Things to do in the Monument Valley in December

When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

Overview

December is a good time to visit the Monument Valley. The weather is usually cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 26—44°F (-3—7°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in the Monument Valley during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a horseback riding tour through the winter landscapes of Monument Valley, visit the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center to learn about the winter wildlife of the area, hike the Wildcat Trail to experience the winter beauty of Monument Valley up close, and more!

The Monument Valley has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to the Monument Valley. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in the Monument Valley in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Monument Valley? See our Monument Valley Trip Planner.
I'll never travel to the Monument Valley without this trip planner again
Learn more
Don't take our word for it
Slide 1 of 6

Best events and things to do in the Monument Valley in December

Top experiences in December
Take a horseback riding tour through the winter landscapes of Monument Valley
December is a great time to explore Monument Valley on horseback, as the cooler temperatures make for comfortable riding conditions. A horseback riding tour will allow you to experience the beauty of the valley from a different perspective, as you ride through iconic red rock formations and stunning desert landscapes. You'll have the opportunity to connect with the land in a unique way and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of Monument Valley.
Visit the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center to learn about the winter wildlife of the area
The winter months bring a different array of wildlife to Monument Valley, and the visitor center is a great place to learn about the animals that call the valley home. From bighorn sheep to coyotes, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the diverse wildlife that thrives in this unique desert environment. The visitor center also offers exhibits on the geology, history, and culture of Monument Valley, providing a comprehensive understanding of the area.
Hike the Wildcat Trail to experience the winter beauty of Monument Valley up close
The Wildcat Trail is a 3.2-mile loop that takes you through some of the most iconic and picturesque landscapes of Monument Valley. In December, the cooler temperatures make for comfortable hiking conditions, and the winter light adds a unique beauty to the red rock formations. You'll have the opportunity to see the famous Mitten Buttes, Merrick Butte, and other stunning rock formations up close, providing a truly immersive experience in the valley.
Stargaze in the clear winter skies of Monument Valley
December nights in Monument Valley offer some of the clearest and darkest skies in the United States, making it an ideal location for stargazing. Away from the light pollution of cities, you'll have the opportunity to see thousands of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way with the naked eye. The winter months also bring the possibility of seeing meteor showers and other celestial events, adding to the magic of the experience.
Take a guided tour of Monument Valley in a 4x4 vehicle
December is a great time to explore the iconic red rock formations and stunning landscapes of Monument Valley. A guided tour will allow you to learn about the history, geology, and culture of the area from knowledgeable Navajo guides. The winter months also offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to experience the beauty of the valley.
I'll never travel to the Monument Valley without this trip planner again
Learn more
Holidays in the Monument Valley in December
December

There are no holidays in the Monument Valley in December

Other notable holidays
I'll never travel to the Monument Valley without this trip planner again
Learn more

Weather in the Monument Valley in December

Temperatures on an average day in the Monument Valley in December

The average temperature in the Monument Valley in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 44°F (7°C) to a low of 26°F (-3°C). Some would describe it as cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in the Monument Valley, July, has days with highs of 94°F (34°C) and lows of 66°F (19°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 43°F (6°C) and lows of 25°F (-4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in the Monument Valley in December based on historical data.

Visiting Monument Valley? See our Monument Valley Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in December
44°F
highs
26°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
10%
Chance of rain
0.025 in
Amount
10.8 mph
Wind speed
61%
Humidity
9.7 hrs
Daylight length
7:25 AM
Sunrise
5:05 PM
Sunset
59%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 44°F (7°C) and a low of 26°F (-3°C), it generally feels cold with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
I'll never travel to the Monument Valley without this trip planner again
Learn more

Best attractions for the Monument Valley in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities the Monument Valley has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in the Monument Valley that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in the Monument Valley for December.
Monument Valley Tribal Park Visitor Center
1. Monument Valley Tribal Park Visitor Center
4.6
(4971)
Visitor center
Sights & Landmarks
Goulding's Lodge | Monument Valley
2. Goulding's Lodge | Monument Valley
4.4
(3150)
Lodge
Museums
Laid-back rooms & polished cabins in a casual Old West–themed property with dining & an indoor pool.
Wildcat Trail
3. Wildcat Trail
4.7
(289)
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
Sandstone Tours, Inc.
4. Sandstone Tours, Inc.
4.6
(14)
Tour operator
Nature & Parks
Best-of categories in the Monument Valley

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in the Monument Valley?

Get inspired for your trip to the Monument Valley with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Planning a trip to the Monument Valley?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play