Guide to Utah National Parks Weather

If you’re wondering the best time to visit Utah National Parks, check out the expected weather and average temperatures throughout the year. Use this guide to Utah National Parks weather help you determine the best season and month to visit!

The weather at all 5 National Parks in Utah can be unpredictable and vary greatly depending on the season and location. When deciding the best time of year to plan your vacation, you should start by deciding the things you want to see, do, and photograph.

Utah National Parks weather by season and month

Utah is known for its crazy weather swings, but don’t let that deter you, it’s all part of the adventure. Summers can get super hot, we’re talking 100 degrees Fahrenheit hot. But hey, it’s a dry heat!

Winters can be pretty chilly with snow-capped peaks adding to the landscape’s beauty. Spring and Fall? They’re Goldilocks seasons – not too hot, not too cold, just right.

We live only hours away from all Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks and have visited them all during all four seasons and every month of the year. The information and tips we share about the weather at Utah National Parks is based on our experiences over the years!

Tip number one is to check the expected weather and temperatures for the park you’ll be visiting so you’re prepared with the right clothing and gear you’ll need for the activities you want to do.

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

Utah National Parks packing lists
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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!

Guide to Utah National Parks Weather

When trying to decide the best seasons or months to visit Utah National Parks, consider the activities you want to do and what weather and temperatures you’re ok with when doing those activities.

If you prefer more moderate weather with comfortable temperatures, then spring and fall might be your perfect match!

Summers will be hot and winters will be cold at the National Parks in Utah. As long as you’re prepared with the right gear and dressed for the weather, you can be comfortable enjoying Utah National Parks activities year round!

Remember, each season holds its own unique charm, so choose the one that resonates most with your adventure spirit!

Utah National Parks Weather in the Spring

Springtime in Utah’s National Parks is an absolute treat. The Utah National Parks spring weather and temperatures at all five parks can be unpredictable and vary greatly depending on the month and location of the park.

We’ve written guides to help you know specifically the weather and temperatures to expect for the spring months of March, April, and May.

Utah National Parks Weather in March: Early spring will be cold, rainy, or even snowy, especially at Bryce Canyon that sits at a higher elevation than the other parks. We recommend you pack winter clothes when going to Bryce Canyon in March. 

Utah National Parks weather in April: The morning and evening times will still be cold with temperatures around 40 degrees F. Hiking boots should be waterproof since April is a rainy season.

Utah National Parks weather in May: Enjoy moderate temperatures that are perfect for enjoying all types of outdoor activities! We recommend having a fleece jacket for the cooler mornings and evenings.

Utah National Parks Weather in the Summer

With the hot temperatures, it’s important to be prepared for the Utah National Parks summer weather at all five parks. Since the temperatures are brutal this time of year, plan your outdoor activities for the cooler mornings and evenings!

Be sure to reference the guides below to know specifically the weather and temperatures to expect for the summer months of June, July, and August.

Utah National Parks weather in June: Temperatures are starting to really warm up with highs around 90 and lows around 60 degrees F. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, wear UV protection clothing, and have lip balm and lotion handy since the Utah National Parks are in a desert environment.

Utah National Parks weather in July: It will be HOT – highs in the 100s and lows in the high 60s degrees Fahrenheit, except at Bryce Canyon. Due to the elevation the temperatures aren’t as hot – highs are 76 and and lows are 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Utah National Parks weather in August: It’s a repeat of July at all the parks, but you will find a bit of relief at Bryce Canyon. The sun is usually at its peak intensity between 10am and 4pm, so that’s a great time to explore the scenic drives in your car with the AC running, or enjoy the hotel swimming pool!

During the rainy season in August, afternoon thunderstorms can produce heavy rain and frequent lightning. At Bryce Canyon “when thunder roars go indoors!”

The summer monsoons can create flash floods at all five parks. We recommend you check the weather and talk to the Rangers before doing any summer hiking in Utah National Parks, especially slot-canyon trails!

Utah National Parks Weather in the Fall

Some of the busiest months to visit are September, October, and November to enjoy the Utah National Parks Fall weather and moderate temperatures. Enjoy the cooler mornings and evenings and daytime temps that aren’t too hot compared to the summer.

Utah National Parks Weather in September: Most of the parks are still hot during the day with highs near 85 and lows near 54 degrees Fahrenheit. At Bryce Canyon it starts to get COLD in the fall at night with lows in the mid-30s!

Utah National Parks Weather in October: Enjoy highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s. The mornings and evenings will be cool so be sure you have layers! You’ll want a winter hat, gloves, and coat for the colder temperatures at Bryce Canyon with highs near 57 and lows near 27!

Utah National Parks Weather in November: It’s a terrific time of year to enjoy the outdoors before winter hits and the weather gets too cold or snowy! Average highs are in the 50s with lows in the 30s. At Bryce Canyon the highs are mid-40s and lows 20 degrees F so bundle up!!

Winter weather at Utah National Parks

Utah National Parks Weather in the Winter

It’s important to be prepared for Utah National Parks winter weather during the winter months of December, January, and February. The temperatures will be COLD and snow storms are possible any time during the month.

Due to the high elevation at Bryce Canyon (near 8,000 feet!), it’s a winter wonderland! If you’re not a fan of exploring the outdoors in cold weather or snowy conditions, then you should probably skip visiting this Bryce Canyon in the winter.

Winter snow storms may create challenging travel conditions and road closures as you’re traveling to any of the National Parks in Utah. And park roads might be closed after a snowfall for several hours for plowing.

As long as you’re dressed for the weather, the cold temperatures or snowy conditions will help you be comfortable as you enjoy winter activities in Utah National Parks! Weather can change at any time so be prepared with insulated winter jackets, hats, gloves, and boots!

But we know the winter weather at Utah National Parks might not be for everyone. It’s good to know in advance the average temperatures and typical weather conditions for the winter months.

Utah National Parks Weather in December: Daytime highs are in the 40s and lows in the 20s. Bryce Canyon highs are mid-30s and lows around 10 degrees F. In the winter, services are limited or closed when visiting all of the parks. We recommend you check each park’s website for the winter services that are open and hours of operation.

Utah National Parks Weather in January: Temperatures are the same as December. The best thing about a January vacation to see the Utah National Parks is the solitude and serenity you’ll experience during the off-season. Park activities may be a bit more limited due to cold or snowy conditions! At Bryce Canyon check out the ranger-led snowshoe hikes!

Utah National Parks Weather in February: Expect winter cold and snow storms any time with highs around 50 and lows around 30 degrees F. Bryce Canyon temps are highs 38 and lows 13 so still cold and snowy! The white snow against the red rock landscapes create stunning photos!

We’ve created winter photo galleries of the Utah National Parks so you can see what to expect when visiting this time of year!

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