The Best Time to Visit Zion National Park

Are you thinking of taking a trip to Zion 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 Zion for your upcoming vacation!

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

• Beat the crowds: October or November
• Travel during the summer: mid-late June
• Go backpacking: May or September
• Save money: January or February
• Have a unique adventure: November or December

Each month in this park is unique and can 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 visit Zion!

Average Monthly Temperatures in Zion

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg High (F)	54	59	66	75	86	95	100	95	91	79	64	54
Avg Low (F)	30	34	39	45	54	63	70	68	61	48	37	30
Avg Precipitation (“)	1.8	2	2	1.3	0.7	0.3	1.2	1.5	1	1.3	1.4	1.6

Winter in Zion (December-February)

Winter in Zion is uncharacteristically calm and quiet. At any other time of year, you’ll be constantly surrounded by the crowds and traffic found in this small but popular national park. If you don’t mind cooler temperatures and a little rain or snow, you’ll be treated to solitude that most people never experience here.

Although this area doesn’t get much rainfall in general, the winter months bring more than half of the park’s annual precipitation. Expect some cold and blustery days, with ice and snow accumulating in the higher elevations of Zion.

December in Zion

If you’re looking for a fun Christmas getaway, December in Zion is a unique way to spend the holiday season. Temperatures typically stay in the 50s during the day but can drop below freezing in the morning and evening hours. Snow will occasionally fall this time of year, but more often, it’s rain. If you’re not too attached to the idea of a white Christmas, you’ll love it here!

I recommend spending time in Zion during December if you’re looking for a unique adventure or a fun holiday destination.

What You Need to Know

• The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Park Shuttle does not run in December, except for a week or so around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. If the shuttle isn’t running, you will need to drive your own car through the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. If the shuttle is running, you must park your car in Springdale or at the visitor center to catch it to see the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
• The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Kolob Terrace Road (near Virgin, UT) is closed/unplowed beyond the Hop Valley Trailhead.
• The Kolob Canyons Road (near Cedar City, UT) is open year-round, weather permitting. This area stays colder than the main part of Zion, so road closures are common here during the winter.
• The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is open daily but on reduced hours.
• The Watchman Campground is open year-round. The South and Lava Point Campgrounds are closed during the winter.
• The Zion Lodge is the only in-park lodging option, but it’s open year-round.
• You can still hike many of Zion’s trails in December. When it snows, the lower elevations of the park usually melt out quickly, but the higher elevations will see some accumulation, and it can get icy. The Pa’Rus Trail is usually snow-free. The Emerald Pools, Watchman, and Observation Point Trails may have snow/ice in the shady spots or higher elevations. Angels Landing can get very icy along the chains section. The Narrows is doable, but you’ll want the right gear because the water will be icy cold, and hypothermia is a possibility. The Riverside Walk can get very icy this time of year.
• With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, December can be a great time to spot wildlife in the park.
• For some extra Christmas fun near Zion, check out the Zion Joy to the World events in Springdale (including a fun light parade) or Christmas in the Canyon at the Tuacahn near St. George.
• The crowd levels are low, except as it gets closer to the holidays.

January in Zion

January in Zion is much like December, just without all the added Christmas festivities. Temperatures still hover around the mid-50s during the day, with lingering snow and ice in the higher elevations.

I recommend a trip to Zion in January if you’re hoping to save money — hotels are typically much cheaper this time of year!

What You Need to Know

• The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Park Shuttle typically does not run in January. When the shuttle isn’t running, you will need to drive your own car through the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
• The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Kolob Terrace Road (near Virgin, UT) is closed/unplowed beyond the Hop Valley Trailhead.
• The Kolob Canyons Road (near Cedar City, UT) is open year-round, weather permitting. This area stays colder than the main part of Zion, so road closures are common here during the winter.
• The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is open daily but on reduced hours.
• The Watchman Campground is open year-round. The South and Lava Point Campgrounds are closed during the winter.
• The Zion Lodge is the only in-park lodging option, but it’s open year-round.
• You can still hike many of Zion’s trails in January. When it snows, the lower elevations of the park usually melt out quickly, but the higher elevations will see some accumulation, and it can get icy. The Pa’Rus Trail is usually snow-free. The Emerald Pools, Watchman, and Observation Point Trails may have snow/ice in the shady spots or higher elevations. Angels Landing can get very icy along the chains section. The Narrows is doable, but you’ll want the right gear because the water will be icy cold, and hypothermia is a possibility. The Riverside Walk can get very icy this time of year.
• With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, January can be a great time to spot wildlife in the park.
• The crowd levels are low, except during the 3-day weekend.

February in Zion

February is the warmest winter month in Zion but also historically the rainiest. However, it’s possible to experience some beautiful days with warmer temperatures and bluebird skies. Believe it or not, the crowds do start picking up toward the end of the month with the anticipation of spring, so it’s a great time to visit if you want to sneak in before things get busy again!

I recommend a trip to Zion in February if you’re hoping to save money — hotels are typically much cheaper this time of year.

What You Need to Know

• The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Park Shuttle typically starts running again in February around President’s Day weekend. If the shuttle is running, you must park your car in Springdale or at the visitor center to catch it to see the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. If the shuttle isn’t running, you will need to drive your own car through the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
• The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Kolob Terrace Road (near Virgin, UT) is closed/unplowed beyond the Hop Valley Trailhead.
• The Kolob Canyons Road (near Cedar City, UT) is open year-round, weather permitting. This area stays colder than the main part of Zion, so road closures are common here during the winter.
• The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is open daily but on reduced hours.
• The Watchman Campground is open year-round. The South and Lava Point Campgrounds are closed during the winter.
• The Zion Lodge is the only in-park lodging option, but it’s open year-round.
• You can still hike many of Zion’s trails in February. When it snows, the lower elevations of the park usually melt out quickly, but the higher elevations will see some accumulation, and it can get icy. The Pa’Rus Trail is usually snow-free. The Emerald Pools, Watchman, and Observation Point Trails may have snow/ice in the shady spots or higher elevations. Angels Landing can get very icy along the chains section. The Narrows is doable, but you’ll want the right gear because the water will be icy cold, and hypothermia is a possibility. The Riverside Walk can get very icy this time of year.
• With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, February can be a great time to spot wildlife in the park.
• The crowd levels are low, except during the 3-day weekend.

Spring in Zion (March and April)

Springtime in most national parks is usually still a sleepy time of year, but not in Zion! Starting in March, Zion sees a rapid increase in visitation that won’t die down again until November. This is due to the fabulous weather, spring break travel season, and the all-around itch to get outside and hit the trails after a cold winter.

Crowding during the spring is moderate, but you may still encounter some lingering snow and ice on the trails despite the crowds. In addition, if you want to hike the Narrows, you’ll likely want to choose a different time of year to visit.

March in Zion

March in Zion is characterized by fabulous hiking weather, clear skies, and warmth when many other places in the country are still snow-covered. Zion typically sees more precipitation in March than almost any other month, and dramatic temperature swings are common, so come prepared for all types of weather!

If you’re hoping to hike the Narrows, March isn’t typically the best time for that. Though the water levels don’t typically get high enough to close the hike (that happens in April and May), the river can still be quite high and challenging to explore.

What You Need to Know

• The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Park Shuttle is running in March. Since the shuttle is running, you must park your car in Springdale or at the visitor center to catch it to see the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
• The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Kolob Terrace Road (near Virgin, UT) may be open to the end of the road by this time of year, but it may also still be closed due to lingering snow.
• The Kolob Canyons Road (near Cedar City, UT) is open year-round, weather permitting. This area stays colder than the main part of Zion, so road closures are common here during the spring.
• The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is open daily.
• The Watchman Campground and the South Campground are open. The Lava Point Campground usually remains closed until the summer months.
• The Zion Lodge is the only in-park lodging option, but it’s open year-round.
• You’ll be able to hike almost everything in March. Angels Landing may still be icy along the chains section. The Narrows is doable, but you’ll want the right gear because the water will be icy cold and the river levels will be high — hypothermia is a possibility.
• The crowd levels are moderate.

April in Zion

April in Zion is a perfect blend of comfortable hiking temperatures, sunny days, and vibrant wildflowers. Almost everything in the park is up and running at this time in preparation for the busy summer season, and the crowd levels are high due to the many spring breakers that make their way to Southern Utah.

If you’re hoping to hike the Narrows, April typically isn’t the best time for that. It’s common for the Narrows to be closed in April due to high water levels from snow run-off.

What You Need to Know

• The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Park Shuttle is running in April. Since the shuttle is running, you must park your car in Springdale or at the visitor center to catch it to see the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
• The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Kolob Terrace Road (near Virgin, UT) may be open to the end of the road by this time of year, but it may also still be closed due to lingering snow.
• The Kolob Canyons Road (near Cedar City, UT) is open year-round, weather permitting. This area stays colder than the main part of Zion, so road closures are common here during the spring.
• The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is open daily.
• The Watchman Campground and the South Campground are open. The Lava Point Campground usually remains closed until the summer months.
• April is tent caterpillar season in Zion, meaning that the campgrounds are covered in caterpillars that hang out in the cottonwood trees. You’ll find them everywhere!
• The Zion Lodge is the only in-park lodging option, but it’s open year-round.
• You’ll be able to hike almost everything in April. Angels Landing may still be icy along the chains section. The Narrows may be open, but it’s commonly closed at some point during the month (depending on how much snow was received during the winter). As the snow melts and enters the Virgin River, the water levels may be too high to safely hike this trail.
• The crowd levels are high.

Summer in Zion (May-September)

The great thing about Zion 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 visitor centers.

Your options are endless during the summer, but that comes with a price….high temperatures and high crowds.  Summer daytime highs can easily exceed 100 degrees, and you’ll be sharing the trails with thousands of people. Arrive with a plan so that you don’t have to circle parking lots and wait in shuttle lines all day.

May in Zion

May marks the beginning of the long summer season in Zion National Park. The weather is generally beautiful this time of year — temperatures don’t start reaching triple digits until later in the summer (making May an ideal time to get out and explore).

If you’re hoping to hike the Narrows, May isn’t typically the best time for that. It’s common for the Narrows to be closed in May due to high water levels from snow run-off.

I recommend visiting Zion in May if you’re hoping to go backpacking (the exception being if you’re hoping to backpack the Narrows). The temperatures aren’t excruciatingly hot, and drinking water is easier to find in the backcountry this time of year. You’ll also be able to find solitude in an otherwise busy place!

What You Need to Know

• Memorial Day weekend is typically one of the busiest weekends of the year in Zion. If you don’t like crowds, don’t plan your trip over the holiday weekend!
• The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Park Shuttle is running in May. Since the shuttle is running, you must park your car in Springdale or at the visitor center to catch it to see the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
• The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Kolob Terrace Road (near Virgin, UT) is usually fully open by this time of year.
• The Kolob Canyons Road (near Cedar City, UT) is open year-round, weather permitting. This area stays colder than the main part of Zion, so road closures can still happen in May.
• The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is open daily.
• The Watchman Campground and the South Campground are open. The Lava Point Campground usually remains closed until June.
• May is tent caterpillar season in Zion, meaning that the campgrounds are covered in caterpillars that hang out in the cottonwood trees. You’ll find them everywhere!
• The Zion Lodge is the only in-park lodging option, but it’s open year-round.
• You’ll be able to hike almost everything in May. The Narrows may be open, but it’s commonly closed at some point during the month (depending on how much snow was received during the winter). As the snow melts and enters the Virgin River, the water levels may be too high to safely hike this trail.
• A full selection of ranger-led programs are available.
• Summer is wildfire season in the Zion area.  You may find the air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
• The crowd levels are extremely high.

June in Zion

June in Zion is when the temperatures really start heating up — 90-degree days are common, and it is historically the driest month of the year. Visitor centers, ranger programs, shuttles, restaurants, shops, and activities are all running on long hours, and the sun stays out late. Your options for adventure are endless!

I recommend visiting Zion in June if you can only travel during the summer months. You’ll avoid the even hotter temperatures and dangerous monsoons that come in July and August if you’re in the park in June. Sometimes the Narrows stays closed during the early part of June (depending on how long the snow run-off season lasts), so if you absolutely don’t want to miss that hike, plan your trip for mid-June or later.

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open, but it’s construction season, so there may be small delays.
• The Park Shuttle is running in June. Since the shuttle is running, you must park your car in Springdale or at the visitor center to catch it to see the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
• The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is open daily.
• All campgrounds are open.
• The Zion Lodge is open.
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open.
• A full selection of ranger-led programs are available.
• Summer is wildfire season in the Zion area.  You may find the air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
• The crowd levels are extremely high.

July in Zion

The month of July is typically the busiest time in Zion, so make sure you have a good plan for navigating the crowds and finding parking! Expect daytime temperatures to be in the 100s — you’ll need lots of water and sunscreen as you explore the park this month.

July marks the beginning of monsoon season in Zion, which means that large storms can roll in at any time. Zion is highly prone to dangerous flash flooding, so you’ll need to be prepared to change your plans if the weather isn’t favorable for exploring.

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open, but it’s construction season, so there may be small delays.
• The Park Shuttle is running in July. Since the shuttle is running, you must park your car in Springdale or at the visitor center to catch it to see the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
• The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is open daily.
• All campgrounds are open.
• The Zion Lodge is open.
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but it’s monsoon season, so flash floods do happen in the canyons and near the river. This is extremely dangerous, so it’s critical to check the forecast before you head out each day.
• A full selection of ranger-led programs are available.
• Summer is wildfire season in the Zion area.  You may find the air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
• You can find 4th of July activities in Springdale or St. George! The 4th of July weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year, so plan accordingly.
• The crowd levels are extremely high.

August in Zion

August is another extremely busy month in Zion — you’ll need to make sure you have a good plan for finding parking and navigating through the crowds. Daytime temperatures are still usually flirting with the triple digits, so go out early, stay out late, and drink lots of water!

August is still considered monsoon season in Zion, which means that large storms can roll in at any time. Zion is highly prone to dangerous flash flooding, so you’ll need to be prepared to change your plans if the weather isn’t favorable for exploring.

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open, but it’s construction season, so there may be small delays.
• The Park Shuttle is running in August. Since the shuttle is running, you must park your car in Springdale or at the visitor center to catch it to see the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
• The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is open daily.
• All campgrounds are open.
• The Zion Lodge is open.
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but it’s monsoon season, so flash floods do happen in the canyons and near the river. This is extremely dangerous, so it’s critical to check the forecast before you head out each day.
• A full selection of ranger-led programs are available.
• Summer is wildfire season in the Zion area.  You may find the air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
• The crowd levels are extremely high.

September in Zion

While most national parks see a drastic slowdown starting in September, Zion National Park doesn’t! September in Zion is still considered part of the summer in terms of what’s open and crowd levels, so come with a plan and prepare for hot temperatures and monsoons.

I recommend a visit to Zion in September if you’re hoping to go backpacking in the park. The temperatures aren’t quite as sweltering as other summer months, but you still get the advantage of great weather, warm nights, and an escape from the crowds!

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open, but it’s construction season, so there may be small delays.
• The Park Shuttle is running in September. Since the shuttle is running, you must park your car in Springdale or at the visitor center to catch it to see the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
• The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is open daily.
• All campgrounds are open.
• The Zion Lodge is open.
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but it’s monsoon season, so flash floods do happen in the canyons and near the river. This is extremely dangerous, so it’s critical to check the forecast before you head out each day.
• A full selection of ranger-led programs are available.
• Summer is wildfire season in the Zion area.  You may find the air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
• The Zion Canyon Music Festival takes place in Springdale each September.
• The crowd levels are extremely high. Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year.

Traffic and crowding in Zion can be terrible.

Did you know that it’s common to wait an hour or more to enter the park or catch the shuttle?

Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?

Stay ahead of the crowds with this Zion Itinerary. You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!

Autumn in Zion (October-November)

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

Autumn in Zion is fabulous, especially the last half of October and the beginning of November.  A few highlights of a trip during this season include fall colors, perfect hiking weather, and more elbow room to enjoy the sights.

October in Zion

October is about as close to perfection as you can get in Zion National Park. The weather is warm but not too hot, and the cottonwood and maple leaves start to turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange. The water levels are low in the river, making the Narrows an extremely enjoyable experience this time of year, and higher elevation hikes are still snow/ice-free.

I recommend a visit to Zion in October if you’re hoping to beat the crowds.

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open, weather permitting.
• The Park Shuttle is running in October. Since the shuttle is running, you must park your car in Springdale or at the visitor center to catch it to see the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
• The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is open daily.
• All campgrounds are open, but the Lava Point Campground may close this month depending on the weather.
• The Zion Lodge is open.
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open.
• Fall break typically brings a lot of crowds to Zion, so if you can avoid visiting at that time (usually mid-October), you’ll find fewer people in the park.
• Autumn colors start to show around the end of October into early November.
• The crowd levels are moderate.

November in Zion

November is a month of transition in Zion National Park. Cooler temperatures, shorter days, and unpredictable weather are normal for this time of year. Come prepared with warm layers, but expect to still have good enough weather to be out enjoying the scenery!

I recommend a visit to Zion in November if you’re hoping to beat the crowds or are looking for a unique adventure/fun holiday destination.

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open, weather permitting.
• The Park Shuttle is running in November. Since the shuttle is running, you must park your car in Springdale or at the visitor center to catch it to see the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
• The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is open daily but with reduced hours.
• The Watchman Campground is open year-round, and the South Campground is usually open through November. Due to the weather, the Lava Point Campground is usually closed at this time.
• The Zion Lodge is open.
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but weather-related closures may occur.
• Autumn colors start to show around the end of October into early November.
• The crowd levels are low, except around Thanksgiving.

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

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