 What’s the best month to visit Zion National Park? It depends what you’re looking for. Zion is always spectacular, but each season comes with its own set of pros and cons. Show
Spring has reduced crowds and great temperatures, but snow and snowmelt can keep parts of the park closed, including The Narrows. Summer is hot and crowded in Zion Canyon. This is a great time to visit the park’s higher, cooler, less-crowded destinations: East Zion, Kolob Terrace, and Kolob Canyons. Autumn is one of my favorite seasons in Zion. Temperatures are lovely, the crowds are manageable, and autumn foliage lights up the park. Knowing what to expect will help you plan a great trip, no matter when you visit Zion. Zion Temperature & PrecipitationSee also: Weather in Zion National Park Spring in Zion: March, April, MayLong days, pleasant weather and reduced crowds make spring a great time to visit Zion. Early spring (late March, April) can still be chilly, but snowmelt often forms beautiful waterfalls in Zion Canyon. The snowier the winter, the bigger the waterfalls. Unfortunately, big snow years can also limit high elevation hiking and keep The Narrows closed until June due to heavy runoff. May is one of my favorite months, filled with balmy temperatures and beautiful wildflowers. Memorial Day weekend (the busiest weekend of the year) heralds the arrival of big crowds and hot temperatures for the next several months. Summer in Zion: June, July, AugustSummer in Zion Canyon is hot and crowded, with long lines for shuttles and temperatures often topping 100˚F. Book hotels and campsites as far in advance as possible. To escape the sweltering heat and tourist hordes in Zion Canyon, head to lesser known, higher elevation parts of the park like Kolob Terrace and Kolob Canyons, which are gorgeous in summer. Be aware that monsoon season, which brings regular afternoon thunderstorms, starts in July and can last through September. Autumn in Zion: September, October, NovemberAutumn is one of my favorite times to visit Zion due to comfortable temperatures, slightly reduced crowds, and—best of all—stunning foliage. After Labor Day, crowds and temperatures drop, making September a wonderful month to visit Zion. In late September/early October daytime temperatures are often divine. Peak foliage starts in early October at the park’s highest elevations, then shifts to progressively lower elevations over the next few weeks. Foliage in Zion Canyon peaks in late October/early November. Winter in Zion: December, January, FebruaryCold temperatures keep most visitors away during Zion’s slowest season, but the park is never more beautiful than after a fresh dusting of snow. If you don’t mind the cold, this is a great time to visit Zion. Nearly all of the park is open with the exception of Lava Point, which is often inaccessible due to deep snow. The biggest downsides to visiting in winter: limited outdoor adventures and ranger programs. The biggest upside to visiting in winter: private vehicles are allowed in Zion Canyon when the shuttle isn’t running. Plan the Perfect Trip to Zion!Order Zion: The Complete Guide
The #1 Zion guidebook. One of the first things you must decide when planning a Zion National Park vacation is when to go! Deciding the best time to visit Zion National Park depends on the activities you want to do when you’re there. Use this Zion National Park travel guide to learn more about what it’s like to visit during various seasons and months of the year to help you plan your vacation. Below we share a general travel guide, list of things to do, packing checklist, travel tips and weather information for the different seasons and months at the park. Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Read the full Disclosure Policy.What to Pack for Zion National ParkDOWNLOAD: Zion National Park packing list for summer and winter!
A Photo Tour of Zion National ParkTake a visual tour through Zion National Park to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit! While there isn’t a bad time to explore Zion, some seasons make visiting more enjoyable than others since most of your time will be outdoors. You’ll find the Zion National Park weather varies from season to season so know what to expect and plan for the time you’ll be visiting the park. Use these resources to find the best time to Visit Zion National Park with specific tips for each season and month!
Spring at Zion – March & AprilThe temperatures in the spring are awesome, highs in the upper 50s and lows in the 30s – wear layers! One drawback when it rains, the runoff can make some Zion National Park hikes impassable. Keep in mind that Spring Break in canyon country gets VERY crowded! Depending on the amount of snow received over the winter, higher elevation areas may still be inaccessible without winter gear. Snow begins to melt and raises the level of the river so the Narrows may be closed for an extended period of time. The park shuttle returns to full time use so plan to use the shuttle bus to access the Zion Canyon. But you can access other Zion National Park scenic drives without the shuttle! The Human History Museum will usually open in spring, but for limited hours so check current listings. South Campground opens during this time period.
Summer at Zion – May through SeptemberSummer at Zion is a busy!! And it’s hot!! You’ll battle the crowds on the hiking trails and on the shuttle as well as the high temperatures, around 100 degrees… both of which can be unbearable. Check out the Zion hikes without the shuttle! Use a refillable water bottle to carry plenty of water with you. There are places to refill marked on the park map. You should take measures to avoid heat illness while you are visiting. Your safety is your responsibility. When summer Monsoon begins, (July-September) watch out for flash floods at Zion. Ask about the risk at the Visitor Center. The park is fully open, but always check the current conditions page to find out about park closures. The Zion National Park shuttle is required to access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and most of the hikes in Zion Canyon. All available parking at Zion National Park is often full by 9:00 am. If you arrive later than that, you should plan on parking in Springdale and use the town shuttle to reach the Visitor Center. We recommend avoiding holiday weekends: Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day!
Fall at Zion – October & NovemberZion in the fall is the best time for moderate temperatures and ideal hiking conditions. Cooler temperatures, highs in the 70s and lows in the 30s, make hiking more bearable, but layers may be necessary in the mornings and evenings. Fall colors begin to show at the highest elevations, slowly making their way down to Zion Canyon at the end of October and early November. Shuttle buses are still required but start running a little less frequently and for less hours each day. The Human History Museum closes at the end of November, after Thanksgiving. Visitation begins to slow down, dropping more dramatically in November. The fall is a terrific time to visit if you want to avoid the worst crowds, but not deal with winter temperatures.
Winter at Zion – December to FebruaryWe enjoy going to Zion in the winter when there are fewer crowds, but there may be adverse conditions when a snow storm rolls through the park. Winters in the park are cold and sometimes wet. Temperatures range from highs in the 50s to lows below freezing. Roads are plowed after a snow storm, but some Zion hiking trails (yes, Angels Landing) may close due to icy conditions or even falling ice. The snow typically melts in hours at lower elevations. But at higher elevations snow accumulates. We recommend traction devices for your boots to reduce the risk of slipping. The Narrows will be cold and you will need insulated boots and a drysuit to hike safely. You can rent this gear at outfitters in Springdale. Park shuttle buses will be used only during the holidays, like the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day and on Presidents’ Day weekend. Access to the upper part of the Kolob Terrace Road, including Lava Point closes. Access to Kolob Canyons also may regularly close in inclement weather. Driving conditions can be very poor during a storm, but roads are usually plowed quickly after. South Campground and part of Watchman Campground closes. The Human History Museum remains closed and the park film can be seen at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, which is open daily all winter.
Zion National Park HoursZion National Park is open to visitors twenty-four hours day, every day of the year. You will want to know the most current and updated Zion basic information when planning your trip. There are times of the year when Zion services and facilities close or reduce hours. BUY AT AMAZON: Zion National Park Guides and Maps Plan Your Vacation To Zion National Park
Where to Stay Near Zion National ParkYou definitely want to stay in Springdale which borders the entrance to Zion.
Resources for camping near Zion:
Is Zion better in spring or fall?The best time of year for hiking in Zion is in the fall. Typically, most trails are open this time of year, whereas in the spring, trails may be closed because of the Virgin River flooding or leftover ice and snow from winter. Also, the crowds begin to thin in the fall, and hiking is much more enjoyable.
How many days do you need in Zion National Park?We suggest you plan at least 5-7 days for your trip to Zion National Park. If you're an avid hiker, take your time visiting popular (and strenuous) day hikes such as Angels Landing, Zion Narrows Day Hike, and Observation Point Trail. To avoid hunger and dehydration, pack plenty of water and snacks before you set out.
What is the busiest time of year in Zion?Zion National Park's warm climate allows for reasonable access to the park all year long. March through November is the busiest time of the year. Within that, holidays and anytime kids are out of school are the busiest of all.
What is the rainiest month in Zion National Park?On average, Zion receives the most precipitation in March. Rain during any time of the year can bring flash floods. Prepare accordingly by always checking the current and forecast weather conditions, as well as any park warnings. Daily average temps are 63°F in March, 73°F in April, and 83°F in May.
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Best time of year to visit zion
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