Arches · December
Arches in December
December is a good time to visit Arches — quieter than November, about as busy as January.
Expect moderate crowds (4/10), highs near 45°F, and about 9.5 hours of daylight.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
A comfortable middle ground: some company on popular trails, but no gridlock.
About 38% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
December draws about 4% of Arches’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- 45°F
- Avg low
- 23°F
- Precipitation
- 0.6"
- Sunrise
- 7:29 AM
- Sunset
- 4:57 PM
- Daylight
- 9.5h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Moab
What's open
Arches in December: access
Open 24 hours; timed entry required most daytime hours in peak season
No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Trip-planning tips for 2026
Planning to visit Arches this year? To ensure the best experience, please anticipate potentially long wait times at the entrance station. If trailhead parking is full, plan to return a little later. Please avoid parking on vegetation and roadways to help preserve this beautiful place for everyone to enjoy.
- Information
Timed-entry reservations required
From April through October, a timed-entry ticket is required to drive into the park between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Arches crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Arches in December
How busy is Arches in December?
December rates 4/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Arches National Park — about 38% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 66,557.
What is the weather like at Arches in December?
In December, Arches averages a high of 45°F and a low of 23°F, with about 0.6 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Arches?
Entrance to Arches costs $30 ($30 per private vehicle, valid 7 days; timed-entry reservations Apr to Oct).
Do I need a reservation to visit Arches in December?
A reservation may be required: Timed-entry reservations required. From April through October, a timed-entry ticket is required to drive into the park between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Confirm current requirements on nps.gov before you visit.
When is Arches least crowded?
Arches is quietest in January and December. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Arches get in December?
In mid-December, Arches gets about 9.5 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:29 AM and sunset around 4:57 PM.