Zion National Park features a dramatic desert climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and sunny, with frequent thunderstorms and risk of flash floods, while winters are cold and can be snowy, especially at higher elevations. Spring and autumn offer mild, pleasant weather, making them the most popular times for hiking and sightseeing.
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.
Zion National Park’s climate is shaped by its high desert setting and varied elevations, resulting in significant seasonal contrasts. Summers (June–August) are hot and dry, with average highs of 36–38°C and lows around 16–20°C. July and August can see temperatures soar above 40°C, and the North American Monsoon brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms, increasing the risk of flash floods, especially in slot canyons. Despite the heat, humidity remains low, and mornings and evenings are more comfortable. Sun exposure is intense, and UV levels are high, so sun protection and hydration are essential.
Winters (December–February) are cold and often wet, with daytime highs of 10–15°C and nighttime lows dipping below freezing. Snow is possible, particularly at higher elevations, though it usually melts quickly in the canyon. Winter brings fewer crowds, and some trails may be icy or closed due to hazardous conditions. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the most pleasant seasons, with highs ranging from 15–28°C and cooler nights. These periods see blooming wildflowers in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. Rain is more common in spring, while fall is generally drier and clearer. Zion receives about 400 mm of precipitation annually, with most rain falling in winter and early spring, and the park enjoys over 2,600 hours of sunshine each year. Winds are generally light to moderate but can increase during storms.
| Average climate data for Zion National Park, United States | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 12 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 30 | 35 | 38 | 37 | 33 | 26 | 17 | 12 | 38 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 17 | 21 | 20 | 16 | 9 | 3 | -2 | -2 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 46 | 50 | 52 | 33 | 17 | 8 | 31 | 37 | 26 | 33 | 36 | 42 | 411 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 68 |
| Average snowfall (mm) | 23 | 25 | 18 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 25 | 107 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
The best time to visit Zion National Park is in spring (April–May) and fall (late September–October), when temperatures are mild (15–28°C), crowds are thinner, and the park’s wildflowers or autumn foliage are at their peak. These seasons offer comfortable weather for hiking, fewer thunderstorms, and the most vibrant landscapes.
The least favourable time is from late June to August, when extreme heat (often above 38°C), frequent thunderstorms, and peak crowds make hiking and sightseeing challenging. Winter (December–February) is also less ideal for hiking due to cold, wet conditions, icy trails, and limited daylight, though it offers solitude and scenic snowy vistas.
Zion has a desert climate with hot, dry summers (36–38°C), mild to cold winters (10–15°C), and variable spring and autumn weather. Rain and thunderstorms are most common in spring and summer; snow is possible in winter.
The best times to visit are April–May and late September–October, when temperatures are mild, crowds are smaller, and wildflowers or autumn colours are at their best. These seasons offer ideal hiking and sightseeing conditions.
Yes, snow can fall in Zion during winter, especially at higher elevations. Snow in the canyon is usually light and melts quickly, but trails can be icy or closed, so check conditions before hiking.
Summer temperatures often reach 36–38°C, with peaks above 40°C. The heat, combined with intense sun and low humidity, makes hydration and sun protection essential for outdoor activities.
Yes, flash floods are a serious risk, especially in summer during afternoon thunderstorms. Always check weather forecasts and avoid slot canyons if storms are predicted.
Zion receives about 400 mm of precipitation annually, with most rain falling in winter and spring. Summer storms can bring intense but brief rainfall, often causing flash floods.
Pack layers for temperature swings, sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and a rain jacket. In summer, bring salty snacks and avoid midday hikes. In winter, bring warm, waterproof clothing and check trail conditions.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (38.4 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is December (11.9 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 24.8 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (20.6 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is December (-1.5 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 8.7 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is March (52.1 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is June (7.9 mm). Over the whole year there are 411.2 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is March (7.9 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is June (2.6 days). Over the whole year there are 67.8 days of rain on average.
The month with the most snowfall is December (25.5 mm). The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 106.6 mm of snowfall on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is December (0.7 days). The months with the fewest days of snowfall are May, August and October (0 days). Over the whole year there are 2.5 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.
