Bryce Canyon in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 58/100 · #12 of 12 months

December is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Bryce Canyon National Park: crowds run 17% of the June peak (55,431 average visits), days average 37°F with 9.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in December

Bryce Canyon averages 55,431 recreation visits in December — 17% of what June, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Weather & daylight

It is properly cold (highs average 37°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 17°F). It is typically dry (1.3″ of precipitation). Normal snowfall is 15″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 9.6 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station BRYCE CANYON NP HQRS, UT US (0 mi from park coordinates, 7,890 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.

What to pack for Bryce Canyon in December

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 17°F
• Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 15″ normal snowfall
• Headlamp — only 9.6 hours of daylight in mid-December
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Bryce Canyon are March and April.

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-07-16