Bryce Canyon National Park has a high-elevation, semi-arid climate with dramatic seasonal shifts. Summers are warm but rarely hot, with daytime highs of 23–28°C, while nights remain cool. Winters are cold and snowy, with lows often below -9°C. Rain falls year-round, peaking in July and August, and the weather can change rapidly in any season.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Bryce Canyon National Park, perched at elevations between 2,400 and 2,700 metres, experiences a continental climate marked by cool summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer (June–September) brings pleasant daytime highs of 23–28°C (73–83°F), with nights cooling to 8–12°C (47–54°F). July and August are the warmest and wettest months, featuring frequent but brief afternoon thunderstorms that can bring heavy rain, lightning, and occasional hail. Despite the rain, most days are sunny, and the park’s high altitude means that even in summer, evenings and mornings are brisk. Wildflowers bloom in meadows, and long daylight hours – up to 15 hours in June – make this a popular time for hiking and sightseeing.
Winter (December–February) is cold and snowy, with average highs of -1–4°C (30–39°F) and lows often below -9°C (15°F). Snow blankets the park, creating a striking contrast with the red rock formations. Snowfall averages 2–2.5 metres (6–8 feet) per year, and some roads or trails may close temporarily after storms. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are transitional, with rapidly changing weather. Spring can see snowstorms as late as April, while autumn brings crisp air, highs from 7–20°C, and the first frosts by October. Rain and snow are possible in both seasons, and weather can shift quickly. Winds are moderate, averaging 15–20 km/h, but can be stronger during storms. Bryce Canyon receives about 380–460 mm (15–18 inches) of annual precipitation and enjoys 2,500+ hours of sunshine per year.
| Average climate data for Bryce Canyon National Park, United States | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 3 | 4 | 7 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 27 | 25 | 21 | 15 | 7 | 3 | 27 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -9 | -8 | -5 | -2 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 10 | 5 | 0 | -5 | -9 | -9 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 47 | 34 | 39 | 21 | 21 | 15 | 39 | 50 | 44 | 50 | 33 | 31 | 423 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 6 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 75 |
| Average snowfall (mm) | 495 | 459 | 410 | 153 | 20 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 75 | 286 | 376 | 2,282 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 32 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 7 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 9 |
| Average UV index | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
The best time to visit Bryce Canyon is from late May to September, when temperatures are warm (15–28°C), all park facilities are open, and long daylight hours allow for extensive hiking and sightseeing. June and September offer the best balance of pleasant weather and smaller crowds, while July and August bring wildflowers and ranger-led programmes, but also afternoon thunderstorms.
The least favourable time to visit is from December to February, when cold temperatures (highs -1–4°C, lows below -9°C), heavy snowfall, and short days can limit outdoor activities and cause road or trail closures. However, winter offers beautiful snowy landscapes and solitude for those prepared for challenging conditions.
Bryce Canyon has warm, dry summers (highs 23–28°C) and cold, snowy winters (highs -1–4°C, lows below -9°C). Rain falls year-round, with summer thunderstorms and heavy winter snow. Weather can change rapidly in any season.
Late May to September is ideal for hiking, with warm days, cool nights, and long daylight hours. Trails are open, wildflowers bloom, and ranger programmes are available. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms in July and August.
Yes, Bryce Canyon receives 2–2.5 metres (6–8 feet) of snow each winter. Snow can fall from October to May, creating beautiful scenery but sometimes causing road or trail closures after storms.
Summer (June–August) is the busiest season, with most visitors and full park services. To avoid crowds, hike early in the morning or visit in late May or September, when weather is still pleasant but fewer people are in the park.
Pack layers for cool mornings and evenings, a rain jacket for summer storms, and sun protection year-round. In winter, bring thermal clothing, waterproof boots, and check for snow or ice on trails and roads.
Yes, the park is open all year. Some roads, trails, or facilities may close temporarily during winter storms or for maintenance. Always check current conditions before your visit, especially in winter and early spring.
July and August are the rainiest months, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Storms are usually brief but intense, so plan outdoor activities for mornings and seek shelter if lightning is nearby.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (26.9 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is December (2.5 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 13.7 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (11.3 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is December (-9.2 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is -0.2 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is August (50.1 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is June (14.9 mm). Over the whole year there are 423.3 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is August (9.9 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is June (4.1 days). Over the whole year there are 75.1 days of rain on average.
The month with the most snowfall is January (494.8 mm). The months with the least snowfall are July and August (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 2,282.3 mm of snowfall on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is February (6.2 days). The months with the fewest days of snowfall are June, July and August (0 days). Over the whole year there are 32.3 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is June (Average sunshine: 12 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 5.9 h). Over the whole year there are 9.1 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 11). The months with the lowest average UV index are January and December (UV index: 2). Over the whole year the average UV index is 6.7.
