Zion National Park Weather: Best Time of Year to Visit

It’s all about the weather when deciding the best time of year to plan a vacation. This article details the Zion National Park weather you can expect each season and month of the year.

Use this Zion National Park travel guide to know the expected temperatures and weather, services available, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay during the year.

Do your research to know what it’s like visiting Zion National Park at various times of year so you can decide which season and month is best for you to plan your vacation to this stunning park!

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What to Pack for Zion National Park

DOWNLOAD: Zion National Park packing list for summer and winter!

• Hiking shoes – waterproof hiking shoes for winter
• Darn Tough hiking socks 
• Water – carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack
• Healthy food that’s portable and filling!
• Columbia fleece jacket – insulated coat in the winter
• Wicking, quick-drying clothing – base layers in the winter
• Lip balm with UV protection – summer and winter
• Sunscreen (even in the winter) and a sunhat
• Hand lotion
• UV sunglasses – summer and winter
• Travel hand sanitizer
• Flashlight or headlamp
• First aid kit 
• Insect repellent 
• Camera gear – DOWNLOAD the free checklist!

A Photo Tour of Zion National Park

Take a visual tour through Zion National Park to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!

Visiting Zion National Park

Most of the year you’ll enjoy fun outdoor things to do at Zion National Park like scenic drives, hiking, biking, and photography. During the winter, the activities may be a bit more limited due to cold or snowy conditions!

When planning a Utah National Park vacation it’s important to be up-to-date with current weather and road conditions!

Use these resources to plan your Zion vacation:

• Zion National Park Vacation Ideas
• Visiting Zion National Park
• Zion National Park Shuttle
• Parking at Zion National Park
• Zion National Park Photography

Zion National Park Weather

If you’re wondering the best Time to Visit Zion National Park, below you’ll find specific information about what it’s like at different seasons and months of the year to help you decide.

You’ll also find links to different articles we’ve written about each season or month specifically: weather, services, and things to do that time of year.

Spring Weather at Zion National Park

Springtime at Zion varies quite a bit from month to month. When visiting Zion National Park in the spring, it’s important to pack for all types of weather because you never know when the weather will change.

• Zion National Park in March: Highs 66 | Lows 39 degrees F
• Zion National Park in April: Highs 75 | Lows 45 degrees F 
• Zion National Park in May: Highs 86 | Lows 50 degrees F

It is not unusual to get rain or even snowfall in March. We recommend you watch the weather and pack a winter coat, winter hat, and winter gloves when going to Zion in early spring. A fleece jacket, hat, and gloves should be fine later in the spring.

Spring is a busy time so you’ll need to use the Zion National Park Shuttle!

Summer Weather at Zion National Park

At Zion National Park in the summer the temperatures will be HOT HOT HOT! Since the temperatures are brutal this time of year, plan your outdoor activities for the cooler mornings and evenings!

• Zion National Park in June: Highs 95 | Lows 63 degrees F
• Zion National Park in July: Highs 100 | Lows 68 degrees F
• Zion National Park in August: Highs 100 | Lows 68 degrees F

With the hot summer temperatures, you’ll want to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. It’s important to stay hydrated and carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack.

Summer is a great time to enjoy the AC as you explore the three Zion National Park scenic drives where you can drive your own vehicle and avoid the shuttle.

Monsoon season at Zion is late summer through early fall. Be aware of potential flash floods at Zion: sudden increase in the depth and speed of water in rivers, streams, or washes due to heavy rain from thunderstorms. These flood waters carry large debris like tree trunks and boulders.

When it rains at Zion, you’re in for a treat to see the pop-up waterfalls around the park!

Fall Weather at Zion National Park

The weather at Zion 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.

• Zion National Park in September: Highs 70 | Lows 48 degrees F
• Zion National Park in October: Highs 62 | Lows 40 degrees F
• Zion National Park in November: Highs 55 | Lows 30 degrees F 

With the cooler temperatures at night, you will definitely want to bring a fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves for the nights and early mornings. 

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 Zion National Park hikes! The fall months are still busy so the shuttle will be in operation. Here’s a list of Zion hikes without the shuttle we recommend!

Winter Weather at Zion National Park

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!

BUT the cold winter weather may not be for everyone.

• Zion National Park in December: Highs 48 | Lows 24 degrees F
• Zion National Park in January: Highs 50 | Lows 25 degrees F
• Zion National Park in February: Highs 50 | Lows 25 degrees F

During the winter it is especially important to dress in layers. We recommend an insulted winter jacket, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves if you’ll be doing any outside activities. Here’s the full list of the outdoor winter clothing we use!

We enjoy Zion National Park photography in the winter – check out these awesome photographer gloves and rechargeable hand warmers we use!

BUY ZION GUIDES & MAPS AT AMAZON

Plan Your Vacation To Zion National Park

• Zion National Park Itinerary
• Zion National Park Packing List
• Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
• Things to do at Zion National Park
• Zion National Park Tours

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

You definitely want to stay in Springdale which borders the entrance to Zion.

• Places to Stay at Zion National Park
• Camping in Zion National Park
• RV Parks near Zion National Park
• Holiday Inn Express – our favorite place to stay with an outdoor pool and amenities you’d find in a high end hotel
• Zion Lodge – we haven’t had a chance to stay here yet, but you can’t go wrong staying right IN the park!
• Under Canvas Zion – if you want to experience a less crowded part of Zion, this is the place! It’s in the Kolob section of the park.
• Vacation Rentals in Springdale – you’ll want to stay in Springdale so you’re close to the park entrance and can walk to shopping and restaurants.