Capitol Reef National Park Weather: Best Time of Year to Visit

It’s all about the weather when deciding the best time of year to plan a vacation. This article details the Capitol Reef National Park weather you can expect each season and month of the year.

Use this Capitol Reef National Park guide to know the expected temperatures and weather, services available, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay during the year.

Do your research to know what it’s like visiting Capitol Reef at various times of year so you can decide which season and month is best for you to plan your vacation to this stunning park!

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A Photo Tour of Capitol Reef National Park

Take a visual tour through Capitol Reef National Park to see the stunning landscape and wildlife you’ll find in the park!

Visiting Capitol Reef National Park

Most of the year you’ll enjoy fun outdoor things to Do in Capitol Reef National Park like scenic drives, hiking, biking, and photography. During the winter, the activities may be a bit more limited due to cold or snowy conditions!

When planning a Utah National Park vacation it’s important to be up-to-date with current weather and road conditions!

Use these resources to plan your trip to Capitol Reef vacation:

• Capitol Reef National Park Vacation Ideas
• Capitol Reef Hikes 
• Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
• Capitol Reef National Park Photography

Capitol Reef National Park Weather

If you’re wondering the best time to visit best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park, below you’ll find specific information about what it’s like at different seasons and months of the year to help you decide.

You’ll also find links to different articles we’ve written about each season or month specifically: weather, services, and things to do that time of year.

Spring Weather at Capitol Reef

Springtime at Capitol Reef varies quite a bit from month to month. When visiting Capitol Reef National Park in the spring, it’s important to pack for all types of weather because you never know when the weather will change.

• Capitol Reef in March: Highs 55 | Lows 31 degrees F
• Capitol Reef in April: Highs 64 | Lows 37 degrees F 
• Capitol Reef in May: Highs 73 | Lows 46 degrees F

It is not unusual to get snowfall in March or even April. We recommend you watch the weather and pack a winter coat, winter hat, and winter gloves when going to Capitol Reef in early spring. 

Spring is a wonderful time for Capitol Reef National Park photography! It’s also a busy time so expect crowds!

Summer Weather at Capitol Reef

At Capitol Reef National Park in the summer the temperatures will be hot! Since the temperatures are brutal this time of year, plan your outdoor activities for the cooler mornings and evenings!

• Capitol Reef in June: Highs 85 | Lows 56 degrees F
• Capitol Reef in July: Highs 90 | Lows 62 degrees F
• Capitol Reef in August: Highs 87 | Lows 60 degrees F

With the hot summer temperatures, you’ll want to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. It’s important to stay hydrated and carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack.

Summer is a great time to enjoy the AC as you explore the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive!

Fall Weather at Capitol Reef

The weather at Capitol Reef National Park in the fall starts to cool down making it a great time to explore the park because it will be cool in the mornings and evenings, and the daytime temperatures aren’t too hot compared to the summer.

• Capitol Reef in September: Highs 80 | Lows 50 degrees F
• Capitol Reef in October: Highs 65 | Lows 40 degrees F
• Capitol Reef in November: Highs 50 | Lows 30 degrees F 

With the cooler temperatures at night, you will definitely want to bring a fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves for the nights and early mornings. 

Fall is a nice time to be in the park on a sunny day when the air isn’t stifling! It’s a perfect time to explore the Capitol Reef hikes!

Winter Weather at Capitol Reef

The temperatures really drop Capitol Reef National Park in the winter so it’s the least busy season . We don’t mind the colder weather for enjoying outdoor activities, which makes the winter the best time for us to visit to escape the crowds!

BUT the cold winter weather may not be for everyone.

• Capitol Reef National Park in December: Highs 39 | Lows 19 degrees F
• Capitol Reef National Park in January: Highs 39 | Lows 18 degrees F
• Capitol Reef National Park in February: Highs 45 | Lows 23 degrees F

During the winter it is especially important to dress in layers. We recommend an insulted winter jacket, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves if you’ll be doing any outside activities. Here’s the full list of the outdoor winter clothing we use!

Capitol Reef National Park Itineraries

Check out these done-for-you itineraries for Capitol Reef based on the time you have to spend exploring the park!

• Capitol Reef National Park in one day
• Two days in Capitol Reef National Park
• Three days in Capitol Reef National Park

Grab our travel bundle with printable 1, 2 and 3-day itineraries to easily plan your vacation! Simply click the graphic below to get the free itinerary pack! Click on the links below to see detailed itineraries based on the time you have to spend at the park.

Places to Stay Near Capitol Reef

• Places to Stay at Capitol Reef National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park Camping
• Hotels near Capitol Reef National Park
• RV Parks Near Capitol Reef National Park
• Capitol Reef Resort – this is where we stay! Make it a unique experience and stay in a teepee or covered wagon!
• Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel – basic rooms and cabins with a deli and store right on the property which is so convenient!
• Vacation Rentals Near Capitol Reef – we like finding a place with a kitchen so we can prepare our own food.