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If you’re planning on visiting Monument Valley in winter and need to know about the weather, camping, hotels, and snow, I gotchu.

And if you weren’t planning on visiting Monument Valley in winter, consider this a sign that you should!

Monument Valley is probably one of the most iconic landscapes in the US thanks to western movies and Forrest Gump.

It’s probably on most people’s bucket lists with or without realizing it! But one way it probably isn’t on as many lists is by visiting in the winter.

I will admit, I like Monument Valley enough and think everyone should see it at least once, but I don’t love it.

No matter the time of year you visit, it will be a trip to remember but catching it with a dusting of snow is just a little more magical.

And today I’m going to share everything you need to know to have a wonderful trip to Monument Valley in winter.

Does it snow in Monument Valley?

Yes! As for how much snow does Monument Valley get? Not much. It’s usually just a dusting that’s gone within a day or two.

Sometimes it will get a few inches which is likely to stick a little longer. It’s never really buried in snow though.

Can you still visit Monument Valley in winter?

Yes! Monument Valley is open year-round. They are, however, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New years Day.

It’s also closed on November 18 and 19, 2023 for the Monument Valley Veteran Marathon.

It may close due to inclement weather so definitely keep an eye on the forecast before you go and consider calling to make sure it’s open if weather seemed bad.

I’ve tried to find their opening hours in the winter for the scenic drive and I’ve seen everything from 8-2 and 8-6 so I don’t know for sure what it is though I’ll try to find out.

Can you drive through Monument Valley in winter?

Yes! I think driving through is the best way to see it since you can go at your own pace and stop when you want.

Although there are tours that you can join which will take you to otherwise inaccessible areas, which would be pretty cool in the winter.

Monument Valley tours

• Tour with backcountry access
• Monument Valley and Mystery Valley full day tour
• Monument Valley stargazing tour
• Moab and Monument Valley scenic flight
• Cultural tour
• 18 hour Hunts Mesa tour

Monument Valley weather in winter

The weather in Monument Valley in winter isn’t too bad. It can be windy here (year-round) which can make it a lot colder but if it’s a wind free day, it will be perfect!

December and January are typically the coldest months but it can snow a little as late as early March.

Monument Valley in December

Monument Valley weather in December is typically in the 40s and 50s during the day with occasional days dipping into the 30s.

Night temperatures are typically in the 20s and 30s, with an occasional night in the teens.

Monument Valley in January

I would expect Monument Valley weather in January to be in the 40s during the day and 20s at night with an occasional variation.

Monument Valley in February

February seems to typically be in the 50s but will dip into the 40s and 30s every now and then with nights mostly in the 20s and now and then in the teens.

Is Monument Valley busy in winter?

Nope! It might be around holidays but it is closed on holidays so it might not be quite as bad.

But in general in the winter, I would say no. If you’ve been there around winter holidays, let me know how it was!

Is it worth visiting Monument Valley in winter?

While I haven’t been there in the winter myself, I would still day 100% yes! I would absolutely love to visit Monument Valley in winter with the hope of seeing it snowy.

Where to stay in Monument Valley in winter

Gouldings – Gouldings Lodge and Campground are just outside of the monument Valley entrance and open year-round.

The View Hotel – This is the hotel in Monument Valley and perfect if you want to wake up with one of the most iconic views in America.

The View Campground – I tried the process to reserve a tent camp site but nothing was showing up but you can stay in the campground cabins in the winter.

Can you camp in Monument Valley in the winter?

Kind of! You can camp at Gouldings just outside the entrance and at the Monument Valley KOA. Hummingbird Campsite is another great option.

In the park, as far as I can tell, the closest thing too camping is staying in The View Cabins. I’ll update this once I find out for sure.

What to bring to Monument Valley in winter

Warm hat – You’ll obviously want to keep your ears warm in the winter. Check out the hat here.

Microspikes – These are very handy to have for hiking in the desert in winter. They aren’t always necessary but if trails are icy and steep, these make hiking much easier. Buy microspikes here.

Gloves – If you plan on being outside all day, you’ll probably want thicker gloves, but these are perfect for a few hours.  Buy my gloves here.

Hand and toe warmers – If you don’t want to get thicker gloves, bring some hand warmers.  If your feet get really cold really easily, definitely bring toe warmers.  They’re a game-changer.  Buy hand warmers here.

Warm socks – I love my Darn Tough socks. I only have one pair right now but I think next time I need hiking socks, I’ll get these again.

Warm boots – I love my Sorel boots.  They’re cute, comfy, and warm.  Plus, there is room under my toes for toe warmers.  Buy my boots here.

Patagonia Synchilla – I think of my Patagonia sweatshirts, the Synchilla is the warmest. I have two of these and really like them.

What to bring camping in Monument Valley in winter

The most important thing about camping in Monument Valley in winter is to be prepared with proper warm gear for the cold nights.

Kammok hammock – I have a Roo single that I love. It’s the color of mac and cheese and pretty light weight. I don’t think as light as Eno if that matters though. But it’s perfect for just regular camping.

RTIC cooler – We have one of those giant coffin sized Yetis, which is great, but this 20 can soft RTIC cooler is a lot more convenient for small trips with easy access to a fridge and ice.

REI Passage 2 Tent – Our tent isn’t available anymore but this one is similar.  We’ve used it quite a few times and it’s been great.  It’s good for two people, but can be a little cramped if you move around too much.

NEMO Viola sleeping bag – Mine isn’t available anymore but this one is similar.  It’s very good in cold weather, not freezing, but in the 40s with leggings on, I was totally fine.  It has zipper vent things on the top that are supposed to help it cool down when it’s hot.  I don’t know if it really did that.  When we camped in south Florida, I was still pretty warm with them open and it was probably in the 60s. 

LuminAID lantern – I love this lantern.  It’s great for getting around your campsite in the dark, lighting up campground bathrooms at night, and even during power outages at home.  You can plug it in to charge it or just let the sun do the work. 

REI Ruckpack 18 – This is the daypack I have and it’s awesome.  It’s lightweight, has water bottle pockets that my 40-ounce Hydro Flask fits in, and it comes in nice colors. 

REI Camp Wrap – This is totally unnecessary, but I love it.  It’s basically a blanket poncho and it doubles as a good blanket for sleeping in warmer weather.  I used it two nights in south Florida and it was perfect for when my sleeping bag was too hot.

Puffy quilt – If you’re a really warm sleeper and visiting in the summer, a puffy quilt might be a better option.  I prefer this for hotter nights.  Check out the Rumpl camp quilts here.

Pillow – If you’re just driving, I’d just bring a regular pillow, but if you’re flying then renting a car, you might want a smaller pillow.  This is a good non-inflatible option.  Here is a good inflatable option.

Camp chairs – If you plan on doing a lot of camping outside of this trip, and backpacking especially, the REI Flexlite chairs are great choices.  Check out the camp chairs here.

Dramamine – this is a must if you get carsick.