Best Month to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is one of the most spectacular sites in the United States. With its majestic red rock formations, it’s no wonder why this park attracts millions of visitors every year.
But when is the best month to visit Bryce Canyon National Park? The answer depends on what you’re looking for and what kind of experience you want to have.
Use this Bryce Canyon travel guide to determine the month that’s best for you to visit for the things you want to see, do, and photograph.
Visiting Bryce Canyon in the spring, summer, and fall is vastly different from the winter. To help you plan your Bryce Canyon vacation, we’ve listed activities, things to pack, travel tips, and weather information for each month at the park.
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A Photo Tour of Bryce Canyon National Park
Take a visual tour through Bryce Canyon National Park to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Best Month to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park
Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park is an unforgettable experience. The park is a stunning landscape of red rock formations, which have been sculpted over millions of years by the elements.
Most of the year you’ll enjoy fun outdoor Bryce Canyon activities like scenic drives, hiking, biking, and photography. During the winter, the activities may be a bit more limited due to cold or snowy conditions!
It’s important to be up-to-date with the current Bryce Canyon National Park weather and road conditions, especially in the winter.
Here’s our list of tips for visiting Bryce Canyon National Park every month of the year: general travel information, list of things to do, items to pack, and weather information!
Spring Months at Bryce Canyon National Park
Spring is an ideal time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. Check out the fun things you can do during the fall months of March, April, and May:
The first part of March is the best time to avoid the crowds when it’s spring break in Utah. But due to the high elevation at Bryce Canyon, the temperatures will still be cold and the weather unpredictable in early spring.
Now for the breakdown of what to expect at Bryce Canyon each month in the spring.
March Vacation to Bryce Canyon
There will probably be snow at Bryce Canyon National Park in March, but that’s what makes it magical! The colorful hoodoos really pop against the white snow.
The main Bryce Canyon scenic drive could be closed due to weather and road conditions, which means you’ll only be able to see the amphitheater section of the park.
Check the forecast and be prepared for winter weather just in case: insulated jacket, fleece jacket, waterproof hiking boots, gloves, winter hat.
April Vacation to Bryce Canyon
The temperatures at Bryce Canyon in April are still on the cool side. The highs are usually in the mid 50s and the lows are close to 30.
Beginning the first part of April the Bryce Canyon shuttle begins running every day. The free shuttle buses bring visitors to the Bryce Amphitheater area of the park. Riding the shuttle is not mandatory – you can drive your car to the various points on the Bryce Canyon scenic drive.
The scenic drive at Arches is a must! We recommend the Bryce Canyon GuideAlong App to hear fun behind-the-scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.
May Vacation to Bryce Canyon
You can expect highs in the low 60s and the lows in the low 30s at Bryce Canyon in May. The mornings and evening will be cool so you’ll want a fleece jacket. Layers are best for all-day activities.
Bryce Canyon’s elevations reach over 9,000 feet. Even a small amount of exertion may leave you feeling light-headed and nauseated. Remember, most Bryce Canyon hikes begin with a descent and end with a climb. Leave yourself enough energy for your return trip.
When hiking at Bryce Canyon keep in mind:
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes
- Carry lots of water – hydration backpacks or refillable water bottles
- Dress in layers – fleece jacket and wicking clothing
- Use sunscreen, lotion, and lip balm
Summer Months at Bryce Canyon National Park
With summer vacations the peak time to travel, Bryce Canyon will be crowded. Check out the fun things you can do during the fall months of June, July, and August:
The summer months are not our favorite time because it will be hot and crowded. Be sure to stay hydrated by carrying refillable water bottles, wear UV wicking clothing, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, and you’ll want lip balm and lotion since Bryce Canyon is in a dry desert environment!
Now for the breakdown of what to expect at Bryce Canyon each month in the summer.
June Vacation to Bryce Canyon
Because of the high elevation the temperatures are cooler at Bryce Canyon National Park in June compared to the other Utah National Parks: expect highs near 74 and lows near 40 degrees F.
You can’t beat stargazing at Bryce Canyon National Park! The slogan “Half the Park is After Dark” invites you to take one evening to enjoy a star-filled sky! In June you can see the milky way from 10:30 pm to 3:30 am.
Be sure to check the dates for when the Annual Astronomy Festival happens in June!
July Vacation to Bryce Canyon
Expect highs near 80 and lows near 50 degrees F at Bryce Canyon National Park in July ! You won’t find many shady spots in the park. We suggest you plan your outdoor activities like hiking in the cooler mornings and evenings.
Our big tip to avoid the crowds and heat is to get into the park early. You can’t beat watching and photographing the Bryce Canyon sunrise!
August Vacation to Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon in August is pretty much perfect with highs in the upper 70s and lows around 50 degrees F.
Check out what Bryce Canyon ranger-led programs are available in August. If you’re visiting the park with kids, be sure to grab the Junior Ranger booklet so they can earn their Junior Ranger Badge!
Fall Months at Bryce Canyon National Park
Fall is a very busy season so be prepared for crowds. Check out the fun things you can do during the fall months of September, October, and November at Bryce Canyon:
With the cooler temperatures at night and the early mornings, especially late fall, be sure to dress in layers and carry a fleece jacket, winter hat, and winter gloves.
Early fall is a terrific time for Bryce Canyon National Park camping when it’s not too hot, too cold, or rainy!
Now for the breakdown of what to expect at Bryce Canyon each month in the fall.
September Vacation to Bryce Canyon
The fall season begins at Bryce Canyon in September. Expect highs around 70 and lows around 42 degrees F.
Biking is a fun activity riding from Bryce Canyon City to Inspiration Point. This 5 mile section of road is available to bikers to ride. The elevation gain is 746 going north to south. You can also take the park shuttle to Inspiration Point then ride back going downhill.
All viewpoints, the Lodge, Visitor Center and Shuttle Station have bike racks so you can stop at various places in the park to explore the area. You can rent bikes in Bryce Canyon City.
October Vacation to Bryce Canyon
The temperatures at Bryce Canyon in October begin to get more chilly with the highs hovering around 57 degrees F and dipping down into the high 20s at night.
There are so many great Bryce Canyon hikes that you can do in October. The hikes are divided into easy, moderate, and hard depending on your hiking ability. we recommend the Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden trail, you won’t be disappointed.
November Vacation to Bryce Canyon
At Bryce Canyon in November the temperatures begin to get cold with the highs around 44 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows around 18 degrees at night. Brr!
The park is transitioning to the off-season so there aren’t as many visitors which is so nice! With temperatures cooling off, we like to carry rechargeable hand warmers for the cold temperatures when we’re out taking Bryce Canyon pictures.
Winter Months at Bryce Canyon National Park
Going to Bryce Canyon in the winter is truly a unique and incredible experience and is totally different than visiting any other time of year. Check out the fun things you can do during the winter months of December, January, and February:
Pack winter hiking gear and dress in layers when visiting Bryce Canyon in the winter.
Bryce Canyon winter camping can be found at the North Campground as it’s open year-round and it’s first-come, first-served. The Sunset Campground is closed November through March.
You’ll also find great off season rates at the Bryce Canyon hotels in the area!
Now for the breakdown of what to expect at Bryce Canyon each month in the winter.
December Vacation to Arches
You’ll see snow at Bryce Canyon in December with average highs around 36 degrees and the lows around 15 degrees F at night.
When a snow storm hits the area, there may be temporary road closures. Road(s) will stay closed until plowing is completed and conditions are safe for visitor traffic.
Exploring the park with snowshoes and skis is part of the unique experience of a winter vacation at Bryce Canyon!
January Vacation to Bryce Canyon
The weather at Bryce Canyon National Park in January usually brings the coolest temperatures of the year averaging between 36 and 11 degrees F.
Driving to Bryce Canyon in January takes some advanced planning compared to driving there in the summer due to it’s remote and mountainous location.
Our biggest tip is to watch the weather forecast and consider other options and routes if snow is expected. The narrow and steep backcountry roads to get to Bryce Canyon may not be plowed, and can be very scary in the snow!
Once you get to Bryce Canyon, the main road and major parking lots are usually plowed quickly after a storm.
February Vacation to Bryce Canyon
The February weather will be cold, and you may encounter snow, but it’s so amazing to see the contrast of white snow against the red rocks. The average highs at Arches National Park in February are near 52 degrees with the lows near 28 degrees.
Ruby’s Inn hosts a Winter Festival over President’s Weekend in mid-February. The events may be subject to change due to weather conditions, but the festival will be held regardless!
Most of the activities are free. You will need to pay the entrance fee (or use your National Parks Pass) to access the events taking place at Bryce Canyon.
BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps
Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Bryce Canyon Winter Lodging
- Bryce Canyon National Park RV Vacation
- Glamping Near Bryce Canyon National Park
- Boondocking Near Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park Packing List
Use our Bryce Canyon Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting any time of year! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
