Capitol Reef in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 63/100 · #12 of 12 months

December is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Capitol Reef National Park: crowds run 15% of the May peak (32,488 average visits), days average 40°F with 9.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in December

Capitol Reef averages 32,488 recreation visits in December — 15% of what May, 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 40°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 21°F). It is typically dry (0.4″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.5 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CAPITOL REEF NP, UT US (8 mi from park coordinates, 5,500 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.

What to pack for Capitol Reef in December

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

• Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 21°F, below freezing
• Headlamp — only 9.5 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 Capitol Reef are February and March.

Common questions

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