Best Month to Visit Utah: Weather + Activities

Utah is one of the most beautiful states in the United States. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and a wide range of outdoor activities. With so much to explore, it can be hard to decide the best time to visit Utah.

The best month to visit Utah depends on what you’re looking for in your trip – whether you want to experience its amazing skiing or enjoy its stunning desert landscapes.

You’ll find amazing places to visit in Utah any time of year! If you’re looking for the best month for your Utah vacation, it’s important to consider the weather and the activities available.

From the warm days of summer to the snow-covered slopes of winter, Utah has something for everyone.

Use our Utah Packing Lists to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in the winter or summer! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!

Utah packing lists for spring summer fall and winter

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Visiting Northern and Southern Utah

The state of Utah is usually divided into two regions: northern and southern. The two parts of the state are quite different when it comes to weather, temperatures, and things to do!

Utah weather and temperatures will vary between the Northern and Southern parts of the state. The North and higher elevations will be cooler than the South and lower elevations by 10 to 20 degrees!

Visiting Northern Utah:

You’ll find the state capitol, Salt Lake City, in the north as well as Park City, Provo and Logan. You’ll find vibrant main streets and downtown centers with nightlife, festivals, historic buildings and performing arts.

Northern Utah is home to mountains, forests, lakes and reservoirs where you can enjoy summer and winter activities.

There are quite a few Utah State Parks and National Monuments in the Northern part of the state.

Visiting Southern Utah:

Driving from Northern to Southern Utah you’ll pass small towns with limited services. Pay attention to where the various Utah vacation spots are located around the state. A drive from Salt Lake City to any of the National Parks in the south can take 4 to 5 hours.

You’ll find all 5 Utah National Parks in Central and Southern Utah, in addition to State Parks that are just as stunning as the National Parks!

Remember to stay hydrated and use sun protection during your Utah vacation, even in the winter months. If you’ll be doing any outdoor activities, we recommend the following:

WATER: Drink plenty of water (this isn’t just for the summer months) – we use hydration packs or carry refillable bottles in our backpack.
FOOD: Pack and eat healthy snacks.
SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen – use lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion if you’re not used to Utah’s dry heat.

Utah NP Mighty 5 AUDIO TOUR
(GuideAlong)

“It’s just like having a tour guide along for the ride. You’ll hear stories, local tips & navigation play automatically, all based on your location. Best of all it doesn’t need cell signal, the tour works offline with GPS.”

Best Month to Visit Utah

Depending on your interests and preferences, any month could be the perfect time to visit Utah! Here’s a list of what to expect and things to do when visiting Utah each month of the year.

Visiting Utah in January

Whether you’re looking for a ski trip or just want to explore the state’s stunning landscapes, there are plenty of things to do in Utah in January.

Northern Utah in January:

Average temperature in Salt Lake City: highs 39 / lows 24 degrees F
Average snowfall in Salt Lake City: 7.6 days / 12.7 inches
Activities: snow skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling

Southern Utah in January:

Average temperature in St. George: highs 54 / lows 28 degrees F
Average snowfall in St. George: 0.1 days / 0.5 inches
Activities: hiking, biking, and scenic drives

The one exception to the warmer weather in Southern Utah is Bryce Canyon National Park in January. Due to it’s elevation, the weather and temperatures are more aligned to what you’d experience in the northern part of the state. Expect snow, cold temperatures, and winter activities.

Yes, it does snow in the southern parts of Utah, but it doesn’t usually stay on the ground too long so you can enjoy all those fun outdoor activities without crowds or heat!

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

Bryce Canyon in the winter with snow — Bryce Canyon in the winter

Visiting Utah in February

From skiing in the Wasatch Mountains to exploring the iconic red rocks of southern Utah, you can find plenty of reasons to visit Utah in February.

Northern Utah in February:

Average temperature in Salt Lake City: highs 45 / lows 29 degrees F
Average snowfall in Salt Lake City: 6 days / 10.7 inches
Activities: snow skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling

Southern Utah in February:

Average temperature in St. George: highs 59 / lows 32 degrees F
Average snowfall in St. George: 0.5 days / 0.9 inches
Activities: hiking, biking, and scenic drives

All five Utah National Parks in February are open 24/7, but the Visitor Centers will have shortened hours in the winter. Check out all the fun winter activities you can do at each park!

Visiting Utah in March

From skiing in the Wasatch Mountains to exploring the iconic red rocks of southern Utah, you can find plenty of reasons to visit Utah in March.

Northern Utah in March:

Average temperature in Salt Lake City: highs 55 / lows 36 degrees F
Average precipitation in Salt Lake City: 9 days / 1.8 inches
Activities: snow skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling

Southern Utah in March:

Average temperature in St. George: highs 68 / lows 39 degrees F
Average participation in St. George: 5 days / 1 inch
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, photography, and stargazing

Utah National Parks in March will be busy this month since they are popular spring break destinations!

Some of the National Parks in Utah now have permits to enter or do certain activities, so be sure to check about reservations for the time you’ll visit!

One tip we have for visiting Arches National Park when they require a timed entry ticket is to go in early to watch and photograph the sunrise at Arches National Park! That way you don’t need to worry about getting a ticket! Or plan to go later in the day to watch and photograph the sunset at Arches National Park!

Visiting Utah in April

With its mild temperatures and sunny days, Utah in April is a great time to explore the outdoors and enjoy all that it has to offer! Rainfall is common throughout the month, but snow is rare after mid-April.

There are a lot of Utah spring break ideas like exploring the National and State Parks.

Northern Utah in April:

Average temperature in Salt Lake City: highs 62 / lows 42 degrees F
Average precipitation in Salt Lake City: 10 days / 2.2 inches
Activities: snow skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the mountains; hiking and biking on the lower elevation trails

Southern Utah in April:

Average temperature in St. George: highs 75 / lows 46 degrees F
Average participation in St. George: 3 days / 0.7 inch
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, boating, photography, stargazing, off-roading, and camping

Utah scenic drives in the lower elevations around the state are open to explore in April:

Arches National Park Scenic Drive
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
Zion National Park Scenic Drives
Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway in Moab
Best Stops Along Scenic Byway 12 between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef

Have you heard about the Utah National Parks GyPSy Guide App? It’s a great way to have your own private guide to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.

Colorado River along the Potash Scenic Byway — Potash Scenic Byway

Visiting Utah in May

With the mild temperatures and beautiful scenery Utah in May is the perfect time of year to explore all that Utah has to offer around the state! Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or a peaceful retreat, Utah has something for everyone.

Northern Utah in May:

Average temperature in Salt Lake City: highs 73 / lows 50 degrees F
Average precipitation in Salt Lake City: 9 days / 1.8 inches
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, boating, photography, stargazing, off-roading, and camping

Southern Utah in May:

Average temperature in St. George: highs 85 / lows 56 degrees F
Average participation in St. George: 3 days / 0.3 inches
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, boating, photography, stargazing, off-roading, and camping

Utah’s stunning landscape features deserts, sandstone cliffs, forested mountains, deep canyons, and red rock monoliths. It’s truly a photographer’s dream! May is an amazing time to capture images at these photo spots in Utah.

Check out this Utah National Parks Photography Guides bundle to take jaw-dropping photos at all 5 parks!

You won’t find a better location than Utah for stargazing! Did you know that Utah has the highest concentration of certified International Dark Sky Parks in the world!?

We definitely recommend you take time to view the night skies during your vacation. The milky way is visible from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am in May!

Visiting Utah in June

From hiking in the stunning national parks, to camping in the desert, and exploring the charming mountain towns, there’s a variety of things to do in Utah in June!

Northern Utah in June:

Average temperature in Salt Lake City: highs 84 / lows 59 degrees F
Average precipitation in Salt Lake City: 5 days / 1 inch
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, boating, photography, stargazing, off-roading, and camping

Southern Utah in June:

Average temperature in St. George: highs 96 / lows 65 degrees F
Average participation in St. George: 1 day / 0.2 inch
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, boating, photography, stargazing, off-roading, and camping

June is a terrific time to visit the Utah State Parks around the state where you can enjoy hiking, biking, climbing, photography, and stargazing!

boat on Utah Lake at sunset — Utah Lake State Park

Visiting Utah in July

The month of July is hot and not the best time to visit Utah, especially if you want to enjoy the outdoor activities at the National and State Parks around the state. One way to escape the heat is to head to the mountains when visiting Utah in July.

Northern Utah in July:

Average temperature in Salt Lake City: highs 94 / lows 68 degrees F
Average precipitation in Salt Lake City: 4 days / 0.5 inch
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, boating, photography, stargazing, off-roading, and camping

Southern Utah in July:

Average temperature in St. George: highs 102 / lows 72 degrees F
Average participation in St. George: 3 days / 0.5 inch
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, boating, photography, stargazing, off-roading, and camping

Monsoon season in Utah usually arrives at the end of summer, between late July and mid September.

The summer monsoon rain means increased potential for flash floods! When hiking in any of Southern Utah’s streams, washes or canyons – it’s extremely important that you plan around the weather.

We recommend you check with Rangers for any threat of flash floods before hiking in Utah National Parks.

Visiting Utah in August

August is still a hot month around the state. We recommend you limit outdoor activities to the cooler mornings and early evenings when visiting Utah in August. It’s a terrific time of year to enjoy water sports at the State Park lakes and reservoirs!

Northern Utah in August:

Average temperature in Salt Lake City: highs 92 / lows 67 degrees F
Average precipitation in Salt Lake City: 5 days / 0.6 inches
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, boating, photography, stargazing, off-roading, and camping

Southern Utah in August:

Average temperature in St. George: highs 100 / lows 70 degrees F
Average participation in St. George: 3 days / 1.1 inches
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, boating, photography, stargazing, off-roading, and camping

You’ll find some fun tours at the various Utah National Parks like hiking, canyoneering, horseback riding, Jeep and ATVing, and photography!

Visiting Utah in September

There are a variety of fun places to to go in Utah in the fall and activities to do like exploring the National and State Parks, picking apples, or riding the pumpkin train!

Visiting Utah in September you’ll find the weather is amazing all over the state! You can enjoy all the outdoor summer time activities in September without the heat you find in July and August!

Northern Utah in September:

Average temperature in Salt Lake City: highs 79 / lows 58 degrees F
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, boating, photography, stargazing, off-roading, and camping

Southern Utah in September:

Average temperature in St. George: highs 98 / lows 63 degrees F
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, boating, photography, stargazing, off-roading, and camping

The fall foliage you’ll see in Utah at the end of September is the cherry on top for your vacation this time of year!

We recommend these two Utah Scenic Drives to enjoy the fall colors the last two weeks of September:

fall colors along the Alpine Loop in Utah — Alpine Loop Scenic Drive in the fall

Visiting Utah in October

The cooler temperatures make it a perfect time for camping and other outdoor activities. When visiting Utah in October the vibrant fall colors are sure to make your visit even more memorable!

Northern Utah in October:

Average temperature in Salt Lake City: highs 66 / lows 47 degrees F
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, photography, stargazing, off-roading, and camping

Southern Utah in October:

Average temperature in St. George: highs 79 / lows 53 degrees F
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, boating, photography, stargazing, off-roading, and camping

The fall foliage in Utah usually happens the last two weeks of September in Northern Utah’s canyons and hiking trails. In Southern Utah, early October is a good time to see fall colors:

Visiting Utah in November

In November the crowds at the popular vacation spots begin to diminish. The weather conditions aren’t too cold yet to enjoy outdoor activities.

For us, Utah in November is one of the best times to visit, especially the Utah National Parks! Keep in mind that Thanksgiving Weekend will be busy at all 5 parks so try to avoid that time if you can.

Northern Utah in November:

Average temperature in Salt Lake City: highs 51 / lows 36 degrees F
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, photography, stargazing, off-roading, and camping

Southern Utah in November:

Average temperature in St. George: highs 63 / lows 40 degrees F
Activities: hiking, biking, canyoneering, scenic drives, photography, stargazing, off-roading, and camping

Hiking in November is one of the best times of year to enjoy the moderate temperatures!

Dog sledding tour — Dog sledding near Park City in the winter

Visiting Utah in December

When visiting Utah in December, be prepared for cold temperatures and the possibility of snow throughout the state! Be prepared with winter clothing like waterproof layers and shoes when visiting in December.

Northern Utah in December:

Average temperature in Salt Lake City: highs 39 / lows 27 degrees F
Activities: snow skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling

Southern Utah in December:

Average temperature in St. George: highs 63 / lows 40 degrees F
Activities: hiking, biking, scenic drives

You’ll find fun places to visit in Utah in the winter: National and State Parks, Utah Crater and hot springs, tubing, Ice Castles, and more!

Utah Travel Guides & Maps

Best Month to Visit Utah: Weather + Activities

This site contains affiliate links which means WE may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We only provide links to products we actually use and/or wholeheartedly recommend! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full Disclosure Policy.

Visiting Northern and Southern Utah

Utah NP Mighty 5 AUDIO TOUR
(GuideAlong)