United States, North America

Grand Canyon in December

A snow-dusted canyon and near-empty viewpoints, except the week between Christmas and New Year.

Quiet valueCold, highs near 43F (6C), snow likely at times

Grand Canyon, United States — Grand CanyonPhoto: Tuxyso, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Grand Canyon. A snow-dusted canyon and near-empty viewpoints, except the week between Christmas and New Year.

Weather: Cold, highs near 43F (6C), snow likely at times
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What December is like in Grand Canyon

December is cold, with rim highs near 43F (6C), and snow is likely at times. A snow-dusted canyon and near-empty viewpoints make it a special time to visit. Prices are low and crowds are thin, except in the week between Christmas and New Year, when the South Rim gets busy. The North Rim is closed for winter.

It suits couples, photographers and families who want a quiet, wintry trip and pack properly. It is not the month for below-rim hiking without traction and experience. If you want comfortable hiking, plan for April or October instead.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Grand Canyon this month.

Snowy canyon views

Fresh snow on the red rock layers is a genuine highlight, not a compromise.

Drive Hermit Road again

From December 1, Hermit Road reopens to private cars, so you can visit the western viewpoints at your own pace.

Arrive by train

The Grand Canyon Railway runs year-round from Williams, a relaxing way to reach the rim without driving icy roads.

What to pack for December

An insulated jacket and warm layers
Microspikes or traction for icy paths
Waterproof boots
Gloves, a warm hat and a scarf

Our timing tip

Visit in the first three weeks of December for the emptiest rim, and check road conditions before driving after a storm.

Book Grand Canyon for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Grand Canyon
Opens a hotel search for Grand Canyon in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Grand Canyon
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Grand Canyon
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Grand Canyon for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Grand Canyon

Full guide

South Rim viewpoints along Hermit Road

Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from March 1 to November 30; ride the free shuttle to Hopi Point and Mohave Point for sunset.

Tickets and tours →

Desert View Watchtower

The Mary Colter-designed tower at the east end of the South Rim, 25 miles from the village and less crowded at sunrise.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Bright Angel Trail

The classic below-rim trail from the village. Turn around at a sensible point; the park strongly warns against hiking to the river and back in one day.

Tickets and tours →

South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point or Cedar Ridge

The best short below-rim view hike. Steep, exposed, and without water, so go early.

Tickets and tours →

Rafting the Colorado River

Multi-day trips run roughly April through October and book a year or more ahead with licensed outfitters.

Tickets and tours →

Grand Canyon Railway

Vintage train service from Williams to the South Rim, running year-round.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Be at a viewpoint for sunrise. The rim is nearly empty at dawn in every month, and the light is better than at sunset.
Enter through the East Entrance at Desert View rather than the South Entrance, where lines back up in summer mid mornings.
Visit November through February for the emptiest South Rim; snow on the canyon is a genuine highlight, not a compromise.
Stay inside the park or in Tusayan to avoid the drive from Flagstaff or Williams at peak entry times.

Know before you go

The South Rim, including the South Entrance and the East Entrance at Desert View, is open 24 hours a day, all year.
The North Rim traditionally operates from about mid May to mid October, with Highway 67 closing for winter snow. After the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge, the North Rim reopened for 2026 with its roads and viewpoints open but limited services and the North Kaibab Trail damaged; check the park's current North Rim status before you go.
Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from March 1 through November 30; use the free shuttle. In winter you can drive it.
Phantom Ranch and in-park lodging book through lotteries or far-ahead reservations; summer rim lodging often sells out many months in advance.

Grand Canyon in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Grand Canyon?

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Grand Canyon. A snow-dusted canyon and near-empty viewpoints, except the week between Christmas and New Year.

What is the weather like in Grand Canyon in December?

Cold, highs near 43F (6C), snow likely at times.

Is Grand Canyon crowded in December?

December is one of the quieter months in Grand Canyon; most sights can be done without long waits.