Utah Weather in the Winter
It’s all about the weather when deciding the best time of year to plan a vacation. This article details the Utah weather in the winter and what you can expect this time of year.
When looking for places to visit in Utah in the winter, it’s important to know the expected weather and temperatures you may encounter to help plan the things you’ll do, and what you’ll need to pack!
Winter weather and temperatures will vary between Northern and Southern Utah. The higher elevations will have more snow and temperatures will be colder than the lower elevations by 10 to 20 degrees.
There are a lot of places to go in Utah in the winter to enjoy snow sports like skiing and snowshoeing. You can also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking at the National and State Parks in the southern part of the state!
Use our Utah Packing Lists to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in the winter (insulating jackets, hats and gloves)! 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!
Utah Weather in the Winter
The weather and temperatures in Utah during the winter months of December, January, and February vary depending on the month and location in the state.
Winter is the offseason at all Utah National Parks and a good time to avoid the crowds and heat you’ll find other times of year. Keep in mind that services may close and operating hours will be shortened.
Always pay attention to road and weather conditions no matter where you’re traveling in Utah in the winter!!
Utah Weather in December
When visiting Utah in December be sure to check the weather and temperatures for the time you’ll visit. You never know when a snow storm will roll through!
- Average temperature in Northern Utah (Salt Lake City): highs 39 / lows 27 degrees F.
- Average temperature in Southern Utah (St. George): highs 63 / lows 40 degrees F.
Northern Utah Average Snowfall in December:
- Salt Lake City – 7 days / 12.1 inches
- Logan – 8.5 days / 15.8 inches
- Provo – 5.7 days / 11.2 inches
- Alta – 14 days / 79.8 inches
- Park City – 9.3 days / 31.1 inches
Southern Utah Average Snowfall in December:
- Moab (Arches/Canyonlands) – 2 days / 3.5 inches
- Bryce Canyon – 5.7 days / 15.3 inches
- Capitol Reef – 1.8 days / 2.2 inches
- Cedar City – 5.5 days / 13.2 inches
- Zion – 0.6 days / 1.7 inches
- St. George – 0.1 days / 0 inches
Utah Weather in January
Expect cold temperatures and snow in Utah in January! In the north you can enjoy winter activities like snow skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. In the south 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.
- Average temperature in Northern Utah (Salt Lake City): highs 39 / lows 24 degrees F.
- Average temperature in Southern Utah (St. George): highs 54 / lows 28 degrees F.
Northern Utah Average Snowfall in January:
- Salt Lake City – 7.6 days / 12.7 inches
- Logan – 8.6 days / 12.9 inches
- Provo – 5.6 days / 12.5 inches
- Alta – 14 days / 74.7 inches
- Park City – 11.4 days / 34 inches
Southern Utah Average Snowfall in January:
- Moab (Arches/Canyonlands) – 1.5 days / 2.1 inches
- Bryce Canyon – 6.3 days / 19.8 inches
- Capitol Reef – 1.9 days / 3.8 inches
- Cedar City – 4.9 days / 9.5 inches
- Zion – 0.5 days / 0.5 inches
- St. George – 0.1 days / 0.5 inches
Utah Weather in February
The weather in Utah In February will feel the same as it did in January: still cold and snowy.
- Average temperature in Northern Utah (Salt Lake City): highs 45 / lows 29 degrees F.
- Average temperature in Southern Utah (St. George): highs 59 / lows 32 degrees F.
Northern Utah Average Snowfall in February:
- 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
Southern Utah Average Snowfall in February:
- 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
Utah National Parks Winter Weather
It’s important to know the expected weather forecast and temperatures before visiting any of the Utah National Parks in the winter.
Arches National Park Winter Weather
The temperatures really drop at Arches National Park in the winter so it’s the least busy season. We don’t mind the colder weather for enjoying outdoor activities, which makes the winter the best time for us to visit to escape the crowds!
BUT the cold winter weather may not be for everyone.
- Arches in December: Highs 45 | Lows 23 degrees F
- Arches in January: Highs 44 | Lows 22 degrees F
- Arches in February: Highs 52 | Lows 28 degrees F
We enjoy Arches National Park photography in the winter – check out these awesome photographer gloves and rechargeable hand warmers we use!
Bryce Canyon National Park Winter Weather
Due to the high elevation, it will be cold and snowy when visiting Bryce Canyon in the winter, but the crowds are gone and you can truly appreciate this park in all its natural beauty. It is especially gorgeous with the white snow contrasting against the red orange hoodoos.
- Bryce Canyon in December – highs 26 degrees F | lows 12 degrees F
- Bryce Canyon in January – highs 36 degrees F | lows 11 degrees F
- Bryce Canyon in February – highs 36 degrees F | lows 11 degrees F
Don’t let these cooler temperatures deter you from visiting, with the winter clothes and gear you will have an amazing trip to Bryce Canyon in the winter months.
You’ll enjoy fun snow activities like snowshoeing, sledding and cross-country skiing at Bryce Canyon during the winter months.
Canyonlands National Park Winter Weather
We love visiting Canyonlands National Park in the winter! But there are some drawbacks to keep in mind. Visitor services are reduced and you’ll need to be more self-reliant in the winter.
BUT the cold winter weather may not be for everyone.
- Canyonlands in December : Highs 45 | Lows 23 degrees F
- Canyonlands in January : Highs 44 | Lows 22 degrees F
- Canyonlands in February: Highs 52 | Lows 28 degrees F
The roads may be snow-covered and icy or even closed after a storm at Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles Canyonlands… so always check the website for current conditions.
Capitol Reef National Park Winter Weather
The temperatures really drop Capitol Reef National Park in the winter so it’s the least busy season. We don’t mind the colder weather for enjoying outdoor activities, which makes the winter the best time for us to visit to escape the crowds!
- Capitol Reef in December: Highs 39 | Lows 19 degrees F
- Capitol Reef in January: Highs 39 | Lows 18 degrees F
- Capitol Reef in February: Highs 45 | Lows 23 degrees F
Remember the Capitol Reef National Park weather is dry year-round so it’s important to drink and carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen and lip balm with UV protection, even in the winter!
Zion National Park Winter Weather
The temperatures really drop at Zion National Park in the winter so it’s the least busy season. We don’t mind the colder weather for enjoying outdoor activities, which makes the winter the best time for us to visit to escape the crowds!
- Zion in December: Highs 48 | Lows 24 degrees F
- Zion in January: Highs 50 | Lows 25 degrees F
- Zion in February: Highs 50 | Lows 25 degrees F
During the winter the Zion National Park Shuttle isn’t running so you can drive your car into Zion Canyon! The only exception to this is the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day in December, MLK weekend in January, and President’s weekend in February.
What to Pack for Utah Winter Weather
Be sure to wear and pack winter clothing essentials.
- Base layers
- Fleece jackets
- Insulated jackets
- Wool socks
- Insulated hats
- Winter gloves
- Insulated boots
- Traction devices
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!
