Travel Guide For Visiting Utah in February
We’ve put together a guide of what it’s like to visit Utah in February. Winter is a quiet time of year at the National Parks, making it one of the best months to visit Utah. For those interested in winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling, February is a terrific month to plan your vacation!
February weather and temperatures will vary between Northern and Southern Utah. Be prepared for cold temperatures and the possibility of snow at any time around the state!
There are fun places to visit in Utah in the winter like exploring the National and State Parks. The guide includes where to go, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay for a Utah vacation in February.
We have lived in Utah for over 20 years and travel around the state often. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting various Utah locations, especially in February.
Use our Utah Packing Lists to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in the winter! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
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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!
Northern and Southern Utah in February
There are two main regions in Utah: Northern Utah and Southern Utah. It’s important to keep up with road and weather conditions when visiting in February.
Northern Utah in February:
Salt Lake City and Park City are the largest cities in Northern Utah. You’ll find vibrant main streets and downtown centers with nightlife, festivals, historic buildings and performing arts.
Northern Utah in February you can snowshoe, snow ski, snowmobile, and ice fish in the valleys and mountains in the area.
Southern Utah:
It’s important to note that when you drive from Northern to Southern Utah you’ll pass small towns with limited services. Be sure you know when 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 February the parks aren’t crowded, except the holiday weekend.
Before heading out to explore any National or Utah State Park, check with the visitor center for updated conditions. During the winter hiking trails may close, or may require traction devices due to ice.
Utah Weather in February
Here’s a summary of the average Utah weather in February around the state:
Average temperature in Northern Utah (Salt Lake City): highs 45 / lows 29 degrees F. The average February snowfall in the Northern part of Utah:
- Salt Lake City – 6 days / 10.7 inches
- Logan – 6.4 days / 12.2 inches
- Provo – 4.2 days / 8.7 inches
- Alta – 13 days / 81.2 inches
- Park City – 8.7 days / 25.5 inches
Average temperature in Southern Utah (St. George): highs 59 / lows 32 degrees F. The average February snowfall in the Southern part of Utah:
- Moab (Arches/Canyonlands) – 1 days / 1.4 inches
- Bryce Canyon – 7.2 days / 18.1 inches
- Capitol Reef – 1.3 days / 1.5 inches
- Cedar City – 4.5 days / 10.6 inches
- Zion – 0.2 days / 0.5 inches
- St. George – 0.5 days / 0.9 inches
It’s important to know the expected weather forecast and temperatures for the parks you’ll visit in February so we’ve written detailed guides for each National Park in Utah:
- Arches National Park weather
- Bryce Canyon National Park weather
- Canyonlands National Park weather
- Capitol Reef National Park weather
- Zion National Park weather
Remember to stay hydrated and use sun protection, 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 is still important – use lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion if you’re not used to dry heat.
- LAYERS: Pack an insulated jacket, fleece jacket, winter hat, and winter gloves.
Is February a Good Time to Visit Utah?
Northern Utah: If you like winter activities like snow skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling then February is one of the best times to visit Utah!
Southern Utah: It’s also a good time to visit the National Parks when it’s the off-season. You can still enjoy activities like hiking and biking because “most of the time”, the weather isn’t snowy and daytime temperatures aren’t too cold.
The one exception is Bryce Canyon National Park in February. Due to it’s elevation, the weather and temperatures at Bryce Canyon are similar to what you’d see in Northern Utah: 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!
Things to Do in Utah in February
Here’s a fun list of places to visit and things to do in Utah in February:
February Winter Activities in Utah
Utah is a great destination for those who love the snow and enjoy snow sports! Hit the slopes on skis, embark on snow-covered hiking trails, or simply savor a hot cocoa by a roaring fire, there’s something for everyone.
- Park City Winter Tours and Rentals
- Dog Sledding in Park City
- Snow Skiing in Utah
- Snowmobiling in Utah
Utah National Parks in February
All of the Utah National Parks in March are open 24/7 every single day in February, but the Visitor Centers at all five parks will have shortened hours.
Some of the National Parks in Utah now have permits to enter or do certain activities, so be sure to check the most updated National Park reservations required for the parks you’ll visit.
Enjoy winter activities in Utah National Parks like hiking, biking, scenic drives, off-roading, landscape photography, and more!
We’ve written specific guides about visiting Utah National Parks in February:
- Arches National Park in February
- Bryce Canyon National Park in February
- Canyonlands National Park in February
- Capitol Reef National Park in February
- Zion National Park in February
Utah State Parks in February
Here’s a list of Utah State Parks where you can enjoy hiking, biking, climbing, photography, and stargazing. We’ve noted our favorite State Parks in Utah to visit in February.
- Antelope Island State Park
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Kodachrome Basin State Park
Hiking in Utah in February
In February you can enjoy snowshoeing in Northern Utah and hiking in Southern Utah. You may need traction devices on trails that are icy.
There are plenty of trails for winter hiking in Utah National Parks, State parks, National forests, and Wilderness areas. You’ll find a trail for any level of hiker from gentle, scenic routes perfect for beginners to steep, rugged trails that will test even the most experienced hiker’s stamina, the variety is endless.
Check out these fun winter hiking ideas around Utah at all five Utah National Parks:
- Arches National Park Winter Hikes
- Bryce Canyon Winter Hikes
- Canyonlands National Park Winter Hikes
- Capitol Reef National Park Winter Hikes
- Winter Hiking in Zion National Park
- Moab Winter Hikes
Utah Scenic Drives in February
Utah, with its wide-open spaces of breathtaking scenery, offers endless opportunities for exploration. This state is a visual treat, showcasing miles upon miles of stunning landscapes that are absolutely amazing.
The Utah Scenic Drives in the lower elevations around the state are open to explore in February. Check out the list of scenic drives we recommend in the winter:
- Anticline Overlook
- Needles Overlook
- Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway
- Scenic Byway 12
- Valley of the Gods
The scenic drives in Utah National Parks offer some of the best views and landscapes in America. All five parks have a road to explore the various points of interest with things to see, do and photograph at each stop.
- Arches National Park Scenic Drive
- Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
- Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
- Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
- Zion National Park Scenic Drives
Utah Photography in February
If you’re prepared for cold temperatures, then February is a good time of year to photograph snowy landscapes and forests in Northern Utah.
In February the sunrise and sunset times aren’t too early or too late, but it will be cold:
We highly recommend rechargeable hand warmers and photographer gloves for those cold early morning sunrise outings!
In Southern Utah we get excited when it snows so we can capture the contrast of snow on the red sandstone cliffs. You can capture amazing winter photos at the Utah National Parks:
Utah has lots of places where you can take pictures of the different and special scenery all over the state! Here’s a list of our favorite year-round photography spots in Utah:
- Guide to Moab Photography
- Guide to Kanab Photography
- Dead Horse Point State Park Photos
- White Pocket Photos
Utah Stargazing in February
Boasting the most significant number of accredited International Dark Sky Parks across the globe, Utah is a haven for stargazers. We highly recommend you set aside some time during your visit to see the stunning display of Utah’s nighttime sky.
Northern Utah Stargazing Locations:
- Antelope Island State Park
- Dinosaur National Monument
- East Canyon State Park
- Jordanelle State Park
- North Fork Park
Southern Utah Stargazing Locations:
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Goosenecks State Park
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Natural Bridges National Monument
Utah Tours in February
You’ll find a variety of tours around Utah in February: skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and more in the mountains.
At the Utah National Parks there are guided tours to explore the red rock landscape: hiking, rock climbing, photography, off-roading, and more!
- Arches National Park Tours
- Bryce Canyon National Park Tours
- Canyonlands National Park Tours
- Capitol Reef National Park Tours
- Zion National Park Tours
- Moab Tours
Places to Stay in Utah in February
- Coolest Hotels in Utah
- Winter Camping in Utah National Parks
- RV parks near Utah National Parks
- Lodging in Utah National Parks
- Hotels Near Utah National Parks
Utah Bucket List of Things To Do
To find even MORE fun things to do in February, we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of must-do activities that belong on every Utah Bucket List: things to see, do and taste all around the state! Grab the free printable by clicking the graphic below!
