Canyonlands · December
Canyonlands in December
December is one of the best times to visit Canyonlands — quieter than November, busier than January.
Expect light crowds (2/10), highs near 42°F, about 9.5 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 17% 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 3% of Canyonlands’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
- 42°F
- Avg low
- 18°F
- Precipitation
- 0.6"
- Sunrise
- 7:29 AM
- Sunset
- 5:00 PM
- Daylight
- 9.5h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CANYONLANDS-THE NEEDLES, UT US
What's open
Canyonlands in December: access
Canyonlands National Park is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Park Closure
White Rim Road CLOSED AND IMPASSABLE
Due to recent rains and flooding, there is a rockfall, cutbanks, washouts, mud and standing water causing IMPASSABLE conditions on the White Rim. The western side of the White Rim Road (From Mineral Bottom to West of White Crack Junction) is CLOSED to all traffic through at least October 20 2026. Visitors can still drive to White Crack on the eastern side of the White Rim, but a full loop is not possible at this time.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Trip-planning tips for 2026
Planning to visit Canyonlands this year? To ensure the best experience, please anticipate potentially long wait times at the entrance station. If overlook or 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.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Canyonlands crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Canyonlands in December
How busy is Canyonlands in December?
December rates 2/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Canyonlands National Park — about 17% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 20,296.
What is the weather like at Canyonlands in December?
In December, Canyonlands averages a high of 42°F and a low of 18°F, with about 0.6 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Canyonlands?
Entrance to Canyonlands costs $30 (Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all its occupants.).
When is Canyonlands least crowded?
Canyonlands is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Canyonlands get in December?
In mid-December, Canyonlands gets about 9.5 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:29 AM and sunset around 5:00 PM.