts where Ancestral Puebloan ruins align with winter sun angles. Moran Point at 3 PM catches the last light hitting the Unkar Delta 1,200 m (4,000 ft) below. Arrive early.

Booking Tip: Rent a high-clearance vehicle. The road ices in shaded curves. Guided tours run daily but solstice-specific photography trips need 2-week advance booking. Plan ahead.
Star Party Night Sky Programs

December's 6 PM darkness and 2,100 m (6,890 ft) elevation create some of America's darkest skies. The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association sets up 20+ telescopes at the Visitor Center. You'll see the Andromeda Galaxy with naked-eye clarity. Orion's Belt's winter position means Orion rises directly over the canyon rim by 8 PM. Dress warm.

Booking Tip: Free programs run December 1-31, but arrive by 6:30 PM for telescope access. Bring a red flashlight. Regular lights ruin night vision for 20 minutes. Respect the dark.
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December Events & Festivals

What's happening during your visit

December 21st weekend
Las Posadas Celebrations at Desert View

The Navajo and Hopi communities host traditional winter solstice ceremonies at the Desert View Watchtower. You'll hear flute music echoing off canyon walls while elders explain the constellation stories that guided ancestral migrations. The event includes fry bread and blue corn mush tastings. Arrive by 2 PM for the 3 PM ceremony start. Bring cash.

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Essential Tips

Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid

Insider Knowledge
El Tovar's sunroom serves breakfast from 6:30 AM. Grab a window table for sunrise over Bright Angel Canyon without the viewpoint crowds. Reserve the night before. The Yavapai Geology Museum stays open until 8 PM in December. It's heated and empty, good for learning rock layers before tomorrow's hike. Free entry. Park rangers lead 9 AM geology walks daily from Bright Angel Lodge. They end at the Kolb Studio where 1906 canyon photographs show the same formations you'll shoot. Bring questions. December 26-30 sees a post-Christmas rush. Book lodging by October 1st or stay in Tusayan 11 km (7 miles) south. Prices jump. Hermit Road closes to private vehicles December 1-March 1. The free shuttle runs every 15 minutes and drops you at 9 viewpoints with zero traffic. Hop on.
Avoid These Mistakes
Assuming 'winter' means closed. South Rim operates year-round, but North Rim access ends at Jacob Lake on October 15th. Check the map. Wearing summer hiking shoes. Trail ice requires lug soles or microspikes, not trail runners. Slip and you fall. Skipping the 4 PM ranger talk at Shrine of the Ages. December's low humidity makes constellation viewing clearest, and you'll learn star navigation. Don't miss it. Trying to day-trip from Phoenix. The 360 km (225 mile) drive means 5 hours each way on potentially icy I-17. Stay overnight.

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Book Experiences in Grand Canyon

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Continue Planning Your Trip

November

Travel guide for November

January

Travel guide for January

Where to Stay in December

Accommodation guide for Grand Canyon in December

Climate Guide in December

Weather and seasonal patterns for Grand Canyon in December

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Grand Canyon Like in December?

December brings winter to the canyon, the South Rim stays open year-round with daytime highs around 40-45°F and nighttime lows near 20°F, while the North Rim closes entirely for the season (typically mid-October through mid-May). You'll find smaller crowds, occasional snow that makes the red rock impressive against white drifts, and clear, crisp air good for photography. Trails like Bright Angel and South Kaibab remain accessible, though they can be icy and require traction devices below the rim.

What's the Weather Like at the Grand Canyon in December?

South Rim temperatures range from lows around 18-20°F at night to highs of 41-45°F during the day, bring layers, a warm jacket, and gloves. Snow is common but usually melts by midday on sunny days. Expect 1-2 storms per month that can drop several inches. The Inner Gorge sits 4,000 feet lower and runs 15-20°F warmer, so if you're hiking to the river, you'll shed layers as you descend.

Is the Grand Canyon Worth Visiting in December?

Absolutely, December offers some of the canyon's most dramatic scenery with far fewer people than summer (crowds drop by 60-70% compared to July). You'll have overlooks nearly to yourself at sunrise, lodge rooms are easier to book, and the winter light creates incredible photo conditions. Just come prepared for cold and potentially snowy conditions, and confirm shuttle schedules since some routes run less frequently in winter.

Should I Visit Zion or the Grand Canyon in Winter?

Both are excellent winter destinations. But they offer different experiences, Zion's lower elevation (4,000-5,000 feet) means milder temperatures and mostly snow-free trails, while the Grand Canyon's South Rim sits at 7,000 feet with real winter conditions and occasional trail closures due to ice. If you want easier hiking and don't mind crowds, go to Zion. If you want solitude and don't mind bundling up, the Grand Canyon delivers. You could also combine them since they're only 2.5 hours apart.

Can You Backpack the Grand Canyon in Winter?

Yes, and it's one of the best times to go below the rim, the Inner Gorge stays comfortable (50-60°F during the day), water sources are reliable, and you'll avoid the dangerous summer heat. You'll need a backcountry permit (apply at least four months ahead), a four-season tent for the rim or upper elevations where temperatures drop below freezing, and microspikes for icy sections on the upper trail. Bright Angel Campground and Cottonwood Campground remain open all winter.

What's Hiking Like at the Grand Canyon in November and December?

The upper portions of trails like Bright Angel and South Kaibab often have ice and packed snow, in shaded sections and early morning, microspikes or traction cleats are essential and rangers sometimes require them. Day hikes are popular and safe with proper gear. But start early since daylight ends around 5:30 PM and temperatures drop fast. If you descend to Indian Garden or farther, you'll find dry trail and much warmer temps the lower you go.

Does the Grand Canyon Offer Winter Hiking Tours?

Yes, Xanterra (the park concessionaire) and several outfitters run guided day hikes and mule trips through winter, though schedules are reduced compared to summer. Private guide services like Four Seasons Guides and Wildland Trekking offer custom winter rim hikes and below-rim treks with gear advice and safety support included. Book ahead since winter guides run smaller groups and slots fill up, around the holidays.

Is Bryce Canyon a Good Alternative to the Grand Canyon in December?

Bryce sits even higher (8,000-9,000 feet) and gets significantly more snow, expect 12-18 inches on the ground and temperatures 10-15°F colder than the Grand Canyon's South Rim. The snow-covered hoodoos are magical. But trails like Navajo Loop and Queens Garden often require microspikes and close temporarily after heavy storms. If you want a true winter wonderland and don't mind more challenging conditions, Bryce is spectacular. For easier access and milder temps, stick with the Grand Canyon's South Rim.

What's Antelope Canyon Like in December?

December is one of the quietest months at Antelope Canyon, with far fewer tourists than spring and summer, you'll have better photo opportunities without crowded shots. The famous light beams only appear March through October when the sun is high enough, so don't visit in December expecting them. Tours run year-round (book through authorized Navajo guides only), and you'll need a jacket since the slot canyon stays cool, around 40-50°F.

What Activities Are Open at the Grand Canyon During Winter?

The South Rim stays fully operational, all major viewpoints, the Rim Trail, Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails, the visitor center, lodges, and restaurants remain open, plus the free shuttle buses (though some routes run reduced schedules). Ranger programs continue with winter-themed talks, and you can book mule rides to Phantom Ranch year-round. The North Rim and Desert View Drive east of the village close entirely, typically from late October through mid-May.

Are Hotels Cheaper at the Grand Canyon in December?

Rates drop 20-30% compared to peak summer, except during the Christmas and New Year's weeks when lodges like El Tovar and Bright Angel fill up at near-summer prices. Book in-park lodges (managed by Xanterra) 6-9 months ahead if you're visiting over the holidays. For early or mid-December, you can often snag rooms a few weeks out. The gateway town of Tusayan, seven miles south, offers even cheaper options and rarely sells out.

Can I See Sunrise and Sunset at the Grand Canyon in December?

Absolutely, winter sunrises (around 7:30 AM) and sunsets (around 5:15 PM) paint the canyon in warm light, and you'll often have viewpoints to yourself or share them with just a handful of people. Mather Point and Yavapai Point are easiest to reach for sunrise, while Hopi Point (accessible by shuttle or bike) is the classic sunset spot. Dress in serious layers since temperatures at the rim can be 15-20°F colder than during the day, with wind.