Reference
Zion National Park Weather: Month by Month and the Best Time to Visit
Zion National Park weather swings hard, both through the year and through a single day. Zion Canyon sits in the desert of southwestern Utah, and its long-term climate record shows average highs of 52.1°F in January and 98.9°F in July. The National Park Service says summer temperatures are regularly over 100°F, that winters are cold and often wet, and that day and night temperatures may differ by over 30°F. Add a summer monsoon that brings flash floods, snowmelt that closes The Narrows in some springs, and ice that shuts shaded trails in winter, and the “best time to visit” depends very much on what you want to do.
The short answer: spring (April and May) and fall (late September to early November) give the most comfortable hiking weather. Summer is hot, crowded and the season for The Narrows, with a real flash-flood risk from July to September. Winter is quiet, cold and sometimes icy, and it is the only time you can drive your own car up Zion Canyon Scenic Drive on most days. Below: the numbers month by month, what each season is like on the trails, and how the weather affects The Narrows, Angels Landing and the shuttle.
Zion weather at a glance
The figures below come from the Western Regional Climate Center’s long-term summary for its Zion National Park weather station, which covers January 1, 1904 to June 9, 2016. The station is in Zion Canyon, so these are canyon-floor numbers; higher parts of the park are colder.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Average precipitation (in.) | Average snowfall (in.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 52.1 | 28.1 | 1.63 | 3.2 |
| February | 57.2 | 32.5 | 1.81 | 1.7 |
| March | 64.1 | 36.9 | 1.81 | 1.1 |
| April | 72.4 | 43.2 | 1.24 | 0.1 |
| May | 82.4 | 51.7 | 0.76 | 0.0 |
| June | 93.5 | 61.1 | 0.43 | 0.0 |
| July | 98.9 | 68.2 | 1.04 | 0.0 |
| August | 96.4 | 66.5 | 1.50 | 0.0 |
| September | 89.7 | 59.8 | 1.09 | 0.0 |
| October | 78.1 | 48.9 | 1.12 | 0.0 |
| November | 63.2 | 36.4 | 1.20 | 0.5 |
| December | 53.3 | 29.3 | 1.43 | 2.0 |
Over a whole year the station averages 15.06 inches of precipitation and 8.7 inches of snow. From April to October the gap between the average afternoon high and the overnight low is roughly 30°F, in line with the park’s warning that day and night can differ by over 30°F. Rain is spread across the year rather than packed into one wet season: winter storms bring the most, June is the driest month, and the late-summer bump in July and August is the monsoon.
Single days are far more extreme than these averages, so check the park’s live forecasts for Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyons and the East Entrance before you go.
Why elevation matters in Zion
Zion is a big park with a big range of height. The park describes the canyon area as ranging from about 3,700 to 8,700 feet, and the whole park as covering nearly 150,000 acres. Zion Canyon, where most visitors spend their time, sits near the bottom of that range, so it is the warmest part of the park. Kolob Canyons, in the northwest corner, and the Kolob Terrace Road up to Lava Point sit higher and get more snow.
The park’s weather page says it plainly: temperatures vary with changes in elevation. In practice that means three things:
- Snow lasts longer up high. In winter, snow typically disappears within a matter of hours at lower elevations, while at higher elevations it accumulates.
- Higher roads close in winter. Access to the upper part of the Kolob Terrace Road, including Lava Point, closes in winter, and the Kolob Canyons Road may be closed by snow or ice.
- The canyon floor is not the same as the rim. A trail that climbs from Zion Canyon, such as the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout, gains about 1,000 feet, enough to feel cooler and windier at the top.
Spring: March and April
The park calls March and April “spring break in canyon country”. Days warm up, trees leaf out and the earliest wildflowers bloom, but nights can still be cold: the park warns that the daily temperature swing can be 32°F or more. On average, the canyon goes from a 64.1°F high in March to 72.4°F in April, with lows of 36.9°F and 43.2°F.
What spring means for a visit:
- Crowds arrive in March. March is spring break across the country, and the park says Zion Canyon sees almost three times as many visitors in March as in February.
- The shuttle returns. The park shuttle goes back to full-time use, so you will ride it to reach Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
- The Narrows may close. Snowmelt raises the river, and in wet years The Narrows are likely to be closed, sometimes for an extended period.
- High country may still be snowy. Depending on the winter, higher areas may be inaccessible without winter gear.
- Water crossings get wet. On the Taylor Creek Trail in Kolob Canyons, the park warns that water crossings in spring will get your feet wet.
May falls in the park’s summer season, but in weather terms it is the sweet spot for many hikers: an average high of 82.4°F, a low of 51.7°F, and only 0.76 inches of rain.
Summer: May through September
In summer, facilities keep their longest hours, the park should be fully open, and the shuttle is required to reach Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and most of the canyon’s hikes.
It is also hot. The park says summer temperatures are regularly over 100°F, and the long-term averages bear that out: 93.5°F in June, 98.9°F in July and 96.4°F in August, with nights that stay in the 60s. Many trails offer little shade; the Watchman Trail, for example, has limited shade in summer.
Summer is also the busiest time of year. The park says you should be prepared to share it with around a half million other people each month, that all available parking is often full by 9:00 am, and that Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day are the three most visited weekends of the year. If you arrive after the lots fill, park in Springdale and ride the free town shuttle to the visitor center.
How to cope with the heat:
- Hike early. Start at first light and be off exposed trails by the middle of the day.
- Carry water. The park recommends at least one gallon per person per day, and on its Angels Landing page suggests every person drink 1 gallon (4 liters) per day. Refill stations are marked on the park map.
- Choose shade and water. Riverside Walk and The Narrows stay in shade for most of the day, even in summer.
- Know the signs of heat illness. The park lists nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches and cool clammy skin as signs of heat exhaustion; confusion and disorientation point to heat stroke, which needs immediate medical help.
Monsoon season and flash floods
From July to September, the park says, summer heat and extra moisture in the air bring the monsoon: strong afternoon thunderstorms over the desert southwest. You can see it in the climate record, where rain rises from 0.43 inches in June to 1.04 inches in July and 1.50 inches in August.
The danger is less the rain on you than the rain somewhere else. The park explains that flash floods can happen even with sunny skies overhead, are often caused by storms miles away, and can send a wall of water and debris down a canyon 12 feet high or more. With little soil to absorb the rain, runoff gathers fast: the park notes that floods can increase the river’s flow by over 100 times, and in 1998 a flash flood took the Virgin River from 200 to 4,500 cubic feet per second.
Before any hike in a narrow canyon, dry wash or stream:
- Check the flash flood potential. The National Weather Service rates it as not expected, possible, probable or expected. The park says “possible”, “probable” and “expected” should all be a serious cause for concern.
- Watch the sky and the water. Warning signs include building clouds or thunder, water turning from clear to muddy, floating debris, and a rising roar upstream.
- Get high, fast. The park says you cannot outrun a flash flood; climb to higher ground and wait, because it can take hours for the water to drop.
- Respect shallow water. Six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, and 12 to 24 inches can carry off a vehicle.
Thunderstorms also bring lightning. On Angels Landing, the park says storms happen more often in the afternoon and that it is dangerous to be on the ridge during rain or thunder.
Fall: October and November
The park sums up fall as “same amazing scenery, slightly calmer pace”. Cooler weather makes hiking more pleasant, though highs and lows can still differ by 30°F in a day. On average, October brings a 78.1°F high and a 48.9°F low; November drops to 63.2°F and 36.4°F.
Fall color starts at the highest elevations and works its way down, reaching Zion Canyon at the end of October and in early November. Crowds thin, dropping more dramatically in November, and the park calls fall a rewarding time to visit if you want to avoid the worst crowds without dealing with winter temperatures.
Things to know:
- The shuttle still runs, on shorter days. In 2026, from September 13 to October 24 the first shuttle leaves the visitor center at 7:00 am and the last at 6:00 pm; from October 25 to November 28 the last shuttle leaves at 5:00 pm.
- The museum closes. The Human History Museum closes at the end of November, after Thanksgiving.
- Climbers’ season. The park says the best climbing conditions are from March through May and from September through early November.
- The Narrows get colder. Fall brings more stable weather, but shorter days and falling water temperatures.
Winter: December through February
Winter, in the park’s words, means “solitude and snow (sometimes)”. Highs run from 50 to 60°F, nights fall well below freezing, and the park notes that nearly half of Zion Canyon’s annual precipitation falls between December and March. The long-term averages give January a high of 52.1°F and a low of 28.1°F, with 3.2 inches of snow.
On the canyon floor snow rarely stays long; ice is the bigger problem. Roads are plowed, but some trails may close because of falling ice, and anywhere in shade can stay icy. Riverside Walk, the Watchman Trail and the Lower Emerald Pool Trail can all be icy in winter, and the park recommends traction devices for your boots.
What changes in winter:
- You can drive the scenic drive. Shuttles typically run only during the holidays, such as the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. In 2026 there is no service from November 29 to December 25, then shuttles run from December 26 to January 2, with the last leaving the visitor center at 4:30 pm.
- Some roads and sites close. The upper Kolob Terrace Road and Lava Point close, Kolob Canyons closes in bad weather, South Campground closes, and the Human History Museum stays closed.
- The Narrows need a drysuit. The park says you will likely need one to hike The Narrows safely in winter.
- Angels Landing’s chains get cold. The park suggests gloves, and warns against climbing when the rock is wet or icy.
The park itself is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, so winter is the season for quiet trails and empty viewpoints, if you are prepared for cold mornings.
The Narrows through the year
No hike in Zion depends on the weather as much as The Narrows, where the Virgin River is the trail. The park reads the river’s flow in cubic feet per second (CFS):
- Below 70 CFS: walking is moderately difficult, with knee-deep crossings and pools up to waist-deep.
- 70 to 150 CFS: walking against the current gets challenging, crossings are often thigh-deep and pools can be chest-deep.
- Over 150 CFS: The Narrows close to all travel.
They also close whenever the National Weather Service issues a flash flood warning, and stay closed for at least two hours after it is lifted.
Most people hike The Narrows in summer and early fall, when the water is lowest and warmest, but that is also when monsoon floods are most frequent. In spring, snowmelt can keep the river over 150 CFS for weeks. The park’s own record shows how much this varies:
| Year | Closed by snowmelt | Reopened |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | April 6 | June 22 |
| 2020 | April 9 | May 18 |
| 2023 | April 8 | June 19 |
| 2024 | April 11 | May 19 |
| 2025 | Open most of the time | |
| 2026 | Open most of the time |
If The Narrows are the reason for your trip, avoid planning around April and May unless the winter was dry, and check the current flow on the day. For gear, the park recommends closed-toe shoes and a walking stick, and notes that in cold months many hikers wear drysuits or waders. Guided Narrows hikes run from outfitters near the park; see the tours page.
Best time to visit Zion, by what you want
- For hiking in comfortable weather: April, May, late September and October. Average highs run from 72.4°F in April to 82.4°F in May, and from 89.7°F in September down to 78.1°F in October.
- For The Narrows: summer and early fall, when the water is warmest, keeping a close eye on flash flood forecasts.
- For Angels Landing: spring and fall, avoiding afternoon storms in summer and ice in winter. You will need a permit whenever you go.
- For fall color: the end of October and early November in Zion Canyon.
- For fewer people: November through February, outside the holiday weeks.
- For driving your own car up the canyon: winter, outside the holiday shuttle weeks.
- For climbing: March through May and September through early November.
Crowds, the shuttle and the weather
Shuttles usually run every day from March through November, and during that season no private vehicles may use Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, even before the first bus or after the last. Shuttles are free, need no ticket or reservation, and come every 5 to 10 minutes on the Zion Canyon Line; the ride from the visitor center to the Temple of Sinawava takes about 45 minutes each way.
On a hot afternoon or with a storm building, keep an eye on the clock. The park warns that if the last shuttle is full or you miss it, you may have to walk nine miles back to the visitor center. Our guides cover tickets and permits and getting to Zion from Las Vegas.
What to pack for Zion’s weather
The park’s advice comes down to layers, water and the right shoes:
- Layers in every season. A 30°F swing between dawn and afternoon is normal.
- Water: at least one gallon per person per day, more in summer.
- Sun protection and salty snacks in summer; the park warns that drinking without eating during heat exhaustion can be dangerous.
- Traction devices for boots in winter.
- Quick-drying clothes, not cotton, in The Narrows. Immersion in water is the quickest way to lose body heat, and hypothermia is possible even in warm weather.
Nights and stargazing
The desert cools fast after dark. The park’s stargazing page warns that although days can be scorching, the desert becomes chilly once the sun goes down, so bring jackets and blankets even in summer. Zion is an International Dark Sky Park, and the sky is darkest from 1.5 hours after sunset until 1.5 hours before sunrise. Summer nights are warmer, but monsoon clouds can hide the stars.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Zion National Park?
For most hikers, May and October. May averages an 82.4°F high with little rain; October averages 78.1°F, with thinner crowds and fall color arriving late in the month.
How hot does Zion get in summer?
Very hot. The park says summer temperatures are regularly over 100°F, and July’s long-term average high is 98.9°F. Hike early and carry at least a gallon of water per person.
When is monsoon season in Zion?
July to September. Afternoon thunderstorms can cause flash floods, even under blue skies where you are standing. Check the flash flood potential before entering any narrow canyon.
Does it snow in Zion?
Yes, mostly from December to February. The canyon floor averages 3.2 inches of snow in January, and snow there usually melts within hours, but higher areas stay snowy and shaded trails stay icy.
Is Zion open in winter?
Yes. The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Some roads and facilities close, and shuttles run only around the holidays, so you can usually drive the scenic drive yourself.
When are The Narrows closed?
Whenever the river flows over 150 CFS, during flash flood warnings and for at least two hours afterward. Spring snowmelt closed them for weeks in 2019, 2023 and 2024.