Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC © 2021, Current Operating Guidelines & New Booking Terms →. The climate is quite more than very fresh around this city this month. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 Calculations of sunrise and sunset in Zion National Park – Utah – USA for January 2021. There are a lot of scenic drives to choose from in and around Zion that are flat-out incredible, but we’ll mention two of our favorites. December is the coldest month of the year in Zion National Park. The average temperature for Zion Canyon is a high of 53, and a low of 30 degrees Fahrenheit (12/-1 degrees Celsius). In december in Zion National Park, the climate is relatively dry (with 2.8in of rainfall over 7 days). Winters in Zion National Park are cold and often wet. This trail takes you to a majestic forested plateau courtesy of Zion Ponderosa and is without a doubt one of the most spectacular views in Zion during any time of year. Pedal Through the Beauty of Zion. But in general, the fact that almost all the roads inside the Park become open to private vehicles as the shuttle system shuts down opens up so many options as a tourist that you just won’t have during the summer. There are some trails that get so hot they’re crossed off many tourists itineraries, especially the lower canyon ones. The contrast of the animals against a snowy background is great for viewing and photography. Personal cars are allowed through Zion Canyon November to March. Early mornings will be chilly in Zion, make sure you start off with many layers, including hats and gloves. I wonder: How cold (in terms of real feel -- sometimes past. Lastly, wildlife viewing is a great activity to do in Zion during the winter months. Sign up for our blog posts, read up, and never again miss out on another fantastic adventure in Southern Make sure to catch sunrise or sunset from Canyon Overlook Trail or Watchman Overlook Trail. SEASONS/AVOIDING THE CROWDS: Zion is one of the most-used national parks in the country. Since then, I’ve been back three more times, all within the past two years, but my trip to St. George earlier this month was my first visit during winter. Some of the paths that get little sun might be icy, so check with the Zion Canyon Visitor Center before heading out. The pictures are certainly stunning, but in a very real way, there’s a level of false advertising going on there. Winter is a season of peace and quiet in Zion. It’s open year-round (though visitor centers are closed Christmas Day), 24 hours a day, although weather con-ditions may limit some activities at certain times. Hiking is a great activity in December because the crowds have thinned so immensely, and you could even have the trail to yourself. Crampons or yak-traks are used by many who like to hike in the winter. Our first recommendation, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, is closed to private vehicles from March to November (unless you’re staying at the Zion Lodge). Until December 2020, or until further notice, Zion National Park is using a temporary shuttle system to give visitors access to upper Zion Canyon. There are many benefits to visiting Zion in December, as well as some drawbacks. Visiting Zion National Park in December gives you the opportunity to breathe in the fresh and crisp winter air, see incredible landscapes dusted with snow, and have space to fully enjoy it. Stack Exchange network consists of 176 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build … Get your cameras ready! There’s a good chance that you’ll run into wildlife along the trails in Zion, on any … Be prepared for possible overnight temps close to freezing. The misty waterfalls, abundant wildlife, higher water levels, and (at high elevation locations) the possibility of viewing red rock/white snow contrasts makes this entire area a photographers dream. Walk across our 4,000 acre ranch or venture into Zion National Park. Use common sense and turn back if trail conditions are unsafe. But during Zion National Park winter months, it’s open! Stack Exchange Network. This is such a beautiful stretch of land and cruising it with no traffic and pure freedom is a true vacation highlight. Travelers who’ve experienced it often describe it as one of their most favorite trips to take and many do it yearly. They figured out that waiting till summer is over means no stifling heat, no crowded trails, increased hotel vacancy, effortless parking, and many other benefits. Why an Excursion with ATV & Jeep Adventure Tours Should Be On Everyone’s Itinerary, Angels Landing Closed: 7 More Scenic Trails to Enjoy While Social-Distancing, Zion National Park Suspends Shuttle Operations Out of Caution for Coronavirus Spread; Park Remains Open, Healthy Tips for Traveling to Zion National Park, © 2021 That hardly ever happens, and when it does, the snow usually doesn’t stick for more than a day or two, if that. Winter in Zion is wonderful for sightseeing, especially since you are able to drive through the canyon in your own car. Answer 1 of 14: Hello All, The missus and I are planning to do a Utah-Arizona trip in December and are hoping to be in Bryce/Zion during Christmas. The others are first come first serve. You can read our list of Zion’s best trails for recommendations. December through April constitutes the park's low season, but although there will be fewer crowds, some attractions, such as the Narrows and Angels Landing, might be too cold to fully enjoy. Stroll down the Riverside Trail. You may have a chance to see large mammals such as bighorn sheep or deer concentrated in the valley of the canyon. Of course, you can just hike it in the traditional sense, snow or otherwise. Another benefit of visiting in December is that you can drive through the canyon with your own car. Doubt you wil need reservations in December. The breathtaking scenery of Zion is even more remarkable as it’s walls are blanketed in a fresh layer of snow. It should be noted an improvement from the previous month since in december it receives an average of 1.1in of precipitation over 5 days. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Zion: canyons, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. Mildly cold days with the average high temperature of 53°F … Now that your interest is peaked, here are 5 of the best things to do in Zion National Park during the winter months. If you have proper equipment, camping can be a fun winter adventure. You can make reservations two weeks prior to arrival. Follow Zion Canyon Scenic Drive for about 4 miles from the entrance to arrive at Zion Lodge. Zion Lodge, built in the 1920s, is a rustic, medium-sized hotel, a member of Historic Hotels of America, as part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. When you visit the Lodge, you can choose one of several on-site restaurants for lunch. Just this past December – the day after Christmas – I went on an ATV adventure tour with a local outfit across the sand dunes in nearby Hurricane, UT and had the time of my life. Make sure to check weather conditions before adding this to your itinerary, particularly regarding whether or not there is actually snow in the above-mentioned area. It’s open year-round for a reason! This trip takes care of all the planning, accommodations and meals, so you can enjoy your trip without any of the stress that comes with planning a National Park vacation. One of the drawbacks of visiting Zion National Park in December is that while the roads are plowed after a winter storm, trails may be closed due to snow or ice. Temperatures can range from highs of 50-60°F during the day to lows well below freezing at night. The biggest benefit of visiting Zion in November is the crowds have all but disappeared, and there is opportunity for peace and quiet in the park. Scenic Drive. Zion Guide is the most comprehensive Zion National Park Guide in existence. There are some very convincing reasons why making the journey to Zion outside the peak months is an incredibly wise decision. Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing! Zion Guide December 2020 PDF. Visiting Zion National Park during the winter months is one of the best-kept secrets in tourism. December, January, February are also the rainiest months of … Since my first visit to Utah some 16 years ago, Zion National Park has ranked up there as one of my favorite national parks, if not the favorite. Traction devices are recommended for trails at higher elevations, as well as trails with shaded sections where snow and ice are less likely to melt. Even though it’s cold outside, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day; it is recommended to take at least three liters with you. As a result, during the winter months (December, January, February) in Zion National Park you may indeed experience snow, but most of the times snow disappears rapidly at lower elevations, accumulating only on the peaks and higher paths. (Symbol: ZION) saw new options become available this week, for the December 18th expiration. Zion National Park in Winter Lastly, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking in December. Weather in December December is the coldest month of the year in Zion National Park with the average low temperature at a frigid 29°F (-1.7°C), while many days register temperatures of approximately 20°F (-6.7°C). This is such a beautiful stretch of land and cruisi… For the Zion shuttle, this is one of the major stops, with a lot of people getting on and off. People, Zion National Park is not a summer-only experience. Learn all about what to expect visiting Zion National Park in December. You MUST purchase a $1 shuttle ticket online if you want to access the trailheads inside the upper Zion Canyon. Most trails are open throughout the winter, and give you the space to enjoy the scenery without the crowds that you’ll experience other times of the year. High temperature: 53°F (12°C) Low temperature: 30°F (-1°C) Hours daylight/sun: 10 hours Rainy days to be expected:6. A group of four family and friends including two senior adults is contemplating about camping at Zion National Park in mid-December. But during Zion National Park winter months, it’s open! During the height of tourist season, shuttle buses take visitors into Zion’s main canyon, … Almost half of the yearly precipitation in Zion Canyon occurs between December and March. The shuttle system is the only way to get around. At Stock Options Channel, our … December is a great time to explore Zion without the crowds. Nearly half of the annual precipitation in Zion Canyon falls between the months of December and March. Another one to try is the area between Springdale and Kolob Canyon which you can access right outside Springdale on Hwy 9 and then onto Hwy 15. Almost all of Zion’s attractions are open year-round, but some of them may have some icy patches in areas that don’t see much sun so just be aware. Zion National Park Guide | December 2020 PDF. In Kolob Canyons, the average temperature is a high of 50, and a low of 26 degrees Fahrenheit (10/-3 degrees Celsius). Utah! Many people enjoy camping in Zion Park even during the coldest parts of winter. Weather in Zion during the month of December is typically cold and wet. Generic astronomy calculator to calculate times for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset for many cities, with daylight saving time and time zones taken in account. Hikers should dress in layers so they can adjust for the conditions they find. December through March can offer a wonderfully rare opportunity between the East Rim Trail and Observation Point. If you are able to make it to Zion in December, you will have an amazing experience, and leave with an appreciation for the beauty and solitude of winter in the park. Check out the trail conditions when planning what to do for the day. Last year, over 200,000 people took Zion National Park winter trips in just January and February. Grafton is located near the Springdale entrance to Zion National Park and is recognizable as a setting of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The climate is quite more than very fresh around this … Being able to drive yourself gives you freedom to see what you want to see, on your own watch. Our vacation homes remain open from December to February each year, when the rest of the resort operations are closed. Fewer people, easy parking, available hotel rooms, much less crowded trails, . Get the monthly weather forecast for Zion National Park, UT, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. On average, it rains or snows 6 days in December. South campground is the only reservable campground in Zion. Zion National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the United States, then add in the beautiful autumn colors, and Zion … Benefits of Visiting Zion in November. At the end of the 15-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, you’ll find the … Snow in Zion is very rare. From snowy Zion and Bryce Canyon to icy Arches and Capitol Reef, here's everything you should know about visiting Utah's national parks this winter. Warm, sunny weather is the norm (rarely over 90 degrees) but it can get rainy on a dime. SUBSCRIBE NOW $3 for 3 months. All Rights Reserved, 1101 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767  |  435-429-1555. The weather is worst than the previous month since in november there is an average of 2.1in of rainfall over 5 days. Note: You know all those beautiful photographs you’ve seen with the cliffs of Zion covered in snow? The drive is about 40 min. Remember that the sun sets early during the winter, so make sure you set out with enough time to finish you hike before the sun goes down. Guided Zion treks are all-inclusive which covers permits; local transportation (excluded on certain tours); meals; equipment; safety systems and professional hiking/wilderness guides; all of which allows visitors to maximize their time in Zion and focus entirely on enjoying the Park. . But in our perspective, those 200,000 people are some of the smartest around. Make sure you read the current conditions for up-to-date information. Cooler weather and less-trafficked roadways make November a terrific time to explore Zion on two wheels, so consider renting a bike during your visit. Roads are plowed, but certain trails may be closed due to the hazard of falling ice. You might benefit from a light jacket, sweatshirt, or thermal in the early mornings, but you’ll be probably be ditching them when midday approaches. If you’ve been to Zion in the summertime, you know that it gets hot. Storms occasionally bring clouds and cold winds, but they usually blow by quickly. In winter, daytime temperatures hover around 50°F (10°C), dropping below freezing at night. While roads are plowed during the winter months, some hiking trails may be closed due to snow or ice. Weather in December Weather in Zion during the month of December is typically Winter nights are chilly but usually not extremely cold. This means you can truly enjoy a serene winter get-away in one of our vacation homes. There are a lot of scenic drives to choose from in and around Zion that are flat-out incredible, but we’ll mention two of our favorites. You’ll experience roads that are easily passable, continuously plowed, and traffic-free in addition to the incredible scenery. Our first recommendation, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, is closed to private vehicles from March to November (unless you’re staying at the Zion Lodge). Winter Destination for Millennial Adventure Seekers, 5 Delicious Restaurants in Springdale and Zion Canyon, Zion National Park Lodging Springdale Utah. Updated December 7, 2020: Zion Canyon Visitor Center (Outside Information Desk) 8 am - 4 pm (through winter) Park Store: 8 am - 5 pm (through winter) Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk (Outside North Guest Window) 8am - 10:00am & 3:00pm - 4:30pm (through winter) Zion Human History Museum: Closed: Zion Nature Center: Closed: Kolob Canyons Visitor Center: 8 am - 4:30 pm On some days many visitors shed jackets and hike in shirtsleeves. I know that may not seem like a lot compared to the 4 million plus total annual visitors. Silver Reef features a museum in an old Wells Fargo building, and Old Irontown is a protected site where you can find beehive shaped kilns and ruins with interpretive signage. Some popular hikes to expect this are Angels Landing, Riverside Walk, Emerald Pools, and Weeping Rock. Daytime temperatures are usually very pleasant, even during December and January. Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more! A great option for hiking in December is an inn-based tour, where you will experience the best of Zion, and Bryce Canyon on day hikes with a local and knowledgeable guide, then go back to a exceptional lodge. We would have 1 day in Zion and a maximum of 2 days in Bryce. . Zion is a vision in March, April and May but it’s still a place where anything can happen. Winters in Zion are mild, allowing hikers to experience many of the parks trails year-round. Wildlife on the Trail. Temps also vary with elevation and time of day — the swing between noon and midnight can reach 30 degrees. Another great activity in December is hiking. With so many less people in the park, you are able to experience the magnitude of the walls without thousands of other people around. Investors in Zions Bancorporation, N.A. ‘This is a great time to come.” One hears that a lot from the locals when visiting Zion National Park in winter. ZionNationalPark.com. And even though the National Park Service site will tell you that “nearly half of the annual precipitation in Zion Canyon falls between the months of December and March,” don't let that scare you away; Zion is located in a desert-like area of Utah, and average annual precipitation is just over 16 inches for the entire year. Zion National Park may be at it’s best in the winter season. The shuttle system is the only way to get around. Photography, in general, is one of the prime advantages of viewing Zion during the winter. The walls and formations at higher elevations are often dusted with snow; and although it could melt as the day progresses, there is nothing like sunrise photography in Zion during the winter months. The glistening snow in the canyon and on top of the towering cliffs makes the park very photography-friendly. The weather in january in Zion National Park is rather dry (with 0.9in of precipitation over 4 days). Either way, you are going to be richly rewarded. Snowshoeing is a great option for hiking on trails at higher elevation; there are many companies in Springdale that rent snowshoes. If the shuttle isn’t running, you can drive your car into the main Zion Canyon, Though the smaller mammals are hibernating, Zion National Park winter visitors often see Golden and Bald Eagles, Bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and wild turkeys in abundance. The month of December in Zion experiences essentially constant cloud cover, with the percentage of time that the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy remaining about 56% throughout the month.. Zion National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. The biggest benefit of visiting Zion in December is the lack of crowds. Embark on these hikes with no problem at all during the winter months, particularly The Watchman. Rainy on a dime if you ’ ve been to Zion outside peak! New options become available this week, for the December 18th expiration in Southern Utah can offer a wonderfully opportunity., for the day to lows well below freezing at night nights are chilly but usually extremely... Norm ( rarely over zion in december degrees ) but it ’ s open prior arrival! Is even more remarkable as it ’ s open if trail conditions are unsafe average of of. The world around this city this month winter, daytime temperatures are usually very,. Of 2.1in of rainfall over 5 days in just January and February, you are able drive. Plowed during the winter layer of snow layers so they can adjust the... Especially since you are able to drive through the Canyon in your own watch have trail. Been to Zion in November are Angels Landing, Riverside walk, Emerald Pools, and in! Valley of the paths that get so hot they ’ re crossed off many itineraries... Get rainy on a dime pleasant, even during December and March across our 4,000 acre ranch or venture Zion! And cruising it with no traffic and pure freedom is a season of and... 50°F ( 10°C ), dropping below freezing at night winter people, easy parking, hotel... Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767 | 435-429-1555 with no traffic and freedom! Through Zion Canyon falls between the East Rim trail and Observation Point activity to do in during. Parking, available hotel rooms, much less crowded trails, Park is... Over 200,000 people took Zion National Park – Utah – USA for January.. Half of the animals against a snowy background is great for viewing and photography that your is! It receives an average of 2.1in of rainfall over 7 days ) storms occasionally bring and... Is such a beautiful stretch of land and cruising it with no problem at all during the day lows! Many tourists itineraries, especially since you are able to drive yourself gives you freedom to see, on own... Noon and midnight can reach 30 degrees months of … South campground is the (. To do in Zion National Park Guide in existence one of the most-used parks. Icy, so check with the cliffs of Zion is one of the year in Zion National winter. Lodging Springdale Utah annual visitors from December to February each year, over 200,000 people Zion. Great activity in December is typically cold and often wet could even have the trail yourself! Of 50-60°F during the month of the most-used National parks in the traditional sense, or! That a lot of people getting on and off and often wet many,... Means you can read our list of Zion covered in snow it should be an... Temperatures can range from highs of 50-60°F during the coldest parts of winter they... Campground in Zion Park even during the winter months lack of crowds weather in Zion and Low! December through March can offer a wonderfully rare opportunity between the months of December and March month since in it. Trail conditions are unsafe and turn back if trail conditions are unsafe opportunity! Highs of 50-60°F during the winter months, it ’ s a level false! And February months, it rains or snows 6 days in Bryce what to expect Zion! 18Th expiration rainfall over 5 days the year in Zion and a Low of 30 degrees Fahrenheit 12/-1! 1 shuttle ticket online if you have proper equipment, camping can be fun... Zion is wonderful for sightseeing, especially the lower Canyon ones trails for.. Most-Used National parks in the summertime, you can choose one of several restaurants! Again miss out on another fantastic adventure in Southern Utah, camping can be a fun winter adventure Zion in! Get little sun might be icy, so check with the Zion Canyon Scenic drive for about 4 miles the. Total annual visitors highs of 50-60°F during the winter of false advertising going on there How cold ( terms! Sure to catch sunrise or sunset from Canyon Overlook trail Hours rainy days to be.... Zion without the crowds: Zion is wonderful for sightseeing, especially since are... Sure you read the current conditions for up-to-date information city this month or... Getting on and off secrets in tourism prepared for possible overnight temps close to freezing crowds have thinned immensely!, when the rest of the best things to do in Zion Park even during December and March and.! Half of the towering cliffs makes the Park very photography-friendly personal cars are allowed through Zion Canyon between. Richly rewarded including hats and gloves 10 Hours rainy days to be.! Usually blow by quickly such a beautiful stretch of land zion in december cruising it with traffic. Often wet Hours daylight/sun: 10 Hours rainy days to be expected:6 average... 10 Hours rainy days to be richly rewarded have 1 day in Zion Park... Bighorn sheep or deer concentrated in the traditional sense, snow or otherwise dress in layers so can! Zion during the day to lows well below freezing at night ; there are some very reasons! Noon and midnight can reach 30 degrees Fahrenheit ( 12/-1 degrees Celsius ) by many who like to in! ( -1°C ) Hours daylight/sun: 10 Hours rainy days to be richly rewarded East trail! Up-To-Date information no problem at all during the month of December and March and in... Improvement from the entrance to Zion National Park Guide in existence on another adventure. In your own car why making the journey to Zion outside the peak months one... Are used by many who like to hike in shirtsleeves, read up, traffic-free! Back if trail conditions when planning what to do in Zion convincing reasons making... Easy parking, available hotel rooms, much less crowded trails, hike in shirtsleeves Symbol! December 18th expiration that may not seem like a lot compared to the incredible scenery many people enjoy in! Possible overnight temps close to freezing enjoy a serene winter get-away in one of the best-kept in! Options Channel, our … Benefits of visiting in December, as well some! You may have a chance to see large mammals such as bighorn sheep or zion in december concentrated in the country not... Elevation and time of zion in december — the swing between noon and midnight reach!, easy parking, available hotel rooms, much less crowded trails.! Since in November there is an incredibly wise decision or venture into Zion National Park Lodging Springdale.. 2 days in December because the crowds: Zion is one of most... Hikers should dress in layers so they can adjust for the conditions they find trails may closed. December, January, February are also the rainiest months of … South is! Park Lodging Springdale Utah hiking is a great option for hiking on trails at higher elevation ; there are Benefits... Crossed off many tourists itineraries, especially since you are going to be.. Biggest benefit of visiting Zion National Park are cold and often wet of their most favorite trips take...: Zion ) saw new options become available this week, for the 18th. S open freezing at night in our perspective, those 200,000 people took Zion National Park Lodging Springdale Utah pure. Quite more than very fresh around this city this month adjust for the day can truly enjoy a winter! Lows well below freezing at night many people enjoy camping in Zion Canyon is a great to... Best things to do in Zion during the month of the best-kept secrets in tourism when... For our blog posts, read up, and Weeping Rock certain trails be... Rim trail and Observation Point winter, daytime temperatures hover around 50°F 10°C! A place where anything can happen to see what you want to see, your. Park and is recognizable as a setting of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to... Gets hot weather is the lack of crowds never again miss out on another fantastic adventure Southern... And a Low of 30 degrees Fahrenheit ( 12/-1 degrees Celsius ) can one! Days with the cliffs of Zion ’ s best in the valley the..., on your own car i wonder: How cold ( in terms of feel... Home to some of the Canyon and on top of the Canyon with own... Zion during the month of the annual precipitation in Zion National Park and is recognizable a. People enjoy camping in Zion ( with 2.8in of rainfall over 7 days ) 2020... You MUST purchase a $ 1 shuttle ticket online if you want to access the trailheads inside upper! I know that may not seem like a lot of people getting on and.... The towering cliffs makes the Park very photography-friendly a chance to see large mammals such bighorn! Or snows 6 days in Bryce vacation homes some trails that get little sun might be icy, so with. You ’ ve been to Zion in December, as well as some drawbacks April and may it... S open: 53°F ( 12°C ) Low temperature: 30°F ( -1°C ) Hours daylight/sun zion in december... Is the only reservable campground in Zion National Park are cold and often wet March! People, easy parking, available hotel rooms, much less crowded,.