Flagstaff Weather in December
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 5 rainy days across the month, on average.
By the time December arrives, Flagstaff is running on a raw chill that settles into stone, and daily plans start to reshape themselves around it. Averages sit around 7°C (44.6°F) by day and -2.7°C (27.1°F) after dark, with rainfall near 34 mm across roughly 4.8 rainy days — sliding through as brief afternoon showers. Daylight runs about 8.3 hours per day, shorter daylight that concentrates walking hours, and the season stamps its signature on details like ponderosa pines at 2,100 m elevation.
On the ground, cold shapes the timing. Time around downtown Heritage Square shows best in mid-morning light before the chill deepens; warm interiors — cafés, museums, shops near Buffalo Park paths — carry the middle of the day. Evenings run short outdoors and long indoors, which suits the local rhythm rather than fighting it.
Reading across 11 complete years (2015–2025), December in Flagstaff has trended less predictable in recent seasons, with the last few years pushing daytime highs and rainfall patterns modestly away from the older normals. The 2026 signal so far tracks the recent shape rather than the long-run midpoint — meaning what you see above is weighted to how this month has actually been running, not a smoothed 30-year picture that masks the shift.
For travellers planning around 2026, this profile is the honest baseline. Match the packing list to the numbers — not to the month name — and you avoid the classic mismatch of arriving with the wrong shell, the wrong shoes, or the wrong daylight assumptions. The rest of this page breaks down what to wear, what to do, and how the season tends to run for Flagstaff visitors in 2026.
At 7000 feet, altitude sickness hits Phoenix escapees hard; locals push water and skip alcohol first 48 hours. Historic downtown's Weatherford Hotel still has its 1897 zograscope in the lobby. Diablo Burger sources beef from local ranches within 250 miles by law. NAU students call it 'Flag' never Flagstaff. Sunset Crater's black lava fields are 900 years old and still warm underfoot in July.
What to pack for Flagstaff in December
With highs only near 7°C and lows around -2.7°C, cold-weather kit is non-negotiable, especially for long walking days.
- a heavy insulated coat
- thermals
- waterproof snow boots
- gloves
- a beanie
What to pack for Flagstaff in December
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
- →Polarized sunglassesAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Flagstaff
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Flagstaff across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to Flagstaff
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Flagstaff?
Flights to Flagstaff in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Best-fit activities include Grand Canyon day trips, observatory visits, forest hikes, and brewery stops — a mix suited to the month's daylight and weather pattern.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Flagstaff. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Flagstaff
While December has its own character in Flagstaff, the data-backed best months to visit Flagstaff are April, May, June, July. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for FlagstaffOther places with a similar climate right now
Flagstaff in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good month for Flagstaff?
Is December a good month for Flagstaff?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, Flagstaff averages a high of 7°C (45°F) and a low of -3°C (27°F), with 34mm of rainfall across roughly 5 rainy days. September-October brings golden aspen at Snowbowl and the Grand Canyon rim without summer thunderstorm evacuations or elk-rut road closures on 89.
Q02How warm does Flagstaff get in December?
How warm does Flagstaff get in December?
The average high temperature in Flagstaff during December is 7°C (45°F), with an average low of -3°C (27°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). December-February delivers 100+ inches snow; Snowbowl runs 8 lifts, Route 66 shops close 5pm, and Amtrak Southwest Chief still stops at 4am.
Q03Does it rain a lot in Flagstaff in December?
Does it rain a lot in Flagstaff in December?
Flagstaff averages approximately 5 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 34mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What clothes should I bring to Flagstaff in December?
What clothes should I bring to Flagstaff in December?
For Flagstaff in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Down puffy even in July because Grand Canyon rim drops to 4C at sunrise while Flagstaff sits at 21C.
Q05Are there many tourists in Flagstaff in December?
Are there many tourists in Flagstaff in December?
Tourist crowds in Flagstaff during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. At 7000 feet, altitude sickness hits Phoenix escapees hard; locals push water and skip alcohol first 48 hours. Historic downtown's Weatherford Hotel still has its 1897 zograscope in the lobby. Diablo Burger sources beef from local ranches within 250 miles by law. NAU students call it 'Flag' never Flagstaff. Sunset Crater's black lava fields are 900 years old and still warm underfoot in July.