Zion · December
Zion in December
December is a good time to visit Zion — quieter than November, about as busy as January.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
A comfortable middle ground: some company on popular trails, but no gridlock.
About 46% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- 52°F
- Avg low
- 29°F
- Precipitation
- 1.4"
- Sunrise
- 6:39 AM
- Sunset
- 4:15 PM
- Daylight
- 9.6h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Zion NP
What's open
Zion in December: access
Open 24 hours daily; shuttle required in the canyon most of the year
No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Please park legally and responsibly in Zion National Park and the Town of Springdale
Zion has limited parking space. Park only in designated stalls. Vehicles parked outside of designated stalls are subject to citation and may be towed. Once all designated parking stalls in Zion are full, visitors should park in Springdale.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Toxic Cyanobacteria in the Virgin River and the streams of Zion National Park
Do not submerge your head in or filter drinking water from still or moving water.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program
Everyone who hikes Angels Landing needs to have a permit. Learn why you need a permit and how to get one. This requirement does not affect entering the park or riding the park shuttle (when it is running).
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Large vehicle restrictions now in effect for Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway
As of June 7, 2026, the park is enforcing size and weight limits for vehicles on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. Vehicles that exceed length, width, height, or weight limits cannot travel between Canyon Junction and the park's East Entrance. See the current limits on the page linked below.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Stage 2 fire restrictions in effect
No setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fires of any kind in the park. This includes campfires and charcoal fires in Watchman Campground, South Campground, and picnic areas in Zion Canyon. Stoves fueled by petroleum or liquid propane gas are allowed. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Zion crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Zion in December
How busy is Zion in December?
December rates 5/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Zion National Park — about 46% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 242,997.
What is the weather like at Zion in December?
In December, Zion averages a high of 52°F and a low of 29°F, with about 1.4 inches of precipitation.