Antelope Canyon in December: Weather Info and Travel Tips for 2024
ARE YOU LOOKING TO VISIT ANTELOPE CANYON IN DECEMBER?
You’ve landed on the right article. We have visited Antelope Canyon many times throughout the years and toured both Canyon X and Lower Antelope Canyon. It is one of the most unique places we have been and one of our favorite places to visit in northern Arizona.
Antelope Canyon is one of the most beautiful slot canyons we have ever been too, and we have been to a lot. It is not a surprise as to why it is a very popular spot year-round. Even though it can get busy it is worth it to take the time to visit. You will love visiting Antelope Canyon in December.
We’ve gathered all you need to know about visiting Antelope Canyon in December, from the December weather in Antelope Canyon to essential tips on securing a tour and even some advice specific to visiting in December.
The most important thing to remember when visiting the canyon is to plan your outfit according to the weather and book a tour in advance, especially if you are set on visiting a certain part of the canyon.
➡ BOOK Upper Antelope Canyon Tour
➡ BOOK Lower Antelope Canyon Tour
➡ BOOK Canyon X Tour
Antelope Canyon in December Weather
Page, AZ experiences its coldest temperatures of the year in December and January, though most days remain pleasantly sunny.
You will experience freezing temperatures in December, so it’s essential to pack warm. You should expect temperatures in the low to mid 30’s at night and the 40’s during the day.
Page on average will see about 2 inches of snow. This snow will primarily come in December and January. A significant snowstorm could lead to the cancellation of your tour but these are not common since 2 inches is not very much.
If you ever have a concern about the weather give your tour a call and they will help. They have always been very helpful when we had questions or concerns.
Average Temperatures in Antelope Canyon in December
During the month of December, you can expect average daily temperatures of 40°F to 46°F.
Overnight, the temperatures in Page drop to around 27°F to 31°F. In December, you can expect freezing temperatures overnight. However, the Antelope Canyon weather in December is overall pleasant.
- Average high temperature in Page in December: 44°F
- Average low temperature in Page in December: 29°F
- What are the hottest months in Page? July-August, with an average high of about 90°F
- What are the coldest months in Page? December-January
Sunshine in Upper Antelope Canyon in December
December is a great month to be visiting Antelope Canyon if you are looking for sunny weather. It has about 25 days of sunshine per month.
Best Tours of Antelope Canyon in December
Antelope Canyon is divided into three distinct sections: Upper, Lower, and Canyon X. Each tour focuses exclusively on one section, so if you want to explore different areas of the canyon, you will need to book multiple tours.
We know many people who will book multiple tours on the same day so they can experience multiple parts of the canyon and see the differences on the same day. However, this is not something we have done because we tend to visit frequently.
We have experienced tours of both Lower Antelope Canyon and Canyon X, we have not wanted to pay the premium price to take our kids to the upper canyon yet. Our preference leans towards the Lower Canyon for its beauty, though we appreciated the less crowded and more relaxed atmosphere of Canyon X tours. Touring Canyon X tends to be more affordable, which was great for our family of five.
Situated within the Navajo Nation, Antelope Canyon is on protected land, making it inaccessible without a guide. Booking a tour with authorized guides is required to visit any part of Antelope Canyon. Self-guided tours are not permitted.
Upper Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon ranks as the most visited and priciest section of the canyon. It is easily accessible, situated at ground level, featuring a gentle incline of less than 2%.
This section of the canyon is exceptionally picturesque, making it an ideal spot for photographers eager to photograph the mesmerizing light beams. It’s important to mention, though, that these light beams are absent in December. They start to emerge in March and last throughout the summer months.
Moreover, for those worried about accessibility, the Upper Canyon offers the easiest access. It is the most straightforward part of the canyon to enter and move through.
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Lower Antelope Canyon
Venturing into Lower Antelope Canyon presents a thrilling journey marked by its array of steep staircases. Participants should anticipate the need to climb and descend numerous sets of stairs during their walk through the lower canyon.
When we visited Lower Antelope Canyon with our three-year-old twins, navigating through the canyon was manageable for them, although we assisted them on the staircases. These staircases are quite steep, and we felt more comfortable using the handrails.
Choosing a tour through Lower Antelope Slot Canyon often comes at a lower cost compared to tours of Upper Antelope Canyon. Selecting this lower portion does not detract from the experience but rather provides an opportunity to economize while still savoring the beauty of Antelope Canyon.
➡ BOOK Lower Antelope Canyon Tour
Canyon X
Canyon X stands out as the most tranquil section of Antelope Canyon, yet it boasts the same stunning sandstone formations seen in the other parts.
We visited Canyon X during our last visit to Antelope Canyon and had a great time. One notable difference is Canyon X has two out-and-back sections rather than one continuous walk through the canyon like Lower Antelope Canyon has.
A significant advantage of Canyon X is reservations don’t need to be made as far in advance. For those organizing their visits at the last minute and discovering that the upper and lower sections are fully booked, Canyon X presents an excellent alternative.
With fewer tourists on each tour, visitors can enjoy a more serene experience as they navigate through the slot canyon. During our Canyon X tour, we had much more time to take pictures and enjoy the canyon compared to our Lower Antelope Canyon.
Tips for Visiting
✔ You cannot bring any sort of backpack or fanny pack into the canyon. You can only take a small, clear bag into Lower Antelope Canyon in December.
✔ We were able to bring a soft baby carrier for our infant. The carrier must be a front carrier.
✔ Food and drinks are not allowed in. You can bring a small water bottle. If you are touring the lower part of the canyon, you will want to bring a clear bag to store your water in when you go up and down the ladders.
✔ You cannot bring a tripod or monopod into Antelope Canyon unless you are on a photography tour. You are also not allowed to bring large cameras or take videos. You can still take beautiful Antelope Canyon winter pictures on your phone.
✔ The tours operate on Arizona Standard Time. If you come from southern Utah or Las Vegas, keep the time change in mind. The tours use the same time as Page, Phoenix, Grand Canyon National Park, and Las Vegas.
🚗 How to Get to Antelope Canyon in December
Antelope Canyon is a favored destination for those embarking on a road trip across the Southwest. Given that tours of the canyon typically last between one to two hours, it’s quite popular to incorporate a day trip to Antelope Canyon while exploring nearby attractions or as a pit stop on a road journey.
Below, you’ll find the anticipated driving durations and distances (one-way) from other well-known sites in the vicinity which would be great additions to your Antelope Canyon itinerary:
- South Rim of the Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon: 2.3 hours/132 miles
- St. George to Antelope Canyon: 2.8 hours/161 miles
- Sedona/Flagstaff to Antelope Canyon: 2.8 hours/160 miles
- Phoenix to Antelope Canyon: 4.25 hours/275 miles
- Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon: 4.5 hours/280 miles
➡ BOOK Upper Antelope Canyon Tour
➡ BOOK Lower Antelope Canyon Tour
➡ BOOK Canyon X Tour
Where to Stay Near Antelope Canyon
The closest place to stay to Antelope Canyon is in Page, Arizona. Page is a small town but has some great options for where to stay.
Under Canvas Page – Grand Staircase
⭐ Rating 9/10 | 📍 Location: 555 S Jacobs Tanks Rd, Big Water, UT | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
Under Canvas stands out as one of the most distinctive accommodations in Page, AZ. This establishment boasts a collection of private canvas tents, each offering stunning views of the majestic Utah desert.
These luxurious tents provide an ideal setting for glamping, all while being conveniently located within a short drive from Page’s array of attractions.
Amazing and helpful staff, great customer service mindset, and awesome atmosphere overall. Highly recommended for a unique weekend getaway. Great hiking within a short drive!
– Scott (Read More Reviews)
They have many different tents to choose from, including stargazer tents, suites with kids tents, and deluxe tents. All of the tents come with a private bathroom, very comfortable beds, fireplaces, and fans. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery from your furnished balcony.
Under Canvas is about 25 minutes north of Page across the Utah-Arizona border.
➡ Check Rates & Book: Under Canvas
Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell
⭐ Rating 9.2/10 | 📍 Location: 1126 North Navajo Drive, Page, AZ | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
If you’re organizing a December visit to Antelope Canyon, the Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell offers an excellent accommodation choice. Known for its luxury and contemporary design, this hotel is among the top-rated stays near Antelope Canyon.
Opting for this hotel provides unparalleled convenience for those looking to explore Lower Antelope Canyon, as it’s situated just 6 miles away. Additionally, its proximity to Lake Powell, merely 7 miles distant, and the Lake Powell campsite, approximately 1.5 miles away, makes it an ideal base for adventurers enjoying Northern Arizona.
This hotel was perfect for our needs! We are a family of 4, and loved the cleanliness, the pool to cool off in, and appreciated the delicious breakfasts! We highly recommend it. Excellent and kind staff too
– Emily (Read more Reviews)
It has a fitness center, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and spacious rooms. It also provides free breakfast, which our kids love. Also, some hotel rooms have window views of the stunning rock formations in Arizona.
Hyatt Place currently offers several king, deluxe, and standard rooms for your stay. It’s best to book early since it is usually completely booked throughout peak seasons.
➡ Check Rates & Book: Hyatt Place
Comfort Inn & Suites Page at Lake Powell
⭐ Rating 8.8/10 | 📍 890 Haul Rd, Page, AZ | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
Located next to the Colorado River, this hotel presents an ideal retreat from everyday life, with convenient access to numerous outdoor pursuits, including cycling and hiking.
The Comfort Inn & Suites offers an economical, straightforward option relative to other local hotels. It shines as a prime selection for travelers in search of cost-effective lodging near Horseshoe Bend. The hotel boasts rooms that are elegantly furnished, with rates varying based on the type of room chosen and the timing of the reservation.
Really great place for the price. We had a clean room with everything working in it. Stay included breakfast, and we could even park our full size semi outside, so it is trucker friendly. Recommend!
– Yelena (Read more Reviews)
Guests can enjoy facilities like a hot tub and an indoor pool, ideal for unwinding after a day filled with hiking or exploring Arizona. Additionally, the hotel offers high-speed internet, a fitness center, and superior room service to all its guests.
For solo adventurers and families, Comfort Inn & Suites is a favored lodging option in Page, known for its cost-effectiveness and amenities. The availability of a swimming pool and complimentary breakfast significantly enhances the stay, making it a highlight of the trip for many, especially children.
➡ Check Rates & Book: Comfort Inn & Suites
FAQ: Antelope Canyon in December
Tours are popular throughout the year but slightly quieter in December. The most sought-after times are midday, when the lighting is optimal, while early and late tours are less likely to fill up quickly.
Despite December being quieter, early booking is advisable, particularly for visits in the latter half of the month. The period from just before Christmas to a few days after New Year’s sees a surge in demand, with tours often selling out months ahead. If you plan to visit during this peak time, it’s best to secure your tickets early.
The best time of day to photograph Antelope Canyon is in the middle of the day. This is when the sun is overhead, and more light will enter the canyon.
Seeing a light beam in December is possible, though it’s quite rare. Typically, light beams cease by mid-October and don’t reappear until mid-March. Upper Antelope Canyon offers a better chance of witnessing light beams than Lower Antelope Canyon.
The optimal time to experience these light beams is between 11 AM and 1:30 PM, with the ideal tour slots being at 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 12:00 PM.
Exploring Antelope Canyon during the winter is highly recommended. This season often sees significantly fewer visitors, facilitating a more serene journey through the canyon.
Additionally, capturing photos of the canyon becomes easier with fewer crowds obstructing the view. Furthermore, tickets for Antelope Canyon tend to be slightly cheaper in the winter months.
Ensure you wear sturdy, quality footwear; hiking boots aren’t necessary, but tennis shoes with good grip are recommended. For Lower Antelope Canyon, opt for closed-toed shoes due to the ladders.
In December, pack a jacket since this is Page’s coldest month. A scarf is advisable on windy days to guard against blowing sand in the canyon and to stay warm.
While it is possible, you should not expect Antelope Canyon snow during your visit. The Antelope Canyon, Arizona winter is very mild with only 2-3 days of precipitation during the winter months.
In Antelope Canyon in the winter, there is some chance of snow and ice buildup, but it is rare. The Antelope Canyon temperature in December is relatively warm.
Conclusion: Antelope Canyon in December
We hope this guide has given you an idea of what to expect at Antelope Canyon in winter. It is such an amazing and photogenic place to visit and well worth taking the time to see. We always have such a great time when we go through the canyon.
December is a great time to visit because you miss out on the summer crowds and can take a more leisurely adventure through the slot canyon. The canyon can be cold during this time, so be prepared with some warm clothes.
