Visting in December Arizona vs Utah

Question

Hi,

we are thinking of visiting Arizona or Utah in December , Coming from NY

Will it be too cold that time of the year

Any suggestion to places in Arizona and Utah which we can combine.

Where shall be base our stay?

Thanks

Saj

Answer

Visiting Arizona and Utah in December can be very enjoyable, but temperatures and conditions vary widely depending on the region. Here’s a detailed overview to help you plan.

Weather Considerations:

Arizona: Southern Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson, Sedona) is generally mild in December, with daytime highs ranging from 55–70°F (13–21°C) and cooler nights around 35–45°F (2–7°C). Northern Arizona, including the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and Sedona, can be much colder, with daytime highs 40–55°F (4–13°C) and nighttime lows often below freezing. Snow is possible at higher elevations, especially at the Grand Canyon or Flagstaff.
Utah: December is winter in Utah, and most of the state is cold, with snow common in higher elevations. Salt Lake City and southern Utah (Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands) experience daytime highs of 35–50°F (2–10°C) with colder nights. Snow is likely in Bryce Canyon, and some roads may be icy or closed. Ski resorts in Utah will be in full winter mode.

Suggested Places to Visit:

Arizona: Sedona (red rocks, mild hikes), Grand Canyon South Rim (scenic views, can be cold), Phoenix/Scottsdale (mild weather, golf, desert scenery), Tucson/Saguaro National Park (desert landscapes, cacti).
Utah: Zion National Park (hiking, less crowded in December), Bryce Canyon (unique hoodoos, possible snow, check road conditions), Arches and Canyonlands near Moab (beautiful rock formations, generally mild winter weather), Salt Lake City (base for exploring northern Utah).

Base Recommendations:

If combining Arizona and Utah: staying in southern Utah (Springdale near Zion) allows easy access to Zion and day trips to Bryce Canyon. You could base in Sedona or Flagstaff in Arizona for Grand Canyon and northern Arizona sights.
For a more desert-focused, warmer trip: base in Phoenix or Tucson and take day trips to Sedona, Saguaro National Park, and nearby scenic areas.
Road distances are reasonable but plan for winter driving conditions, especially in northern Arizona and Utah.

Summary:

December travel to Arizona and Utah is feasible, but expect colder conditions in northern Arizona and most of Utah. For a milder trip, focus on southern Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson, Sedona) and southern Utah (Zion, Moab). If you want snow scenery, the Grand Canyon North Rim and Bryce Canyon are spectacular. Consider basing yourself in one region for convenience and taking day trips to nearby parks.

Visting in December Arizona vs Utah

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