Best Month to Visit Utah National Parks

Our absolute favorite places to visit are Utah National Parks! The landscape at each park is different: arches, canyons, hoodoos, balancing rocks, and more!

When you’re looking for the best month to visit Utah National Parks, it all depends on the activities you want to do.

Best month to visit Utah National Parks

We have created a list of articles all about visiting each National Park in Utah by month.

Each details the weather, services available, and things to do each month at the park to help you decide the best time to visit.

Utah National Parks packing lists
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A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks

Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!

Best Month to Visit Utah National Parks

There are important things to know about visiting each park during a specific month.

Use our resources below to know all about planning a trip during a specific month so you know in advance what to expect.

Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks

There are important things to know about visiting these parks during the different seasons of the year. You’ll need to be aware of the busy seasons at the parks.

Check out these articles to know all about planning a trip during a specific season or month so you know in advance what to expect.

Delicate Arch at Arches National Park.
Delicate Arch at Arches National Park.

Utah National Parks in the Spring

Springtime is the most popular time for tourists to flock to Utah National Parks. The time between April to May is the busiest due to spring break in Utah and the mild temperatures.

If you want a more peaceful trip, then a spring trip may not be the right time for you.

Everything you need to know about a spring vacation to Utah National Parks!

Spring Weather at Utah National Parks

Spring weather in Southern Utah means warmer days with cool nighttime temperatures, Be prepared for an occasional rainstorm, but the rain can produce some pop-up waterfalls which is a cool thing to see! 

Due to the high elevation for Bryce Canyon, the temperatures will be much cooler than the other parks so be prepared with layers!

Arches

  • March highs 64 / lows 35
  • April highs 71 / lows 42
  • May highs 82 / lows 51

Bryce Canyon

  • March highs 45 / lows 23
  • April highs 54 / lows 29
  • May highs 64 / lows 37

Capitol Reef

  • March highs 58 / lows 34
  • April highs 65 / lows 39
  • May highs 74 / lows 48

Canyonlands

  • March highs 64 / lows 35
  • April highs 71 / lows 42
  • May highs 82 / lows 51

Zion

  • March highs 66 / lows 39
  • April highs 75 / lows 45
  • May highs 86 / lows 54
Green River Overlook at Canyonlands Island in the Sky.
Green River Overlook at Canyonlands Island in the Sky.

Utah National Parks in the Summer

Utah’s harsh and scorching summer weather means temperatures can rise over 100 degrees. If you want to visit Utah National Parks in the summer, here are a few tips.

Enter the park EARLY to enjoy the cooler morning air. Then during the heat of the day, go back to your hotel to swim or simply relax in the air conditioned room. Head back to the park late afternoon before sunset when the air begins to cool. And we always recommend you take an evening to look up and enjoy the night sky full of stars!!

Stay hydrated, eat salty snacks, use sun protection, and limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day during the summer months! If you’re not used to dry heat, you’ll want lotion and lip balm handy!

Everything you need to know about a summer vacation to Utah National Parks!

Summer Weather

There’s no other way to say it… summer is sunny and hot! You’ll need to be prepared with sun protection, water. electrolytes, and salty snacks!

Arches

  • June highs 93 / lows 60
  • July highs 100 / lows 67
  • August highs 97 / lows 66

Bryce Canyon

  • June highs 75 / lows 45
  • July highs 80 / lows 53
  • August highs 77 / lows 50

Capitol Reef

  • June highs 87 / lows 58
  • July highs 91 / lows 65
  • August highs 88 / lows 63

Canyonlands

  • June highs 93 / lows 60
  • July highs 100 / lows 67
  • August highs 97 / lows 66

Zion

  • June highs 95 / lows 63
  • July highs 100 / lows 63
  • August highs 99 / lows 68

During the summer monsoon season you’ll experience heavy rain and lightning. We recommend you talk to the rangers before hitting any trail to get the most updated conditions so you’re prepared!

Rain storms in the desert can create popup waterfalls that are so fun to see…. but do it safely!

Fruita Barn at Capitol Reef National Park.
Fruita Barn at Capitol Reef National Park.

Utah National Parks in the Fall

Fall is the next best season to visit Utah National Parks. The temperatures aren’t as hot as summer and you can enjoy some fall color on the leaves!

Because the weather is good for outdoor activities at the parks, expect crowds. Starting your day off early before the parks get crowded is always our number one tip!

Everything you need to know about Utah National Parks in the fall!

Fall Weather at Utah National Parks

The temperatures are starting to cool off in the fall months which makes is perfect for outdoor activities!

Arches

  • September highs 88 / lows 55
  • October highs 74 / lows 42
  • November highs 56 / lows 30

Bryce Canyon

  • September highs 70 / lows 42
  • October highs 58 / lows 32
  • November highs 45 / lows 23

Capitol Reef

  • September highs 80 / lows 55
  • October highs 66 / lows 43
  • November highs 51 / lows 31

Canyonlands

  • September highs 88 / lows 55
  • October highs 74 / lows 42
  • November highs 56 / lows 30

Zion

  • September highs 91 / lows 61
  • October highs 79 / lows 48
  • November highs 64 / lows 37
Bryce Canyon in the winter with snow.
Bryce Canyon in the winter with snow.

Utah National Parks in the Winter

Visiting Utah National Parks in the winter is our favorite time to go! It’s the off season so the prices for lodging are cheap compared to the spring, summer and fall.

We’ve found December to be the perfect time to go before the temperatures get really cold and the weather is bad with rain and snow.

Yes, winter may mean limited services and ranger programs, but if you want to enjoy hiking and taking pictures without the crowds then this is a great time to go!

Everything you need to know about a winter vacation to Utah National Parks!

Winter Weather at Utah National Parks

Be prepared with winter clothing: waterproof layers and shoes.

Before heading out to explore the park, check with the visitor center for updated conditions. During the winter hiking trails may close, or may require traction devices due to ice.

Arches

  • December highs 45 / lows 23
  • January highs 44 / lows 22
  • February highs 52 / lows 28

Bryce Canyon

  • December highs 36 / lows 15
  • January highs 37 / lows 15
  • February highs 38 / lows 17

Capitol Reef

  • December highs 40 / lows 21
  • January highs 41 / lows 20
  • February highs 47 / lows 26

Canyonland

  • December highs 45 / lows 23
  • January highs 44 / lows 22
  • February highs 52 / lows 28

Zion

  • December highs 54 / lows 30
  • January highs 54 / lows 30
  • February high 59 / lows 34

Utah National Parks Weather

Be sure you know the expected weather and temperatures for the parks you’ll visit any time of year:

Utah National Parks photography guides bundle optin box

Utah National Parks Itineraries and Travel Guides

When looking for US National Park vacation ideas, check out our Utah National Park travel guides and photography guides to plan the perfect trip to visit all 5 parks!

Utah National Parks Itineraries

Utah National Parks Travel Guides

Utah Travel Guides & Maps

Utah guides and maps

Where to Stay at Utah National Parks

Use our resources below to know all about the lodging and camping ideas at the national parks. We also share our favorite places to stay near the national parks.

ARCHES

BRYCE CANYON

CANYONLANDS

CAPITOL REEF

ZION

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