Moab in December: A 12-Part Series

Planning a trip to Moab in December means dealing with a desert that changes fast from season to season. Weather, crowd levels, trail conditions, and even park rules can look completely different depending on when you visit. This 12-Part Series breaks down what Moab is really like month by month so you can plan with confidence instead of guesswork.

Below you’ll find practical details on weather, what’s open, photography conditions, and how these factors shape your time in the parks. Whether you’re chasing sunrise light in Arches or heading out for longer hikes in Canyonlands, this month-specific guide gives you a clear picture of what to expect and how to make the most of your trip.

Moab in December

Moab in December returns to quiet, winter light, and the possibility of snow on red rock. For photographers and adventurous travelers who do not mind the cold, Moab in December feels like another world compared with the spring and fall crowds.

Weather in December

Average highs are in the low 40s °F, with lows around 18 to 22 °F. Snowfall is modest but possible, especially around solstice and into late December.

Daylength is at its shortest, with late sunrises and early sunsets that make a full day of shooting much less exhausting than in summer.

• Hiking: Cold but often crisp and clear, with icy sections in shade.
• Driving: Paved roads are generally plowed quickly after storms, but can stay slick.
• Photography: Soft light nearly all day, with long blue and golden hours.

What’s Open in December

Winter operations are similar to January.

• Arches: Open 24 hours, usually without timed entry requirements in December. Main roads and trails remain open, with short term closures after storms.
• Canyonlands: Open year round. Visitor centers move to limited hours or winter closures, but the parks remain accessible. Paved roads may close briefly during or after storms.
• Dead Horse Point and town: State park remains open. Moab businesses shift into winter mode, with some restaurants and outfitters closed and others operating on limited hours.

Crowd Levels in December

Moab in December is quiet, aside from short spikes around holiday periods.

• Early and mid December can feel nearly empty on many trails.
• Christmas and New Year weeks bring a modest bump in visitors, but nothing like spring or fall crowds.

Photo Plan for Moab in December

December is a gift for winter light lovers.

Key December subjects

1. Snow dusted red rock and canyons
   • Even a light snowfall transforms familiar scenes into fresh compositions.
2. Low sun angle all day
   • You can shoot detailed landscapes without the harsh overhead light that dominates summer.
3. Clear, cold night skies
   • The Milky Way core is not visible, but bright winter constellations and star trails over rock formations are stunning.

Daylight plan for Moab in December

• Sunrise:
  • Later sunrise times mean easier early missions.
  • Windows, Park Avenue, or Dead Horse Point are ideal.
• Daytime:
  • Use the soft light to explore Devils Garden, Canyonlands overlooks, and Dead Horse Point.
  • Photograph subtle color shifts in snow, rock, and sky throughout the day.
• Sunset:
  • Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, Dead Horse Point, or Grand View Point.
  • Blue hour is long and rich, perfect for long exposures.
• Night:
  • Focus on star trails and constellations at Balanced Rock, Windows, or Island in the Sky viewpoints.

Recommended gear

• Wide, midrange, and telephoto lenses
• Tripod and remote release
• Extra batteries kept warm in inner pockets
• Lens cloths for condensation when moving between cold outdoors and warmer cars

Sample 3-Day Itinerary for December

Packing and Gear List for December

• Full winter clothing and traction as outlined above
• Thermos, hot drinks, and high calorie snacks
• Chemical hand warmers for you and for camera batteries
• Emergency blanket and extra clothing in the car

Safety and Road Conditions in December

• Road conditions can change quickly with snow and ice. Check NPS alerts and Utah road reports before heading into the parks.
• Trails can be deceptively icy in shaded sections. Use traction devices and trekking poles for security.
• Cold and wind can lead to hypothermia even on sunny days. Carry extra layers, including a windproof shell, and avoid long stops in exposed, windy areas.
• Always tell someone your itinerary and expected return time, especially when hiking or driving remote routes in winter.

Visit Moab in December

Visiting Moab in December comes with its own mix of challenges and rewards, and knowing what the month brings helps you travel smarter, safer, and with better photos to show for it. Use this guide as your starting point, then build an itinerary that matches your comfort level, the weather, and the type of adventure you want most.

If you’re still deciding when to visit, or you want to compare conditions across the seasons, check out the other articles in the series. Each guide breaks down the same key details so you can quickly see how the desert shifts from winter to spring, summer, and fall. Exploring a few different months will help you pick the perfect time for your next Moab trip.

If you’re still choosing the perfect season for your trip, take a look at the other guides in this series.