Is Zion too cold in December?

Winters in Zion National Park are cold and often wet. Temperatures can range from highs of 50-60°F during the day to lows well below freezing at night. Nearly half of the annual precipitation in Zion Canyon falls between the months of December and March.



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In the winter months, Zion is often a place of solitude and beauty with less visitors resulting in quieter trails and less expensive accommodation. The trade-off is cooler temperatures and the prospect of weather-related trail closures.

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December-March But there are a few benefits to visiting this time of year, including fewer tourists and lower nightly rates at area hotels. Plus, visitors with cars have the opportunity to enjoy the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is closed to private vehicles from March to November when the park shuttle is operating.

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You can hike the trail year-round, but due to the chilly water conditions in the winter, you will find less people than you would in the summer. Thankfully, if you decide to venture into The Narrows in the winter, a dry suit from Zion Adventure Co. will keep you nice and toasty throughout the hike.

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This trail is extremely dangerous during icy or snowy conditions. Check conditions before you hike and prepare accordingly. If parking at the Grotto and along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is full you may need to park at a nearby trailhead, or return later when parking is available.

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Weather in December The average temperature for Zion Canyon is a high of 53 and a low of 30 degrees Fahrenheit (12/-1 degrees Celsius). In Kolob Canyons, the average temperature is a high of 50 and a low of 26 degrees Fahrenheit (10/-3 degrees Celsius). On average, it rains or snows for six days in December.

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Ideally, you need at least two to three days to visit Zion National Park. This gives you enough time to hike the longer, more popular trails, such as Angels Landing and the Narrows, and you can also add in a few of the shorter, easier trails, such as the Riverside Walk and Canyon Overlook.

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December: As winter begins creeping in, the Joshua Tree area sees average high temperatures of 60°F and lows of 40°F (and keep in mind that many nights will dip below freezing). Snow and ice can occur in Joshua Tree and the surrounding areas of the desert in December.

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The Worst Times to Visit Zion National Park Some might like the solitude and isolated feel of the park during the quietest months, but traveling to Zion in the winter can be a challenge. Think temperatures below freezing at night, roads occasionally covered in snow, and limited park access.

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Bryce Canyon National Park is open year-round. In winter, the visitor center has reduced hours and is closed on holidays. Check the park's website or call to find out about current conditions and closures. Roads, trails, overlooks and other areas may close due to hazardous conditions, and some are closed all winter.

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Most people hike The Narrows in the summer and early fall when the water tends to be at its warmest and the water level drops. However, life-threatening flash floods are possible at any time and are common during the monsoon season.

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In preparation for this hike, many people decide to rent specialized gear like canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, walking sticks, waterproof pants, and even full zip-up dry suits. While this gear can be absolutely essential during winter and early spring, it can be a little overkill during the warmer summer months.

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In the early spring and late fall months, neoprene socks, pants or bib overalls, or a wetsuit may be necessary to hike in the river. Average spring and fall water temperatures range from 41° to 53° Fahrenheit (5° to 12° Celsius). Winter: A neoprene wetsuit or dry suit with warm layers may be needed.

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Angels Landing is known as one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. The summit is over a thousand feet off the valley floor and has no guard rails. People have hurt themselves, and even fallen to their deaths, so this is a trail to take seriously.

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With moderate elevation gain and a relatively limited mileage, the Angels Landing hike is in some ways beginner friendly. However, the Chains Section will be too intimidating for most beginners or anyone who struggles with vertigo or a fear of heights.

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