Climbing Moab in Winter??

I am not from a desert area and have no idea what winter climbing is like in places not buried in 8 feet of snow.

How is climbing in Moab in the winter? December to January specifically.

Thanks :)

In Dec/Jan, often there is a persistent, cold inversion layer over the Colorado river valley, especially if there is a little snow on the ground to help radiate heat away at night. When this happens, there will be weeks when the temps don't get out of the 20s and there will be more enjoyable places to climb. 

December and January is are my favorite months around Moab. I’ve often found dry weather and highs in the 40s and 50s. The other seasons are marred by huge numbers of tourists, including climbers. 

Can be great, can be shut down by snow.  Don't climb on anything that has snow melting on it.

Nights are really long and cold if you are camping.

We went there in late Dec-Jan and camped the entire time. Creek is absolutely empty, about 30 degrees F but fine if you chase the sun on sunny days or bring a massive jacket. Night and mornings are miserable because it gets down to 10s and it gets dark and cold quickly.

We got kicked all the way to Joshua Tree due to snow at the end of the trip, so woop. Be prepared for that too. 

Despite all of that. It was a blast and I would do it again even in the winter. 

"temps don't get out of the 20s"

Sounds perfect for ice.   But maybe there are no flows?  Too dry?

Russ Keane wrote:

"temps don't get out of the 20s"

Sounds perfect for ice.   But maybe there are no flows?  Too dry?

generally not enough moisture, there are probably spots here and there but usually can't get to them in the winter due to terrible road conditions associated with the conditions for flows

Agreed, there isn't much water. Ice does form up under the cold conditions on north faces. You can find barely climbable slabs out Kane Creek Road and along 128. If I remember correctly, there is a particular layer in the rock that is especially good for producing springs; I presume the ice sources from this layer. Anything that is the sun gets promptly fried. There is rumored to be an ice stroll up a canyon in the La Sals, but I haven't been.