Here’s When Is the Best Time to Visit Salt Lake City, Utah

ByCatherine Xu Hours
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Wondering when to pack your bags for Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital that boasts the vast Great Salt Lake and a whopping 11 ski resorts? 

From my epic five-month road trip adventure through the Rockies, I found myself in this lively city for a solid 10 days right in the heart of ski season, February. It was frosty, definitely, but absolutely perfect for hitting the slopes with some superb powder.

The weather in Salt Lake City is a bit of a mixed bag, ranging from sizzling summers to frostbite winters, peppered with snowstorms and the challenges of high-elevation living. To give you a clearer picture of when you might want to visit, here’s a quick breakdown of the city’s tourist seasons:

  • Peak Season: December to March (Ski season) 
  • Off-Peak Season: April to May, September to October

Ready to explore the details of each season, including the can’t-miss events and what the weather’s typically like? Whether you’re eyeing a quick day trip to SLC or a longer getaway, complete with wildlife spotting at Antelope Island or relaxing in some natural hot springs, this is the best time to visit Salt Lake City.

the great salt lake in sunset lighting with a boardwalk

Best Time to Visit Salt Lake City

Best Time of Year to Visit

For the best overall time to venture into Salt Lake City, the sweet spot is between March and May and September and November. These months strike a perfect balance with mild weather and fewer crowds. Plus, there are unique events like the Utah Arts Festival in spring and the fall colors in the nearby mountains. 

Obviously, come in the winter if you’re big into snow sports. 

Best Time for Good Weather

For the perfect weather window for your Salt Lake City adventure, circle May through September on your calendar. Warm weather comes pretty late in this city, so these months serve up comfortable temperatures ranging from 70Ā°F to 90Ā°F from sunup to sundown.

Best Time to Avoid Crowds

To avoid the crowds, come for the tail end of the ski season through late spring or early fall (early September). These times are between the busy ski season and the summer tourist rush, meaning the vibes are a bit chiller. 

Cheapest Time to Visit

The cheapest time to visit Salt Lake City is during the shoulder season months of April, May, September, and October. With kids back in school and winter ski trips still a few months off, these are your best bets for scoring travel deals on flights and accommodations.

We opted for an Airbnb in March, as housing was crazy expensive during the ski season holidays. I’d steer clear of the busy slopes and steep prices around then.

cat xu silhouette over the sunset of the great salt lake

Worst Time to Visit Salt Lake City

The worst time to be in SLC is the dead of summer, from late July through August. It gets surprisingly hot here, like over 100Ā°F, which makes being outdoors hard and hot springs less satisfying. Plus, air quality can dip due to wildfires.

road during sunset at antelope island near salt lake city

Seasons of Salt Lake City

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Salt Lake City starts a bit later than the rest of the country, but come May, the city is really melting and starting to blossom. 

Weather-wise, the cool mornings lead to comfortably warm afternoons, with temperatures gradually climbing from the 50s in March to the 70s by May. Hiking trails become popular again, especially towards the end of the season when the higher elevation paths clear up. 

Spring can be a bit of a gamble with rain. March and April can bring showers, so it’s smart to pack a good rain jacket and maybe some waterproof footwear.

Key Events: 

Summer (June to August)

From June through August, the city transforms under the blazing sun, with long days for adventures…if you can handle the heat. Temperatures nudge into the high 90s, occasionally hitting that three-digit mark.

Mornings and evenings are your best bet for outdoor activities without turning into a human popsicle. Don’t miss out on the city’s urban reservoirs. These spots are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a refreshing dip.

Now, for those too-hot days, Salt Lake City has many museums, aquariums, and shopping centers with blissful air conditioning. The city’s food scene comes alive in summer with outdoor dining options, food festivals, and farmers’ markets with fresh, local produce. 

The later in the summer it gets, the more likely wildfires can impact air quality.

Key Events: 

the saltair in front of a great salt lake sunset

Fall (September to November)

Temperature-wise, Fall in Salt Lake City falls between the mid-40s and the comfortable low-70s. It’s hoodie season; it’s time to layer up.

Thanks to the aspen, oak, and maple trees all around, fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow appear. A drive or hike through the nearby canyons, like Big Cottonwood or Millcreek, is non-negotiable. Fall here is a reminder to enjoy the outdoors while you can. Squeeze in those last few camping trips and mountain bike rides.

The fall harvest celebrates Utah’s agriculture with farmers’ markets overflowing with fresh produce, pumpkin-spiced everything, and homey, comfort food. It’s also cider season, both the warm, spiced kind and the hard kind.

Key Events: 

  • Utah State Fair (September): An annual tradition with livestock shows, rodeos, concerts, and plenty of deep-fried treats. It’s a classic state fair experience that the whole family can enjoy.
  • West Oktoberfest (September): Combine the traditional Bavarian festivities with Salt Lake City for a weekend filled with great beer, delicious food, and live music that’ll have you dancing in your lederhosen or dirndl.
  • Snowbird’s Oktoberfest (August – October): This Oktoberfest is held at Snowbird Resort. It’s a prolonged celebration of German culture, complete with bratwursts, yodeling, and, of course, plenty of beer. Plus, the scenic lift rides take you to views of the autumn colors.
  • Day of the Dead (November):  This Mexican holiday is celebrated with an annual parade, live music, traditional food, and cultural performances.
  • Fall Harvest Festival (October): Celebrate the bounty of the season with local produce, artisanal crafts, and live entertainment. It’s a community-focused event that showcases the best of local farms and businesses.
  • Scarecrow Festival at Thanksgiving Point (October): Get creative and check out the inventive scarecrows designed by locals, or enter your own creation! There are also wagon rides, pumpkin patches, and more to explore.
  • Salt Lake Film Festival (November): Check out some cinematic gems presenting cutting-edge independent and foreign films.
temple square at dusk with a long light exposure

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Salt Lake City is completely snow-covered. Salt Lake City sees an average of about 60 inches of the white stuff downtown annually, but head up to the mountains, and you’re looking at 500 inches. The nearby ski resorts, like Alta and Snowbird, become havens for skiers and snowboarders who come from all over to experience what some argue are the best snow conditions in the world.

Even if strapping boards to your feet isn’t your idea of a good time, winter in the city has plenty to offer. The downtown area glitters with lights, and the city does big holidays. From the Christmas light displays at Temple Square to the New Year’s Eve countdown at the Gateway, it’s festive spirit galore.

For those looking to stay active without hitting the slopes, I’ve gone ice skating at the Gallivan Center, complete with hot chocolate stands that serve up warmth one cup at a time. I also went to multiple arcade bars and a giant entertainment center. You can find local businesses and studios that offer everything from pottery making to painting.

Key Events: 

Catherine and friends at one of the salt lake city ski resorts during wintertime, the best time to visit salt lake city for snow sports

Salt Lake City Weather By Month

Below is a detailed monthly summary of the typical high and low temperatures and precipitation levels in Salt Lake City:

MonthAverage High (ĀŗF)Average Low (ĀŗF)Days with PrecipitationAv. Precipitation (inch)
Jan3826101.45
Feb443191.48
Mar5338102.22
Apr614392.33
May715282.10
Jun826151.13
Jul906940.59
Aug896760.71
Sep785851.52
Oct654661.64
Nov503671.78
Dec402791.62
(Source: usclimatedata.com)

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.

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Writer

Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.