Travel Guide For Visiting Utah in July
We’ve put together a guide of what it’s like to visit Utah in July. You’ll find many places to visit in Utah in the month of July to add to your bucket list.
This guide includes where to go, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay for a Utah vacation in July. From the stunning mountain peaks to desert landscapes, there are plenty of ways to enjoy all this amazing state has to offer!
July weather and temperatures will vary between Northern and Southern Utah. The higher elevations will be cooler than the lower elevations by 10 to 20 degrees.
Use our Utah Packing Lists to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in the summer (UV protection clothing, sunscreen, lotion)! 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 July
Utah is divided into two regions: Northern Utah and Southern Utah. Here’s what to expect when you visit each part of the state in July.
Northern Utah in July:
You’ll find terrific shopping, restaurants, and night life at the three large cities in Northern Utah: Salt Lake City, Park City, and Provo.
In Northern Utah you’ll find mountains, forests, lakes and reservoirs where you can hike, boat, stargaze or camp. July is a wonderful time to enjoy the mountains with cooler temperatures!
Southern Utah in July:
It’s important to note that most of the way driving from Northern to Southern Utah you’ll be passing through rural areas with small towns, limited services, and spotty cell service.
Check to see where the Utah vacation spots are located around the state because a drive from Salt Lake City to any of the National Parks in the south can take 4 to 5 hours.
All 5 Utah National Parks are located in Central and Southern Utah. July is a HOT and popular time of year to visit. Be prepared for crowds and take note if permits are required to enter or participate in the activities you want to do!
Before heading out to explore any National or Utah State Park, check with the visitor center at each destination for the most current information.
Utah Weather in July
Average July temperature in Northern Utah (Salt Lake City): highs 94 / lows 68 degrees F. The average July precipitation in the Northern part of Utah:
- Salt Lake City – 4 days / 0.5 inch
- Logan – 4 days / 0.6 inches
- Provo – 5 days / 0.5 inch
- Alta – 7 days / 1.5 inches
- Park City – 5 days / 1.3 inches
Average July temperature in Southern Utah (St. George): highs 102 / lows 72 degrees F. The average July precipitation in the Southern part of Utah:
- Moab (Arches/Canyonlands) – 5 days / 0.7 inch
- Bryce Canyon – 9 days / 1.6 inch
- Capitol Reef – 8 days / 1 inch
- Cedar City – 6 days / 1.3 inches
- Zion – 5 days / 1.2 inches
- St. George – 3 day / 0.5 inch
We’ve written detailed guides about the weather 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 that Utah is a high elevation, high desert location. It’s important to stay hydrated and use sun protection for any outdoor activities in July:
- WATER: Drink plenty of water – we use hydration packs or carry refillable bottles in our backpack.
- FOOD: Pack and eat healthy snacks.
- SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen, lip balm with sunscreen, and hydrating lotion, especially if you’re not used to dry heat.
- LAYERS: Pack a fleece jacket and gloves for any location that will still have cold morning and evening temperatures.
Utah Monsoon Season in July
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.
Is July a Good Time to Visit Utah?
Trying to decide the best times to visit Utah? It really depends on the things you want to do!
In July you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, boating, stargazing, off-roading, or camping in the mountains, forests, lakes, reservoirs, red rock canyons, and deserts.
Things to Do in Utah in July
If you’re planning a trip in July, here’s a fun list of things to do and places to visit in Utah.
Utah National Parks in July
All of the Utah National Parks are open year-round, and every single day in July. Be sure to check the NPS website for the most updated information for the Visitor Center hours and services available at each park in July.
When visiting some of the Utah National Parks in July, you’ll need permits to enter or do certain activities, so be sure to check about reservations required for your trip!
We’ve written specific guides about visiting all 5 parks in July:
- Arches National Park in July
- Bryce Canyon National Park in July
- Canyonlands National Park in July
- Capitol Reef in July
- Zion National Park in July
Utah State Parks in July
Here’s a list of Utah State Parks where you can enjoy hiking, biking, climbing, photography, and stargazing in the month of July!
- Things to do at Bear Lake State Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Great Salt Lake State Park
- Utah Lake State Park
Hiking in Utah in July
Hiking in Utah is one of the best ways to experience this beautiful state. In July you’ll want to limit your hiking to the cooler mornings and evenings and avoid the hot daytime temperatures.
There are plenty of trails that offer a variety of different terrains all around the state at National parks, State parks, National forests, and Wilderness areas.
Check out these fun Utah hiking ideas:
- Arches National Park Summer Hikes
- Bryce Canyon National Park Summer Hikes
- Canyonlands National Park Summer Hikes
- Capitol Reef National Park Summer Hikes
- Zion National Park Summer Hikes
- Dead Horse Point State Park Hiking Trails
Utah Scenic Drives in July
Utah has more than 400,000 miles of roads to explore. We definitely recommend these Utah Scenic Drives in the mountains to enjoy the cooler temperatures!
You’ll also find scenic drives in all 5 National Parks:
- 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 July
Utah’s stunning landscape features deserts, sandstone cliffs, forested mountains, deep canyons, and red rock monoliths. It’s truly a photographer’s dream!
Here’s a list of the best photography spots at Utah National Parks and surrounding areas:
- Arches National Park Photography
- Bryce Canyon Photo Spots
- Canyonlands National Park Photography at Island in the Sky
- Capitol Reef National Park Photography
- Zion National Park Photography
- Guide to Moab Photography
- Guide to Kanab Photography
Utah Stargazing in July
Stargazing is a must-do activity in Utah. The state has the highest concentration of certified International Dark Sky Parks in the world. We definitely recommend you take time to view the Utah night skies during your vacation.
In July you can see and photograph the milky way from 10:30 pm to 3:30 am.
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
Places to Stay in Utah
- Coolest Hotels in Utah
- Places to Stay Near Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Where to Stay Near Canyonlands
- Places to Stay at Capitol Reef National Park
- Places to Stay at Zion National Park
Utah Bucket List
To help make your trip planning easier, 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 download by clicking the graphic below!