Utah Weather in October
Utah is a year-round paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers! The Utah weather in October is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities!
If you’re looking for places to visit in Utah in the fall, it’s important to know the expected weather and temperatures you may encounter! In October the weather isn’t too hot or too cold making it an ideal time to visit!
We’ve lived in Utah over 20 years and have traveled all over the state during all four seasons. For us, October is one of the best times to visit Utah because the weather is amazing all over the state!
You can enjoy all the outdoor summer time activities without the heat you find in July and August, or the cold and snow in the winter months!
Plan to pack a jacket for cooler evenings or when it rains. Be sure to check the weather forecast ahead of time so you’re prepared for any changes, especially if you’ll be doing outdoor activities.
Use our Utah Packing Lists so you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in October! 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!
Tips For Visiting Utah in October
Utah is divided into two regions: Northern Utah and Southern Utah.
Northern Utah: The three large cities are Salt Lake City, Park City, and Provo. The area includes mountains, forests, lakes and reservoirs where you can hike, boat, stargaze or camp. October is still a wonderful time to enjoy the mountains before the snow hits!
Southern Utah: All 5 Utah National Parks are located in Central and Southern Utah. October is pretty much the perfect time to visit this part of the state. October is a busy time at the National Parks so be prepared for crowds.
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. You’ll be passing through rural areas with small towns, limited services, and spotty cell service.
Is October a Good Time to Visit Utah?
The month of October is one of the best times to visit Utah based on weather and temperature.
You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, off-roading, scenic drives, or camping to enjoy the mountains, forests, red rock canyons, and deserts of Utah in October.
Here’s a list of Utah fall vacation ideas:
Utah Weather in October
Here’s a summary of the Utah weather in the fall during the month of October:
- Average October temperature in Northern Utah (Salt Lake City): highs 66 / lows 47 degrees F.
- Average October temperature in Southern Utah (St. George): highs 79 / lows 53 degrees F.
Remember it’s still important to stay hydrated, eat salty snacks, and use sun protection. If you’re not used to dry heat, you’ll want to use lotion and lip balm!
October is a terrific time to explore the Utah Scenic Drives to see the fall foliage around the state!
Utah National Parks October Weather
When visiting Utah National Parks in October, be prepared for crowds. We recommend visiting the parks early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Here’s the weather you can expect at each of the 5 parks in the month of October.
Arches National Park weather in October: highs near 70 and lows in the low 40s degrees Fahrenheit. Late fall is an amazing time to explore the hiking trails at Arches!
Bryce Canyon National Park weather in October: due to the high elevation, temperatures begin to get colder with highs 57 and lows in the 20s degrees Fahrenheit. Be prepared for cold mornings and evenings at Bryce Canyon in – wear layers and pack a fleece jacket, winter hat, and winter gloves!
Canyonlands National Park weather in October: highs near 70 and lows around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In the fall weather can be unpredictable if a storm rolls through with rain.
Capitol Reef National Park weather in October: highs near 65 and lows around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You may encounter a rain storm in October, but it usually doesn’t snow.
Zion National Park weather in October: highs around 80 and lows in the high 40s degrees Fahrenheit. The shuttle is the only way to access Zion Canyon, but you can still explore the other three Zion National Park scenic drives without the shuttle!
What to Wear in Utah in October
Early fall will still be hot and dry in Southern Utah and at all 5 of the National Parks. Early fall in Northern Utah and late fall in Southern Utah you’ll enjoy moderate temperatures. The mornings and evenings will be cold so you might also need some winter layers!
- Wicking clothing
- Sunhat
- Fleece jacket
- Winter hat
- Winter gloves
- Insulated jacket
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- Sturdy hiking shoes
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!
