Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks

Determining the best time to visit Utah National Parks depends on what you want to see and do.

As you’re looking at places to visit in Utah for an upcoming vacation, timing is one of the first things you need to decide.

Utah is one of the nation’s iconic outdoor states. Its beauty goes beyond what you see in postcards and curated photographs.

We’ve got everything you need to know to help you decide WHEN to visit the amazing national parks in Utah.

To help you plan an amazing vacation, check out our Utah National Park road trip itinerary!

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.

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 Time to Visit Utah National Parks

Visiting Utah National Parks is amazing ANY time of year, but there are pros and cons to visiting at various times and months of the year.

SPRING

SUMMER

FALL

WINTER

Here’s a list of the best times to visit the five parks in Utah:

Utah National Parks Weather

It’s important to know the expected weather and temperatures for the parks during the time you’ll be taking your vacation!

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

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!

Arches & Canyonlands AUDIO TOUR
(GuideAlong)

“Download the app to your phone – no cell or wifi service needed. Based on your GPS location, the app takes you on a guided tour of the park and points out all the interesting features and stops. It’s like having a park ranger in the car with you.”

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

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

BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps

Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks

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.

A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks

Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks

Utah National Parks Weather