Without question, Zion offers distinctive beauty year-round. So, the best time to go to Zion National Park is whenever your schedule allows — especially since sunshine graces Greater Zion with its presence over 300 days a year.
Visiting Zion National Park ultimately depends on activity and weather preferences. Summertime serves up high temps near 100 degrees, while wintertime cools the canyons with highs in the high 40s.
Zion National Park is a pleasure to experience and a wonder to behold all year. The quietest times in the park occur from November through February, while the busiest times are from May through July.
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and any park-sponsored “free” days experience the highest visitation.
If your vacation schedule is flexible, visit midweek and outside of holiday weekends. Visiting during off-peak days not only alleviates the impact on the park, but it offers visitors more solitude to be awestruck by this national park.
Since Zion National Park is open year-round, each season brings a different experience.
Summer attracts campers who sleep under the International Dark Sky. Boaters, stand-up paddleboards, and kayakers also prefer the heat when the nearby state park reservoirs hit their peak seasons. Hikers, climbers, and bikers enjoy trails any time of the year — with proper gear and layers in the winter and plenty of hydration in the summer.
Each season has its advantages in Zion National Park, so coming back to experience the unique aspects of each season is a must. Regardless of when you come, you’ll have a memorable experience.
This wildflower season finds cactus blooms and vibrant greens contrasting against the red rock canyon walls. Temperatures are ideal for more strenuous hikes. Spring rains and winter snowmelt often raise the water level of the Virgin River, making The Narrows unsafe for hiking. Check the river conditions on the National Park Service Page.
High temps and lack of shade on most hikes will require you to drink plenty of water and use liberal amounts of sunscreen. Heat stroke is no joke. Canyoneering in Zion is best enjoyed in the summer. Be aware of the weather conditions and never enter a slot canyon if there is any chance of rain. Flash floods are no joke either.
September marks monsoon season, which brings sudden and strong rain, potentially creating flash floods. Be mindful of the forecast and only enter slot canyons when the forecast is clear. When there is no bad weather, fall is an excellent time to take on strenuous hikes due to milder temperatures. Fall colors come later to Zion than many places; expect the leaves to change around mid October.
Most main canyon hikes stay open all year, but some snow and ice build-up is typical. These conditions suggest traction cleats, which are available at outfitters in Springdale. Higher elevation areas, like West Rim Trail or Kolob Terrace, get significant snow, often limiting access. Because the shuttle does not run during some of this season, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to private vehicles.
Visiting Zion National Park in the off-season — December through February — eases hotel and lodging costs in the towns surrounding the park. Entrance and camping fees are fixed year-round and shuttle fees are free, making the national park experience affordable any time of the year.
To beat the heat and the crowds, go early in the morning (before the first-shuttle rush) or stay in the park until sunset (bring a headlamp). Shuttle runs vary by season, so check the shuttle schedule when planning your itinerary.
If you brave the heat waves, be mindful of the extra safety measures (hydration, sun protection, fatigue prevention, etc.) your journey will require.
Watch for late summer afternoon monsoons. Check the daily weather and current conditions and adjust to avoid flash floods and muddy trails.