Travel Guide For Visiting Utah in December

If you’re wondering what it’s like visiting Utah in December, we’ve written this guide that includes where to go, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay.

When looking for places to visit in Utah in the month of December, it’s important to know the expected weather you may encounter this time of year.

travel guide for Utah in December

December weather and temperatures will vary between Northern and Southern Utah, with those in the south about 10 degrees warmer. Keep in mind the higher elevation temperatures will be cooler than the average by 10 to 20 degrees.

There are fun places to visit in Utah in the winter like exploring the National and State Parks. You can also still do many outdoor activities like hiking, biking, scenic drives, and photography. But you’ll need to be prepared for cold temperatures and the possibility of snow!

Utah packing lists for spring summer fall and winter
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A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks

Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!

Northern and Southern Utah in December

The state of Utah is usually divided into two regions: northern and southern.

Northern Utah:

Salt Lake City and Park City are the largest cities in Northern Utah. You’ll find vibrant main streets and downtown centers with nightlife, festivals, historic buildings and performing arts. 

Northern Utah is also home to mountains, forests, lakes and reservoirs where you can snowshoe, snow ski, snowmobile, and ice fish during the winter. 

Southern Utah:

Driving from the north to Southern Utah you’ll pass small towns with limited services.

Take note where the various Utah vacation spots are located around the state. A drive from Salt Lake City to any of the National Parks in the south can take 4 to 5 hours.

You’ll find all 5 Utah National Parks in Central and Southern Utah. In December the crowds begin to diminish, except for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. The 5 National Parks will be busy so try to avoid that time if you can.

Be prepared with winter clothing like waterproof layers and shoes when visiting in December.

Before heading out to explore the park, check with the visitor center for updated conditions. During the winter hiking trails may close, or may require traction devices due to ice.

There’s an equally stunning list of Utah State Parks and National Monuments around the state to hike, bike, and off-road.

Utah Weather in December

Average temperature in Northern Utah (Salt Lake City): highs 39 / lows 27 degrees F. The average December snowfall in the Northern part of Utah:

  • Salt Lake City – 7 days / 12.1 inches
  • Logan – 8.5 days / 15.8 inches
  • Provo – 5.7 days / 11.2 inches
  • Alta – 14 days / 79.8 inches
  • Park City – 9.3 days / 31.1 inches

Average temperature in Southern Utah (St. George): highs 63 / lows 40 degrees F. The average December snowfall in the Southern part of Utah:

  • Moab (Arches/Canyonlands) – 2 days / 3.5 inches
  • Bryce Canyon – 5.7 days / 15.3 inches
  • Capitol Reef – 1.8 days / 2.2 inches
  • Cedar City – 5.5 days / 13.2 inches
  • Zion – 0.6 days / 1.7 inches
  • St. George – 0.1 days / 0 inches

It’s important to know the expected weather forecast and temperatures for the parks you’ll visit in December so we’ve written detailed guides for each National Park in Utah:

Remember to stay hydrated and use sun protection, even in the winter months. If you’ll be doing any outdoor activities, we recommend the following:

Is December a Good Time to Visit Utah?

One of the best times to visit Utah is December. In the north you can enjoy winter activities like snow skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

In the south you can still enjoy activities like hiking and biking because “most of the time”, the weather isn’t snowy and daytime temperatures aren’t too cold.

The one exception is Bryce Canyon National Park. Due to it’s elevation, the weather and temperatures are more aligned to what you’d experience in the northern part of the state. Expect snow, cold temperatures, and winter activities.

Yes, it does snow in the southern parts of Utah, but it doesn’t usually stay on the ground too long so you can enjoy all those fun outdoor activities without crowds or heat!

Park City Utah in the winter
Park City, Utah in the winter

Things to Do in Utah in December

If you’re planning a trip in December, here’s a fun list of things to do and places to visit in Utah.

December Winter Activities in Utah

balanced rock with snow at Arches
Balanced Rock with snow at Arches National Park

Utah National Parks in December

All of the Utah National Parks are open year-round, and every single day in December. The Visitor Center at all five parks will have shortened hours in December, and they will be closed on Christmas Day.

Some of the National Parks in Utah now have permits to enter or do certain activities, so be sure to check about reservations required when determining the best time to visit Utah National Parks.

We’ve written specific guides about visiting Utah National Parks in December:

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in the winter
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in the winter

Utah State Parks in December

Check out this list of Utah State Parks where you can enjoy hiking, biking, climbing, photography, and stargazing. Here are a few of our favorite State Parks in Utah to visit in December:

hiking trails at Bryce Canyon in December
Hiking trails at Bryce Canyon in December

Hiking in Utah in December

In December you can enjoy snowshoeing in northern Utah and hiking in southern Utah. You may need traction devices on trails that are icy.

There are plenty of trails that offer a variety of different terrains all around the state at National parks, State parks, National forests, and Wilderness areas.

Check out these fun Utah hiking ideas:

Zion national park winter
Zion Scenic Drive in the winter

Utah Scenic Drives in December

In December the Utah scenic drives in the lower elevations around the state are open to explore – here’s a list of the ones we recommend: 

mesa arch in the winter with snow
Mesa Arch in the winter with snow

Utah Photography in December

Winter is a good time of year to photograph snowy landscapes and forests in Northern Utah.

In Southern Utah the contrast of snow with the red sandstone cliffs is stunning. We always hope for a bit of snow when we visit the Utah National Parks.

In December the sunrise and sunset times aren’t too early or too late:

Here’s a list of our favorite year-round photography spots in Utah:

We highly recommend rechargeable hand warmers and photographer gloves for those cold early morning sunrise outings!

Utah National Parks photography guides bundle optin box

Utah Stargazing in December

You won’t find a better location than Utah for stargazing! Did you know that Utah has the highest concentration of certified International Dark Sky Parks in the world!?

We definitely recommend you take time to view the night skies during your vacation. And better yet, photograph the milky way at these Utah locations!

Northern Utah Stargazing Locations:

Southern Utah Stargazing Locations:

Utah Travel Guides & Maps

Utah guides and maps

Utah Vacation Ideas

Places to Stay in Utah

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