Best Times to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park in 2025

Are you hoping to visit Bryce Canyon National Park but are unsure of when to go? My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I can’t wait to help you decide when is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon for your upcoming vacation!

You’ll want to consider things like the weather, what’s open, and crowds when choosing the best time to visit Bryce Canyon. Here are my suggestions if you’re hoping to:

• Beat the crowds: September
• Travel during the summer: June
• Go backpacking: July, August, or September
• Save money: April, May, or October
• Have a unique adventure: December or February

Bryce Canyon is open year-round, and each month is unique and will give you a completely different experience.  Let’s talk through the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision on the best time to be in Bryce Canyon!

Average Monthly Temperatures in Bryce Canyon

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg High (F)	37	38	45	54	64	75	80	77	70	58	45	36
Avg Low (F)	15	17	23	29	37	45	53	50	42	32	23	15
Avg Snow (“)	17	18	17	8	2	0.1	0	0	0.1	3	10	14
Thunderstorms	0	0	0	1	3	2	11	12	4	1	0	0

Winter in Bryce Canyon (November-March)

Welcome to the park’s longest season!  A visit to Bryce Canyon during the winter is both enchanting and challenging. The snow scares away most travelers, so winter is a fantastic time of year to visit the park if you don’t want to fight through the crowds.

During the winter months, the park’s main road remains open, weather permitting!  Some hiking trails close when conditions become icy and unsafe, but most stay open for snowshoeing or hiking with traction devices. More information for planning a winter trip to Bryce Canyon can be found here.

November in Bryce Canyon

November in Bryce Canyon is the start of the winter season. You’ll start seeing temperatures that tend to stay in the 40s during the day but can easily creep down lower than that! Snow is common during November, but the main park road is less likely to close down this month versus the other winter months.

What You Need to Know

• The Visitor Center switches to winter hours (usually 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and is closed on Thanksgiving Day. Rangers lead snowshoe hikes and other ranger programs.
• The North Campground is open for year-round camping, but the dump station closes during the winter.
• The Bryce Canyon Lodge has a limited number of rooms open in November. The dining room and general store are not open during the winter.
• The park shuttle isn’t running.
• The Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop closes due to hazardous winter conditions. You can still hike the Two Bridges section of this loop. The Rim Trail between Inspiration Point and Bryce Point also closes. All other trails are usually open, but snowshoes or traction devices (Yaktrax) are needed.
• Roads to Fairyland Point and Paria View typically close in November. The main park road closes at mile marker 3 (the Scenic Drive) temporarily during snowstorms. Viewpoints before mile marker 3 can typically still be accessed.
• The crowd levels are low.

December in Bryce Canyon

If you’re looking for a fun Christmas getaway, December in Bryce Canyon can be a magical winter wonderland. Temperatures typically hover around freezing (or colder), so be sure to bring your warmest winter gear and get ready for some holiday fun!

I recommend spending time at Bryce Canyon in December if you’re looking for a unique adventure.

What You Need to Know

• The Visitor Center is running on winter hours (usually 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and is closed on Christmas Day. Rangers lead snowshoe hikes and other ranger programs.
• The North Campground is open for year-round camping, but the dump station is closed.
• The Bryce Canyon Lodge has a limited number of rooms open in December. The dining room and general store are not open during the winter.
• The park shuttle isn’t running.
• The Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop is closed due to hazardous winter conditions. You can still hike the Two Bridges section of this loop. The Rim Trail between Inspiration Point and Bryce Point is also closed. All other trails are usually open, but snowshoes or traction devices (Yaktrax) are needed.
• Roads to Fairyland Point and Paria View will likely be completely closed to vehicles. The main park road closes at mile marker 3 (the Scenic Drive) temporarily during snowstorms. Viewpoints before mile marker 3 can typically still be accessed.
• For a unique activity, come for the annual Christmas Bird Count!
• Enjoy Christmas at Ruby’s Inn for light displays, skiing or snowshoeing, and an indoor hot tub.
• The crowd levels are low.

January in Bryce Canyon

January in Bryce Canyon is similar to the month of December, just without all of the holiday fun. Temperatures hover around freezing during the day, and the snow falls often. Be ready for some weather-related closures and lots of adventures in the sparkling snow.

What You Need to Know

• The Visitor Center is running on winter hours (usually 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Rangers lead snowshoe hikes and other ranger programs.
• The North Campground is open for year-round camping, but the dump station is closed.
• The Bryce Canyon Lodge closes down completely starting in January and doesn’t reopen until April. Lodging options are still available in the town of Bryce Canyon City.
• The park shuttle isn’t running.
• The Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop is closed due to hazardous winter conditions. You can still hike the Two Bridges section of this loop. The Rim Trail between Inspiration Point and Bryce Point is also closed. All other trails are usually open, but snowshoes or traction devices (Yaktrax) are needed.
• Roads to Fairyland Point and Paria View are closed to vehicles. The main park road closes at mile marker 3 (the Scenic Drive) temporarily during snowstorms. Viewpoints before mile marker 3 can typically still be accessed.
• The crowd levels are low.

February in Bryce Canyon

February is the snowiest month of the year in Bryce Canyon, so what better time to hold the annual Winter Festival?! Temperatures are still hovering near freezing (or colder), but the red rocks covered in snow are absolutely stunning.

I recommend spending time at Bryce Canyon in February if you’re looking for a unique adventure.

What You Need to Know

• The Visitor Center is running on winter hours (usually 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Rangers lead snowshoe hikes and other ranger programs.
• The North Campground is open for year-round camping, but the dump station is closed.
• The Bryce Canyon Lodge is closed. Lodging options are still available in the town of Bryce Canyon City.
• The park shuttle isn’t running.
• The Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop is closed due to hazardous winter conditions, but you can still hike the Two Bridges section of this loop. The Rim Trail between Inspiration Point and Bryce Point is also closed. All other trails are usually open, but snowshoes or traction devices (Yaktrax) are needed.
• Roads to Fairyland Point and Paria View are closed to vehicles. The main park road closes at mile marker 3 (the Scenic Drive) temporarily during snowstorms. Viewpoints before mile marker 3 can typically still be accessed.
• The Annual Bryce Canyon Winter Festival is held in February each year. Come join in on the races, crafts, yoga, snow activities, speakers, and dances!
• The crowd levels are low, except during the winter festival.

March in Bryce Canyon

March in Bryce Canyon brings slightly warmer temperatures (in the 40s during the day if you’re lucky!), but snow storms are still common. If you’re hoping to spend spring break in Bryce Canyon, it’s important to note that things still look a lot like winter this time of year!

What You Need to Know

• The Visitor Center is running on winter hours (usually 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) until mid-March, then it typically switches to spring hours. Rangers lead snowshoe hikes and other ranger programs.
• The North Campground is open for year-round camping, but the dump station is closed.
• The Bryce Canyon Lodge is closed. Lodging options are still available in the town of Bryce Canyon City.
• The park shuttle isn’t running.
• The Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop is closed due to hazardous winter conditions, but you can still hike the Two Bridges section of this loop. The Rim Trail between Inspiration Point and Bryce Point is also closed. All other trails are usually open, but snowshoes or traction devices (Yaktrax) are needed.
• Roads to Fairyland Point and Paria View are closed to vehicles. The main park road closes at mile marker 3 (the Scenic Drive) temporarily during snowstorms. Viewpoints before mile marker 3 can typically still be accessed.
• The crowd levels are low.

Spring in Bryce Canyon (April-May)

Springtime is a time of transition in the park.  As the long winter starts to melt away, the animals begin to emerge, and the roads, campgrounds, and hotels begin to wake up and prepare for a busy summer season.

Crowding during the spring is low, mostly because not everything is open yet. If you’re hoping to experience a snow-free park, spring probably isn’t the best time for you! The last time I visited the park in April, I was able to hike the Queens Garden Trail and part of the Navajo Loop Trail (the Wall Street section is closed this time of year), but the trails still had a decent amount of ice and snow. And on another trip in May, I got snowed on!

April in Bryce Canyon

April in Bryce Canyon is considered spring, though I wouldn’t ditch your winter coat or warm layers just yet! Temperatures start to creep into the 50s during the day, and things are starting to open in anticipation of warmer weather ahead. Snow is still common in April due to the higher elevation, and some temporary road closures may still happen occasionally.

I recommend spending time at Bryce Canyon in April if you’re looking for cheaper prices on hotels and activities.

What You Need to Know

• The Visitor Center is running on spring hours (usually 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) Rangers will lead snowshoe hikes if there’s snow, but other ranger programs will be available as well.
• The North Campground is open for year-round camping, but the dump station is closed. The Sunset Campground typically opens in mid-April.
• The Bryce Canyon Lodge typically opens at the beginning of April.
• The park shuttle begins running in mid-April.
• The Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop is closed due to hazardous winter conditions, but you can still hike the Two Bridges section of this loop. The Rim Trail between Inspiration Point and Bryce Point is also closed. All other trails are usually open, but you’ll likely need traction devices (yaktrax). The trails can be very icy as the weather starts to warm and melt the snow.
• Roads to Fairyland Point and Paria View are closed to vehicles. The main park road closes at mile marker 3 (the Scenic Drive) temporarily during snowstorms. Viewpoints before mile marker 3 can typically still be accessed.
• The crowd levels are low.

May in Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon in May is typically still chilly if it’s cloudy, but if the sun is out, it can be amazing! Snow is a possibility, but the closures that come with it should be a thing of the past. Most trails are ready to welcome all hikers who are looking for beautiful views!

I recommend spending time at Bryce Canyon in May if you’re looking for cheaper prices on hotels and activities.

What You Need to Know

• The Visitor Center is running on summer hours (usually 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Ranger programs are available all month, but Memorial Day marks the beginning of the full summer schedule.
• The North Campground is open, and the dump station reopens around Memorial Day. The Sunset Campground is open.
• The Bryce Canyon Lodge is open.
• The park shuttle is running.
• The Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop is usually closed until around Memorial Day, but you can still hike the Two Bridges section of this loop. The Rim Trail between Inspiration Point and Bryce Point is also closed. All other trails are usually open.
• All roads should be open, weather permitting.
• The crowd levels are moderate.

Summer in Bryce Canyon (June-August)

The great thing about Bryce Canyon during the summer is that everything is open!  You’ll have numerous lodging and dining options, plus access to all of the main points of interest, tours, programs, and the visitor center.

Your options are endless during the summer months, but that comes with a price….crowds.  Be prepared to share the fantastic sights of Bryce Canyon with people from all over the world during the summer high season.

June in Bryce Canyon

June in Bryce Canyon is characterized by warm weather and access to all of the park’s best hikes and viewpoints. The park lodge and campgrounds are running at full capacity, and Bryce Canyon’s most exciting event is held during this beautiful summer month.

I recommend spending time at Bryce Canyon in June if you need to travel during the summer but hope to find slightly smaller crowds.

What You Need to Know

• The Visitor Center is running on summer hours (usually 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Ranger programs are running the full summer schedule.
• Both campgrounds in the park are open.
• The Bryce Canyon Lodge is open.
• The park shuttle is running.
• All trails and roads are typically open.
• Bryce Canyon is famous for its spectacular night skies, and the park’s annual Astronomy Festival is usually held in June each year.
• The crowd levels are high.

July in Bryce Canyon

The month of July is the peak season in Bryce Canyon, so make sure you have a good plan for navigating the crowds and finding parking! Expect daytime temperatures to be in the 80s so carry plenty of water. July marks the beginning of the park’s thunderstorm season, so be prepared for large storms to roll in during the afternoons.

I recommend spending time at Bryce Canyon in July if you are hoping to go backpacking in the park.

What You Need to Know

• The Visitor Center is running on summer hours (usually 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Ranger programs are running the full summer schedule.
• Both campgrounds in the park are open.
• The Bryce Canyon Lodge is open.
• The park shuttle is running.
• All trails and roads are typically open.
• Join in on the park’s GeoFest activities and learn more about the beautiful rock formations of Bryce Canyon.
• Thunderstorms are common in July, and the canyon can be a dangerous place to be when the lightning rolls in. Be prepared with the proper gear, and go indoors if the weather gets bad.
• Take advantage of the warmer nights by packing your tent and spending some time in the backcountry. It’s a great way to avoid all of the summer crowds and see a new part of the park!
• The crowd levels are extremely high.

August in Bryce Canyon

August is another extremely busy month in Bryce Canyon, so make sure you have a good plan for finding parking and navigating through the crowds. Daytime temperatures are usually in the high 70s, but you’ll want to watch out for those big thunderstorms that hit the park during this month.

I recommend spending time at Bryce Canyon in August if you are hoping to go backpacking in the park.

What You Need to Know

• The Visitor Center is running on summer hours (usually 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Ranger programs are running the full summer schedule.
• Both campgrounds in the park are open.
• The Bryce Canyon Lodge is open.
• The park shuttle is running.
• All trails and roads are typically open.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and the canyon can be a dangerous place to be when the lightning rolls in. Be prepared with the proper gear, and go indoors if the weather gets bad.
• Take advantage of the warmer nights by packing your tent and spending some time in the backcountry. It’s a great way to avoid all of the summer crowds and see a new part of the park!
• The crowd levels are extremely high.

Autumn in Bryce Canyon (September-October)

A quiet solitude begins to fall over the Bryce Canyon landscape as the busy summer crowds start to die off.   A chill settles in as the animals and plants begin to prepare for winter…and it’s magical!

Autumn in Bryce Canyon is fabulous.  A few highlights of a trip during this season include fall foliage, crisp mountain air, and more elbow room to enjoy the sights.

September in Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon in September is fabulous. The temperatures are still warm but comfortable, providing some of the best hiking weather you’ll find in this park. The summer crowds have gone, but everything in the park is still up and running. This one of the best months to be in Bryce Canyon!

I recommend spending time at Bryce Canyon in September if you want the sights to be open and the weather to be warm. Fewer people visit the park during September than they do during the summer.

What You Need to Know

• The Visitor Center is running on summer hours (usually 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) until the end of the month. Ranger programs are running a full schedule for most of the month as well.
• Both campgrounds in the park are open.
• The Bryce Canyon Lodge is open.
• The park shuttle is running.
• All trails and roads are typically open.
• The threat of thunderstorms decreases dramatically in September, and the snow doesn’t usually come until October.
• It’s a great time to be in the park’s backcountry.
• The crowd levels are high.

October in Bryce Canyon

It’s hard to know what you’ll get if you take your trip to Bryce Canyon in October! Sometimes the weather is mild and pleasant, but sometimes the snow comes and stays. Things start to close down in preparation for the cold, but the weather just may hold out for some fabulous hiking opportunities.

I recommend spending time at Bryce Canyon in October if you’re hoping for cheaper hotel rates and a quieter experience.

What You Need to Know

• The Visitor Center is running on fall hours (usually 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) Ranger programs start to thin out in preparation for winter.
• Both campgrounds in the park are still open.
• The Bryce Canyon Lodge is still open.
• The park shuttle is running until the middle of the month.
• All trails and roads are typically open, weather permitting.
• Bring your coat — snow happens!
• The crowd levels are moderate.

Now that you’ve learned about the best time to visit Bryce Canyon, you’re ready to make your dream trip a reality. Happy trails!

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