Vegas and trip to Grand Canyon

[legalfee]

Hi y'all. Since our St Thomas timeshare was devastated by two hurricanes we're going to Vegas this December. We've been before but stayed in hotels. What's the weather like in December? We plan on seeing some shows and renting a car and driving down to the Grand Canyon. Where would be a good place to stay overnight? Thanks for any ideas.

 

[WinniWoman]

Hi y'all. Since our St Thomas timeshare was devastated by two hurricanes we're going to Vegas this December. We've been before but stayed in hotels. What's the weather like in December? We plan on seeing some shows and renting a car and driving down to the Grand Canyon. Where would be a good place to stay overnight? Thanks for any ideas.

I would definitely stay in the lodge in the park (reservations). Watch the sunset and sunrise. Have no clue what it is like in December, though.

 

[Luanne]

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open year round. I Googled and found this information that might be helpful. I second the suggestion to stay in the park and I assume by "the lodge" Mary Ann means the El Tovar. There are a couple of other lodges along the rim that you should also check out. It might be hard to get reservations at any of them this late though. If there is no availability in the park, you could also try Tusayan, which is not far outside the park.

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/winter-visits.htm

 

[Karen G]

What's the weather like in December?

The altitude in Las Vegas is around 2,000 ft. so it does get cold in the winter. Here's some info: In most years, Las Vegas averages a daily maximum temperature for Decemberthat's between 54 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 15 degrees Celsius). The minimum temperature usually falls between 36 and 41 °F (2 to 5 °C). December is the coldest month overall for Las Vegas and the 21st is its chilliest day.

It's usually sunny, though, so I'm sure you'll find it more appealing than other parts of the country that might have snow and ice at that time.

 

[WinniWoman]

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open year round. I Googled and found this information that might be helpful. I second the suggestion to stay in the park and I assume by "the lodge" Mary Ann means the El Tovar. There are a couple of other lodges along the rim that you should also check out. It might be hard to get reservations at any of them this late though. If there is no availability in the park, you could also try Tusayan, which is not far outside the park.

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/winter-visits.htm

Yes- El Tovar is the lodge I meant.

 

[legalfee]

Thanks y'all for the info!

 

[DaveNV]

The altitude in Las Vegas is around 2,000 ft. so it does get cold in the winter. Here's some info: In most years, Las Vegas averages a daily maximum temperature for Decemberthat's between 54 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 15 degrees Celsius). The minimum temperature usually falls between 36 and 41 °F (2 to 5 °C). December is the coldest month overall for Las Vegas and the 21st is its chilliest day.

It's usually sunny, though, so I'm sure you'll find it more appealing than other parts of the country that might have snow and ice at that time.

But it's a dry cold... (LOL! Sorry, couldn't resist. )

Dave

 

[Karen G]

But it's a dry cold... (LOL! Sorry, couldn't resist. )

Dave

Ha, ha! That it is, unlike the "wet" cold of Seattle.

 

[sue1947]

When planning your trip to the Grand Canyon, make sure to plan for the weather. It can be very cold and snowy. The elevation at the South Rim is 6800' and cold fronts tend to come down from the north to south of I-40 and it can get some big snowfalls. In addition, the wind can make the cold even worse so make sure you bring some additional cold gear.
I picked a random date to check wunderground and for Dec 15, most years it is below freezing overnight warming up to the mid-50's. In 2015, it was down to 11 below 0 and 'warmed' up to 27 degrees. The wind was 12 mph so the windchill felt like 16 degrees. No snow so the drive would be fine other than dealing with black ice but you would need appropriate clothing especially ear/hand covering.

Sue

 

[legalfee]

Booked at El Tovar. We're looking forward to the trip!