Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park

If you’re wondering the best time to visit Bryce Canyon, keep reading! It’s important to know what to expect at Bryce Canyon during the various seasons, as well as each month of the year.

Use our Bryce Canyon travel guide and the information below to help you plan the best vacation at the right time.

Below we share information about weather, services, what to pack, where to stay and things to do during each season and month of the year at Bryce Canyon.

Check out these done-for-you Bryce Canyon itineraries:

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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 Time to Visit Bryce Canyon

We are sharing all the important things to consider when you are looking for the best time to visit Bryce Canyon. You’ll find general travel information, list of things to do, packing checklist, travel tips, and Bryce Canyon National Park weather information for each month at the park!

Visiting Bryce Canyon by Season

Visiting Bryce Canyon by Month

Bryce Canyon National Park in February with snow

The Best Times To Avoid the Crowds at Bryce Canyon

With almost 3 million people visiting Bryce Canyon National Park each and every year, there’s no doubt that there are going to be times that the park is more crowded. The summer months will be the most crowded times of the year, typically running from May – September. High peak hours are also from 8 AM- 8 PM.

If you can avoid the summer months, an excellent time to visit would be spring or fall as the tourists will be thinning out a bit by then. You can also visit during the winter months, but due to the elevation of Bryce Canyon you will experience winter weather, cold temperatures and some areas closed.

It’s important to note that no matter what time of year (except winter) you’re planning a visit, the weekend times are typically always busy. This makes sense as people are off work and looking to travel or explore.

The Best Day of the Week to Explore Bryce Canyon

This can vary depending on the time of the year. The summer months stay packed all the time. But during the spring and fall months, if you can plan a middle of the week trip to Bryce Canyon, you’ll find that the foot traffic from others is minimal.

Keep in mind that the park is open all year long, so there are 365 opportunities to get there to explore!

Parking Tips for Bryce Canyon

The other important piece of information to keep in mind is parking. During the busy holiday weekends and summer, you may not find a parking spot at the various lots in the park. You can always use the Bryce Canyon shuttle!

If you’re exploring the Bryce Canyon scenic drive, most people are there to see the view, then they move on. So if you wait a bit you’re likely to find a spot eventually.

But our best tip for getting parking would be to enter the park EARLY, like before 8am! Another time to go would be late afternoon and evening when people are heading back to their rooms or campsites for dinner.

Finding Separation From the Crowd at Bryce Canyon

People tend to go to Bryce Canyon for many different reasons. Some people aren’t bothered by the crowds, while others will be looking for certain days and times to avoid the tourist rush.

The easiest way to still be able to go to the park anytime you want and enjoy it anytime you want is to enjoy the Bryce Canyon hikes! While you’ll certainly encounter other hikers on the trail, it’s still a simple way to get some peace and quiet away from the masses of people.

There are miles upon miles of trails that are available for all different levels of hikers. This is a simple way to get away from the crowds while still enjoying the beauty as well.

Last but not least, use your best judgment when trying to figure out the best time to visit Bryce Canyon. Remember there are many things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park. The beauty of this park is something that everyone should experience, crowded or not.

Take into consideration the seasonal temperatures and fewer people venturing to the park on cold days or on days when there is rain potential. (Just because the forecast might say there is a chance of rain doesn’t mean that it’s going to happen!) And weather can produce amazing Bryce Canyon photos!

If you use these tips, you’ll figure out the best time to visit Bryce Canyon in the best way that works for you. You might have to use these tips and strategies multiple times of the year, but they do work and tend to be pretty accurate.

If you don’t mind waiting or putting on an extra jacket, there are plenty of chances for visiting Bryce Canyon National Park and avoid the crowds!