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.
In december, Grand Canyon settles into its cold, contemplative stillness. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 6°C (43°F), cooling to -3°C after sunset. Rain is rare enough that you can plan without a contingency.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for Grand Canyon in December
- •A properly warm coat — not a fashion piece
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
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→December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Grand Canyon. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Grand Canyon
While December has its own character in Grand Canyon, the data-backed best months to visit Grand Canyon are May, June, July, August. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across a ten-year climate record.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for Grand CanyonOther 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.