Why Now Is the Best Time to Discover the Most Visited National Park in Utah in Perfect Fall Colors

When is the best time to visit this sanctuary of deep red monoliths, sweeping canyon views, and slot canyons?

On my own long vanlife road trips, I found myself drawn to this stunning Utah national park, first wading through the Narrows during a blizzard in winter, then again in fall just in time for the colorful foliage. Two very different experiences, but both amazing in their own way.

Weather at Zion National Park can swing from sizzling summers to brisk winters. Here’s an overview of the visitor seasons at Zion: 

• Peak Season: May to September 
• Shoulder Seasons: April/Early May and October/November 
• Off-Peak Season: December to February

Below, I’ll unfold the specifics of each season, highlight any must-experience events, and provide a monthly climate breakdown. Whether you’re planning a one day trip to Zion or an extended stay, hiking Angel’s Landing, or exploring the Emerald Pools, these are the best times to go to Zion National Park.

Best Time to Visit Zion National Park

Best Season to Visit

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Zion National Park. The temperatures during these seasons are moderate, and the park’s natural beauty is at its peak, with blooming foliage in the spring and fall colors. The crowds are also thinner compared to the summer months. 

May is considered the best and most temperate month to visit, with average highs in the 80s and a lesser likelihood of thunderstorms. But I went in October once, and the yellow colored leaves were unbelievable against the red monoliths.

Best Time for Good Weather

For the most comfortable weather, visit Zion between April and early June or September and November. Temperatures typically range from the low 60s to the high 80s, with plenty of sunshine and clear blue skies. It’s the perfect weather for outdoor activities without the intense summer heat or the winter chill.

Best Time for Smaller Crowds

To escape the throngs of visitors, the best times are during November to May. During these periods, the park sees fewer visitors due to school being in session and fewer vacationers on the road. This means you’ll likely share the park with just a few hundred people during weekdays. The only exceptions to this are around the winter holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Cheapest Time to Visit

The most affordable time is during the off-peak winter months, from December to February. During these cooler months, you’ll find lower prices on accommodations and services around the park, often up to 40% less than peak summer rates.

Best Time for Stargazing

The best time for stargazing at Zion National Park, an honored International Dark Sky Park, is during the new moon phase on clear spring or fall nights. The stargazing is excellent all year round but a bit too cold to be outside in the winter. Zion Ponderosa stargazing tours are held nightly during the summer and on weekends the rest of the year.

Worst Time to Visit

The worst time to go to Zion is arguably in the height of summer, particularly from late June through August. The scorching heat can reach the 100s, making outdoor activities potentially dangerous. This period sees the highest influx of tourists, leading to overcrowded trails and longer waits for the shuttle.

Park Closures

Zion National Park is open round the clock every day of the year. However, certain areas and buildings have different operating hours.

For example, the Zion Human History Museum is closed from November to March. And when the shuttle runs (usually from February to November), that section of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles.

Seasons at Zion National Park

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Zion is just beautiful, with wildflowers blooming and wildlife emerging from their winter slumber. The temperatures range from a cool 50 degrees Fahrenheit in early March, steadily rising to a more comfortable 70-80 degrees in May. It’s not too hot, nor too cold.

Spring storms can cause sudden changes in temperature and precipitation. Rain can make trails slippery, and snow is still possible at higher elevations. 

Water levels in the Virgin River also tend to rise during spring runoff, so some trails may be temporarily closed due to flooding. 

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Zion is a season of intense heat and bustling activity. Temperatures can soar into the 100s. Despite the heat, summer is Zion’s busiest season, with trails teeming with visitors from around the globe. 

Early morning and late evening are the best times for hiking due to cooler temperatures. The heat of the day can be spent relaxing at the river or hiking the famous Zion Narrows, a gorge with thousand-foot-tall walls and the Virgin River running through it.

Fall (September to November)

Fall in Zion National Park combines perfect hiking weather with an autumn palette, active wildlife, and fewer crowds. 

The scorching heat of the summer begins to ebb, replaced with comfortable temperatures between the low 70s and high 80s. While fall showers do occur, they are typically short-lived. 

The park is awash with fiery autumn colors, a medley of oranges, reds, and yellows. The leaves of the cottonwood trees turn a brilliant gold. Many animals are particularly active during this season, preparing for winter.

This season also sees a drop in visitor numbers post-summer rush. For the adventurous, this is a prime time for backcountry hikes and overnight camping, with clear, cool nights  perfect for stargazing.

Winter (December to February)

Winter at Zion can hit the low 30s to mid 50s, chillier than other times of the year, but manageable. The park is sunny most of the year, but on those rare occasions, you may get a light dusting of snow on the iconic red-rock cliffs.

Visitation drops quite a bit in winter. But hiking is still very much on the agenda. Popular trails like Watchman and Lower Emerald Pools are usually open all winter. Just be careful on trails like Angel’s Landing and Observation Point, as they might be a bit slippery. I hiked the Narrows in January, and you just need to get outfitted with a dry suit from shops in Springdale. 

The shuttle service pauses operations during these months, allowing private vehicles to drive up Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Zion Weather By Month

Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the average high and low temperatures and precipitation at Zion National Park:

Sure, here’s the simplified table with average low and high temperatures and precipitation for each month in Zion National Park:

Month	Average Low (°F)	Average High (°F)	Precipitation (inches)
January	30	54	1.8
February	34	59	2.0
March	39	66	2.0
April	45	75	1.3
May	54	86	0.7
June	63	95	0.3
July	70	100	1.2
August	68	99	1.5
September	61	91	1.0
October	48	79	1.3
November	37	64	1.4
December	30	54	1.6

Best Time of Day to Visit

I think the best time of day in Zion is actually the mid-day. The sunsets are beautiful, but with all the monoliths, early morning and late afternoons, much of the scenery is in the shadows. For example, starting Angel’s Landing early in the morning is perfect; you’ll get the best sun where everything is lit by the time you summit. 

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different times of the day:

• Early Morning (Sunrise to 9am): Zion is a busy park; you want to get in early so you’re not waiting for the shuttle. The park’s red rocks glow beautifully in the soft morning light, but much is in shadow. 
• Mid-Morning to Afternoon (9am to 3pm): As the day progresses, the park gets busier, and temperatures rise. The colors are beautiful at this time. 
• Late Afternoon to Evening (3pm to Sunset): As the heat of the day begins to wear off and after a morning of hikes, I think this time is best for scenic drives. The setting sun’s colors are beautiful on the red rocks.
• Night (Sunset to Sunrise): Zion has extrordinarily clear skies most of the year, great for stargazing. 

Special Events or Festivals

Here’s a list of some special events and festivals happening in or near Zion National Park:

1. Zion Canyon Music Festival: A two-day event featuring music, food, arts, and more, typically held on the last weekend of September.
2. Hurricane Mud Run: An annual event that usually takes place in May.
3. Red Bull Rampage: A thrilling extreme sports event typically scheduled in October.
4. O.C. Tanner Amphitheater Concert Calendar: A venue that hosts various musical performances throughout the year.
5. Butch Cassidy Race: A popular running event.
6. Earth Day Festival: Celebrates Earth Day with different activities.
7. Spring Festival: A local festival in the Springdale community.
8. Cultural Excursions: Southern Utah offers several cultural events and excursions throughout the year.

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in Utah?

Utah may very well be one of the most underrated, beautiful places in the world. I’ve traveled all through this great state, snowboarding down some of the best resorts and hiking through godly monoliths. If you’re heading elsewhere in Utah, check out these posts.

• One Day in Zion National Park Itinerary for Adventurers
• One Day in Arches National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
• Perfect One Day in Canyonlands Itinerary for First-Timers
• Perfect One Day In Salt Lake City Itinerary For First Timers 
• Perfect One Day In Bryce Canyon Itinerary For First-Timers

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.