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Zion · December
December is a good time to visit Zion — quieter than November, about as busy as January.
Expect moderate crowds (5/10), highs near 52°F, and about 9.6 hours of daylight.
Crowd score
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
December draws about 5% of Zion’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Zion NP
What's open
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
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 →Do not submerge your head in or filter drinking water from still or moving water.
Details on nps.gov →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 →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 →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
Alternatives
FAQ
December rates 5/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Zion National Park — about 46% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 242,997.
In December, Zion averages a high of 52°F and a low of 29°F, with about 1.4 inches of precipitation.
Entrance to Zion costs $35 ($35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days).
A reservation may be required: 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). Confirm current requirements on nps.gov before you visit.
Zion is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
In mid-December, Zion gets about 9.6 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:39 AM and sunset around 4:15 PM.