arizona in december

[joliecloteal]

i am in need of some relaxation, really enjoy nature, moutains, streams, white water rafting, digging for gems, shopping and was thinking about going to aziona during the begining of december. not into golf.
1. how will the weather be? will it be warm in the southern area?
2. will all the tourist attractions be open and available?
3. thinking of booking a getaway thru II, any suggestions on resorts?

any info appreciated.

thank you,
joliecloteal

 

[Werner]

We stayed at the Starr Pass Golf Suites in Tucson last Dec. We used it as a base for touring the Sonora Desert region all around Tucson. The altitude of Tucson is pretty low so the temperatures are were the 70's and 80's. Very nice touring weather.

All the parks are open in winter.

 

[nightnurse613]

Mountains, streams, white water rafting??? Arizona??? Well, yes we DO have all that, even in December but it's a little cold for us natives (but not if you're a frickin seal!!) Actually, now that I think of it, it probably is a better place than Michigan. December actually does get a little rainy and (comparatively) cold. Tucson is a little milder. Good mountains there. Don't know about rafting. Phoenix has some mountains, most of the tourist spots are open, the Salt River is not too far away and just about any timeshare is just fine (maybe stay out of Mesa). The northern part of the state (Sedona, Flagstaff) has mountains, streams, white water rafting, and, if you catch a break SNOW (shh, don't tell anyone) too. Not a good time to go to the Grand Canyon but, it can be done. Be careful of some of the eastern TS (Payson, Heber) since they are typically not as nice but, if you are into rugged they will do fine. Come, check it out!

 

[Red Rox]

I have to disagree with NightNurse. There is never a bad time to go to the Grand Canyon. December can be chilly there, and if you're lucky you might see it with snow. You can't do any raft trips in the GC in December. Those trips take place between April and October. But the GCNP, as well as all of northern AZ, is open and popular all 12 months of the year. just know that we do get a change of seasons.

 

[JEFF H]

Winter can be a nice time to visit the Grand Canyon with the reduction in visitors if you use caution and plan in advance.
I-17 thru Flagstaff can often have a black Ice hazard during the winter.
The Highway has been known to close and require snow chains or 4-wheel drive after a snow storm.
I was actually caught during a snow storm driving between Flagstaff and the canyon one December.
My wife was 6 months pregnant with our first daughter at the time and We were basically in the middle of nowhere. The snow depth on the roadway kept getting deeper and deeper as we drove and I was at the point where I was really starting to worry we were going to get stranded.
Minuets before that happened however I spotted the huge snow plow coming toward us in the opposite direction. When it passed we had a clear path
to the Grand Canyon lodge where we had reservations.
The Canyon was pretty with snow on it but it was pretty cold and windy at the time. It was funny because everytime we stopped and exited the car at a scenic view it would start snowing. no sooner than we returned to car and started driving the snow would stop. It repeated this cycle the whole day for us.
I have seen it snow heavy in March on year but we have
We have also gone to the Canyon in January and not a single flake of snow was seen so it all depends on the weather patteren at the Time.

 

[CalifasGirl]

grand canyon in december

I went to the GC in December, and it was beautiful. It's cold, though. There is the added benefit of less crowds. I will return in the summer to see what it's like, but I suspect there will be hordes of people.

The Phoenix/Scottsdale area should be warm. There is lots to do in Phoenix. I love the botanical gardens in both Tucson and Phoenix. Gorgeous!

 

[nightnurse613]

Thanks, Jeff. EXACTLY my point. The Grand Canyon is beautiful in the winter but the trip CAN be terrifying. Especially to some of our kindred souls from Louisiana. The winters have been so weird lately. Additionally, while the south rim may be open all year; I thought the north rim of the GCNP is closed in winter.

 

[Red Rox]

Thanks, Jeff. EXACTLY my point. The Grand Canyon is beautiful in the winter but the trip CAN be terrifying. Especially to some of our kindred souls from Louisiana. The winters have been so weird lately. Additionally, while the south rim may be open all year; I thought the north rim of the GCNP is closed in winter.

Nightnurse, you are correct. the South Rim is open year round, but the North Rim closes in mid October and opens again in early May.
And if you're looking for a December vacation in warm weather, stick to PHX or Tucson. Do a day trip to Sedona or the GCNP, but it will be cooler or down right cold. Forget about sunbathing or swimming in northern AZ in Dec.