Utah National Parks Fall Weather

Utah is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. It’s all about the weather when deciding the best time of year to plan a Utah National Parks vacation.

This article details the Utah National Parks fall weather you can expect at all five parks. It’s important to be prepared for the weather when visiting Utah’s national parks, especially during the transition from summer to fall!

No matter what outdoor activity you plan to do, understanding what kind of weather you’ll be dealing with will help make your Utah National Parks trip even more enjoyable.

Use our packing list for Utah National Parks to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in the fall! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!

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What to Pack for Utah National Parks in the Fall

In the fall it’s important to stay hydrated and use sun protection for any outdoor activities in Utah National Parks. Layers are key for the cooler mornings and evenings as the weather changes from summer to fall.

WATER: Drink plenty of water – we use hydration packs or carry refillable bottles in our backpack.
ELECTROLYTES: Carry Propel powder packets to add to your water to provide electrolytes!
FOOD: Pack and eat salty and healthy snacks.
SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen, lip balm with sunscreen, and hydrating lotion, especially if you’re not used to dry heat.
CLOTHING: Light-colored wicking and UV protectant clothing is best – no cotton shirts, socks or jeans!
LAYERS: Pack a fleece jacket, winter hat, and winter gloves!

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Visiting Utah National Parks in the Fall

The national parks are must-see places to visit in Utah! During the fall months, all five parks offer a wide range of activities and attractions that make them a great destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

From hiking trails to scenic drives, there are Utah National Parks activities for everyone during the fall season.

Use these resources to plan your Utah National Park vacation:

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Utah National Parks Fall Weather

Some of the busiest months to visit Utah National Parks are September, October, and November to enjoy the moderate temperatures.

Here’s what you can expect at each of the 5 Utah National Parks in the fall.

Fall Weather at Arches National Park

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

Arches in September: Highs 85 | Lows 54 degrees F
Arches in October: Highs 71 | Lows 40 degrees F
Arches in November: Highs 55 | Lows 30 degrees F

With the Arches National Park weather being so pleasant, the fall months are still busy so hit the trails in the morning or late afternoon.

Here’s a list of the fun things you can do at Arches in the fall:

Thor's Hammer at Bryce Canyon — Thor’s Hammer

Fall Weather at Bryce Canyon

The weather at Bryce Canyon in the fall is cooler, and there are fewer people taking vacations this time of year, making it the perfect time for visiting this park.

Due to the elevation, temperatures will start to get COLD, especially in the morning and evening!

Bryce Canyon in September: Highs 69° | Lows 37° F
Bryce Canyon in October: Highs 57° | Lows around 29° F
Bryce Canyon in November: Highs mid-40° | Lows in the teens

The Bryce Canyon shuttle runs every day until late October, but it’s not mandatory to ride the shuttle to access the park. The shuttle buses take visitors to the Bryce Amphitheater area of the park.

Here’s a list of Bryce Canyon fall activities:

View through Mesa Arch at Island in the Sky — View through Mesa Arch

Fall Weather at Canyonlands

The Canyonlands National Park weather 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.

Canyonlands in September: Highs 84 | Lows 51 degrees F
Canyonlands in October: Highs 74 | Lows 42 degrees F
Canyonlands in November: Highs 56 | Lows 30 degrees F

There is not much shade to be found at Canyonlands, so 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 Canyonlands hikes!

You’ll find a variety of Canyonlands National Park activities you can do in the fall:

Fall Weather at Capitol Reef

Fall is a terrific time to visit Capitol Reef. The weather is pretty much perfect. AND you can enjoy picking fruit from the orchards!

To combat the hot and dry Capitol Reef National Park weather, sun protection and hydration are important!

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

Picking fruit from the orchards is a popular activity at Capitol Reef! In the fall you’ll be able to pick peaches, pears and apples, yum! Here’s a Capitol Reef harvesting schedule if you want to arrange your vacation around those dates.

Here are more Capitol Reef National Park activities you can do in the fall:

zion national park fall leaves — Fall color at Zion National Park

Fall Weather at Zion National Park

The Zion National Park weather in the fall is amazing! You’ll enjoy moderate temperatures so you can do outdoor activities all day long!

Zion in September: Highs 90° | Lows 60° F
Zion in October: Highs 79° | Lows 48° F
Zion in November: Highs 64° | Lows 37° F

It’s a perfect time to explore the Zion National Park hikes! The fall months are still busy so the shuttle will be in operation. There are also fun Zion hikes without the shuttle we recommend!

Here’s a list of more Zion National fall activities: