Most people picture Zion as hot, dry desert. Sometimes it is. A July afternoon in Zion Canyon can push past 100°F. But the same canyon can drop below freezing on a January morning, hold ice on shady trails for days, and turn a clear summer sky into a flash-flood storm in under an hour.
So Zion National Park weather is about more than one temperature on a weather app. Elevation, season, river flow and the hike you’re planning all change what “good weather” means. This guide covers average temperatures and rainfall for every month, what each season actually feels like on the trail, summer heat, monsoon storms, snow, and how weather affects The Narrows, Angels Landing and other big hikes.
⚠️ October 2026 update: The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance has been closed since a large rockfall on September 30, 2026, with no reopening date yet. Zion Canyon, the shuttle and The Narrows are open as normal, but East Zion viewpoints like Canyon Overlook can’t be reached from the main canyon for now. The Watchman Trail is also closed pending repairs. Always check the park’s current alerts before you go.
What Is the Weather Like in Zion National Park?
Zion National Park has cool, often wet winters with lows near freezing, mild springs and falls with highs in the 60s to 80s°F, and very hot summers with average July highs around 101°F. Summer monsoon storms bring lightning and flash-flood risk from July through September, and spring snowmelt often closes The Narrows. Temperatures can swing 30°F or more between day and night, so layers are useful in every season.
Zion Weather by Month at a Glance
These are long-term climate averages for Zion Canyon, at about 4,000 feet, where most visitors spend their time. Narrows water temperatures are rough ranges and change a lot from year to year.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precipitation | Narrows Water (approx.) | What It Feels Like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 54°F | 30°F | 1.82 in | Upper 30s–40s°F | Cold mornings, icy shade |
| February | 58°F | 34°F | 1.98 in | Upper 30s–40s°F | Cool, wet, quiet |
| March | 66°F | 38°F | 2.04 in | 40s°F, often high | Mild but changeable |
| April | 74°F | 44°F | 1.31 in | 40s–50s°F, often high | Ideal hiking weather |
| May | 85°F | 53°F | 0.67 in | 50s°F | Warm, dry, sunny |
| June | 96°F | 62°F | 0.31 in | Upper 50s–60s°F | Hot and very dry |
| July | 101°F | 69°F | 1.22 in | 60s°F | Hottest, storms start |
| August | 98°F | 68°F | 1.45 in | 60s°F | Hot, stormy afternoons |
| September | 91°F | 60°F | 1.04 in | Upper 50s–60s°F | Warm, cooling late |
| October | 78°F | 49°F | 1.30 in | 50s°F | Comfortable, crisp mornings |
| November | 64°F | 37°F | 1.42 in | 40s°F | Cool days, cold nights |
| December | 53°F | 30°F | 1.63 in | Upper 30s–40s°F | Cold, wintry |
You may see numbers a degree or two different elsewhere (including on our other Zion guides). That’s normal, because sources average different sets of years. And remember these are averages, not forecasts. Zion has hit 115°F in summer, and winter nights can fall far below the average low.
Quick facts: Hottest month: July. Coldest: December and January. Wettest: March. Driest: June. Monsoon season: July to September. Most snow: December to February, mostly at higher elevations.
In This Guide
- Why weather differs across the park
- Zion weather month by month
- Summer heat and heat safety
- Monsoon season, flash floods and lightning
- Snow and winter conditions
- Weather for The Narrows, Angels Landing and other hikes
- What to wear and pack each season
- Which forecast to check
- FAQs
Why Zion’s Weather Changes So Much Across the Park
Zion stretches from about 3,700 feet near Springdale to almost 8,700 feet at its highest point. That’s a huge range for one park, and it means two places in Zion can have completely different weather on the same day. As a rough rule, it gets about 3 to 5°F cooler for every 1,000 feet you climb.
| Area | Rough Elevation | Compared With Zion Canyon |
|---|---|---|
| Springdale and Zion Canyon floor | About 3,900–4,400 ft | The baseline. Hottest in summer, mildest in winter |
| East Zion (Canyon Overlook, Checkerboard Mesa) | About 5,000–6,000 ft | Noticeably cooler, more snow and ice in winter |
| Kolob Canyons | About 5,000–6,300 ft | Cooler; the road can close in winter storms |
| Kolob Terrace and Lava Point | Up to about 7,900 ft | Much cooler; upper road closed for months in winter |
| Rim tops (Angels Landing summit, Observation Point) | About 5,800–6,500 ft | Cooler and windier, with ice lingering in shade |
The practical lesson: don’t plan a high-country hike using the Springdale forecast. In spring you might be in a T-shirt by the river and still hit snow and mud on East Mesa or up on the Kolob Terrace. Zion Canyon is also deep and narrow, so the canyon floor can feel hotter on summer afternoons, while shaded side canyons stay cool and icy much longer in winter.
Zion National Park Weather Month by Month
Zion Weather in January
Average: 54°F high, 30°F low. About 1.8 inches of precipitation.
January is one of the two coldest months, but it doesn’t always feel wintry. On a clear day the sun warms the canyon floor nicely by midday, and you can hike in a light jacket. Mornings are a different story. Temperatures often start below freezing, and trails that stay in shadow, like the switchbacks up to Scout Lookout, can hold ice for days after a storm. Snow on the canyon floor usually melts within hours, but it can stay much longer higher up.
Good for: quiet hikes, photography and scenic drives. Be ready for: ice, short days (just under 10 hours of daylight), cold Narrows water and occasional trail closures from falling ice.
Zion Weather in February
Average: 58°F high, 34°F low. About 2 inches of precipitation.
February is still winter, but you can feel things turning. Afternoons creep toward 60°F and the days get longer. It’s also one of the wetter months, so expect some gray, rainy days in the canyon and fresh snow on the high peaks after storms. That wet weather is the upside for photographers. Snow-dusted red cliffs and temporary waterfalls are at their best in late winter.
Good for: solitude and cool-weather hiking. Be ready for: mud, icy patches and storms that change trail conditions overnight.
Zion Weather in March
Average: 66°F high, 38°F low. About 2 inches of precipitation, the wettest month.
March is when spring arrives, but it arrives unevenly. You might get a warm, sunny 70°F day followed by a cold rainstorm, or even snow. The park notes that spring temperature swings between day and night can be 32°F or more, so a morning that starts near freezing can turn into T-shirt weather by lunch.
The big March issue is snowmelt. As snow melts in the high country north of the park, the Virgin River rises, gets very cold and often runs above the level where the park closes The Narrows. March is great for dry trails, but don’t count on a river hike.
Zion Weather in April
Average: 74°F high, 44°F low. About 1.3 inches of precipitation.
For many hikers, April is the sweet spot. Afternoons are warm without being draining, mornings are crisp, trees are leafing out bright green and the daylight stretches past 13 hours. It’s ideal weather for long, sunny climbs like Scout Lookout and Angels Landing.
The catch is the same as March. Snowmelt can keep the Virgin River high and cold, so The Narrows may stay closed even on days that feel perfect everywhere else. In wet years this can last into May or even June.
Zion Weather in May
Average: 85°F high, 53°F low. About 0.7 inches of precipitation.
May warms up fast. Early May often feels like April, while late May can already hit the 90s. Rain becomes rare, skies are usually clear and you get more than 14 hours of daylight. It’s excellent weather for almost every dry-land hike, as long as you start the steep, sunny ones early in the day.
Watch for: early heat on exposed trails, strong sun (Zion’s UV is high from spring to fall), and spring runoff that can still affect The Narrows in some years.
Zion Weather in June
Average: 96°F high, 62°F low. About 0.3 inches of precipitation, the driest month.
June is hot, sunny and bone dry. Rain is unusual, the air feels very dry, and on average a handful of June days top 100°F. Heat matters far more than rain this month. The good news is that June has the longest days of the year and, by mid to late June, the river has often dropped enough for The Narrows to open.
How to handle it: hike at first light, carry more water than you think you’ll need, save shady walks and river time for midday, and never start your hardest exposed climb in the afternoon.
Zion Weather in July
Average: 101°F high, 69°F low. About 1.2 inches of precipitation.
July is the hottest month. On average, about half of July’s days go above 100°F, and even nights stay warm, often near 70°F. Sandstone soaks up heat all day and gives it back in the evening, so the canyon doesn’t cool off much after sunset.
July also brings the start of monsoon season. Humid air moving up from the south feeds afternoon thunderstorms. Mornings are often clear, clouds pile up around midday, and storms can hit in the afternoon with lightning, strong wind and heavy rain. That’s when flash floods become a serious danger in The Narrows and other slot canyons.
July hazards: extreme heat, heat illness, lightning on exposed ridges and flash floods. Start early, finish exposed hikes before noon, and check the flash flood forecast every single morning.
Zion Weather in August
Average: 98°F high, 68°F low. About 1.5 inches of precipitation.
August is still very hot, and it’s often the stormiest month of the monsoon. Rain totals climb, but they come in short, intense bursts rather than all-day drizzle. A perfectly blue morning can turn dark by 2 p.m.
Here’s the part that catches visitors out: a canyon can flood even when it isn’t raining where you are. A storm miles upstream can send a surge of muddy water, rocks and logs down The Narrows or a slot canyon under clear sky. If the flash flood risk is high, choose an open trail instead.
Zion Weather in September
Average: 91°F high, 60°F low. About 1 inch of precipitation.
September starts like summer and ends like fall. Early in the month, highs are still in the 90s and monsoon storms are still possible. By late September, mornings turn pleasant, storms become less frequent and the river is usually low and still fairly warm. That combination makes September one of the best months for The Narrows when conditions allow.
Zion Weather in October
Average: 78°F high, 49°F low. About 1.3 inches of precipitation.
October is about as comfortable as Zion gets. Afternoons are warm and mornings are cool enough for a fleece, so you’re managing layers rather than heat. Days are shorter (around 11 hours of daylight), and the temperature can still swing about 30°F from dawn to afternoon. Occasional early-season storms can bring rain, and once in a while a dusting of snow up high late in the month.
It’s great weather for long dry-land hikes, photography and fall color, which usually reaches the canyon floor at the end of the month. The Narrows is often still open, but the water is getting colder, so many hikers rent neoprene socks or a dry bib.
Zion Weather in November
Average: 64°F high, 37°F low. About 1.4 inches of precipitation.
November brings sunny, cool hiking days and near-freezing nights. Early November often has golden cottonwoods along the river and beautiful, low-angle light. By late November it feels like winter, especially up high, where the first real snow often arrives. Daylight drops to about 10 hours, so plan to finish long hikes by mid-afternoon.
Zion Weather in December
Average: 53°F high, 30°F low. About 1.6 inches of precipitation.
December is properly wintry. Nearly half of Zion Canyon’s yearly precipitation falls between December and March, as rain in the canyon and snow higher up. After a storm, you’ll often see the canyon floor clear within hours while the rims and peaks stay white, which makes for some of the most beautiful scenery of the year. Days are the shortest of the year, and The Narrows usually requires a dry suit.
Zion Weather by Season
| Season | Typical Weather | Biggest Weather Risk | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Highs 50s°F, lows near freezing, rain and high snow | Ice on shaded trails, cold water | Quiet hikes, snowy photos |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Warming fast, big day-night swings | Snowmelt closing The Narrows, sudden storms | Dry-land hiking |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Highs 95–101°F, dry June, stormy July–Aug | Heat illness, flash floods, lightning | River hiking on safe days |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Warm to cool, mostly settled | Late monsoon storms in September, cold mornings | All-round hiking, fall color |
Trying to choose dates rather than understand the climate? Our guide to the best time to visit Zion National Park compares months by crowds, shuttle schedule and activity.
Hottest, Coldest, Wettest and Driest Months
What Is the Hottest Month in Zion?
July is the hottest month in Zion National Park, with an average high of about 101°F and an average low of about 69°F in Zion Canyon. June and August are close behind. At these temperatures, heat is a real safety issue, not just discomfort.
What Is the Coldest Month in Zion?
December and January are the coldest months, each averaging highs in the low to mid-50s°F and lows around 30°F. Individual nights can be much colder, and higher areas of the park are colder still.
When Does It Rain Most in Zion?
March is the wettest month (about 2 inches), followed by February and January. June is the driest, with only about 0.3 inches. But rainfall totals can mislead you. Winter rain tends to be steady and gentle. Summer monsoon rain is less in total but falls in violent bursts, and that’s what causes flash floods. A short July thunderstorm is far more dangerous than a rainy day in February.
Zion Summer Heat and How to Stay Safe
From late May through mid-September, heat shapes every day in Zion. The canyon floor regularly goes over 100°F, the sun reflects off pale rock, and steep trails like the climb to Scout Lookout get little shade once the sun is high. Being fit doesn’t protect you. Heat illness catches strong hikers too.
A good summer rhythm: do your big hike from sunrise to about 10 a.m. Spend late morning to mid-afternoon in the shade, in the river, on the shuttle or at the visitor center. Head back out for an easy walk in the evening.
- Water: carry at least a gallon (about 4 liters) per person per day in summer, more on long hikes.
- Salt: eat salty snacks too. Drinking lots of water without food can lead to hyponatremia, a dangerous drop in the body’s salt levels.
- Sun: wear a wide hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and light, loose clothing.
- Turn around early: if you’ve used half your water, head back.
Know the warning signs. Heat exhaustion can bring heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea and weakness. Get into shade, rest, cool down and drink. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Watch for confusion, strange behavior, hot skin or collapse, and call 911 right away.
Zion Monsoon Season, Flash Floods and Lightning
When Is Monsoon Season in Zion?
Zion’s monsoon season usually runs from July through September, peaking in late July and August. Moist air moving into southern Utah fuels afternoon thunderstorms with heavy rain, lightning, strong gusts, hail and sudden temperature drops. Storms often build quickly after a clear, calm morning, then pass by evening.
Flash Floods in Zion
Flash floods are the most dangerous weather hazard in Zion. Bare rock doesn’t soak up rain, so water rushes off the slickrock and funnels into narrow canyons. In places like The Narrows, water levels can rise in seconds or minutes, carrying mud, rocks and whole tree trunks, with nowhere to climb out.
The park posts a daily flash flood potential rating, usually shown as Not Expected, Possible, Probable or Expected. Treat it seriously. At “Probable” or “Expected,” stay out of The Narrows, slot canyons and dry washes entirely. The park closes The Narrows when a Flash Flood Warning is in effect, and whenever the river flows above 150 cubic feet per second.
Signs of a coming flash flood: the water suddenly turns muddy, rises or speeds up, you see floating debris, or you hear a roar from upstream. Get to high ground immediately. Don’t stop to grab gear.
Lightning Safety in Zion
If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck. Lightning often arrives before the rain does, so don’t wait for the first drops. Get off ridges, summits and open slickrock, and away from tall trees, chains, railings and water. The safest place is inside a solid building or a hard-topped vehicle. Stay there until 30 minutes after the last thunder.
This matters most on exposed hikes like Angels Landing and Observation Point. If storms are forecast, do them early, or save them for another day.
Does Zion Get Snow? Winter Weather Explained
Yes, Zion gets snow, mostly from December to February. On the canyon floor it usually melts within hours or a day, but higher areas like the Kolob Terrace and East Zion can stay snow-covered for weeks, and the backcountry can hold snow into spring.
That creates a strange situation. Springdale can look snow-free while upper trails are icy and wintry. The real winter hazard in Zion Canyon is usually ice rather than deep snow, especially on shaded switchbacks and north-facing slopes. Microspikes or other traction for your boots are very useful from December to February.
Winter closures to expect: the upper Kolob Terrace Road and Lava Point close for several months, Kolob Canyons Road can close during storms, and some trails close temporarily when ice falls from the cliffs. Winter roads can also be icy near the East Entrance and, when open, on the switchbacks of the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.
How Weather Affects the Big Zion Hikes
The Narrows
No popular Zion hike depends on weather more than The Narrows, because you’re walking in the river itself.
- Spring: snowmelt often pushes the river above 150 cubic feet per second, when the park closes it. The water is also very cold.
- Summer: warm water and low flows, but monsoon flash floods are the big risk from July.
- Fall: often the best balance, though September storms can still close it and the water cools quickly in October and November.
- Winter: near-freezing water and real hypothermia risk. You’ll likely need a dry suit.
So the right question isn’t “Which month is The Narrows open?” It’s “What are the river flow and flash flood forecast today?” Check both on the morning you go.
Angels Landing and Scout Lookout
Angels Landing is steep, sunny and exposed, with chains bolted along a narrow ridge. Avoid the chains section during lightning, rain, ice, snow or strong wind, and don’t start the climb in the heat of a summer afternoon. Spring and fall mornings are the most comfortable. In winter, the shaded switchbacks of Walter’s Wiggles can be icy even when the canyon floor is dry.
Emerald Pools, Riverside Walk and Pa’rus Trail
These easier trails work in most weather. The Riverside Walk is shaded and good on hot days. The Emerald Pools trails can be muddy or icy in winter and get slippery after rain. The paved Pa’rus Trail is fine almost year-round, but has little shade in summer, so walk it early or at sunset.
Canyon Overlook and East Zion
Canyon Overlook is short, but it crosses exposed sandstone with drop-offs. It’s cooler than the canyon floor, can be icy in winter and is best in the morning in summer. As of October 2026, it can’t be reached from Zion Canyon while the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is closed.
For difficulty, distance and current closures on every trail, see our guide to the best hikes in Zion National Park.
Best Weather for Hiking in Zion
For comfortable dry-land hiking, the best weather in Zion is usually in April, May, October and early November. You avoid the extreme summer heat and the icy winter trails. But “best hiking weather” and “best weather for everything” aren’t the same. Spring runoff can still close The Narrows during those lovely spring weeks, while late summer gives the warmest river but the worst heat and storms.
Zion Weather for Different Travelers
Families With Kids
For families, heat is usually a bigger problem than rain. Spring and fall are easiest. If you’re stuck with July or August school holidays, get outside early, choose short, shady trails like the Riverside Walk, let the kids splash at the river’s edge on safe days, and use the air-conditioned shuttle and visitor center during the hottest hours. Don’t expect young children to keep an adult pace at 100°F.
Photographers
Every season gives you something different. Winter brings snow on red cliffs after storms. Spring brings fresh green leaves and short-lived waterfalls. Summer brings dramatic monsoon skies and glowing evening light. Fall brings golden cottonwoods and soft light. For comfortable conditions at both sunrise and sunset, October is especially good.
Stargazers
Zion is an International Dark Sky Park. Summer nights are warm and the Milky Way is bright, but monsoon clouds often build in July and August. Late spring and early fall usually give the clearest skies with comfortable evening temperatures. Winter skies are crisp and clear, just cold.
Campers
Summer nights in the campgrounds near the South Entrance stay warm, often around 70°F, so a light sleeping bag is plenty, but tents get hot early in the morning. In spring and fall, nights can drop into the 30s and 40s°F. In winter, expect freezing nights. Lava Point, high on the Kolob Terrace, is much cooler than the canyon all season.
Zion Weather vs Bryce Canyon Weather
If you’re visiting both parks, pack for two climates. Bryce Canyon sits roughly 4,000 feet higher than Zion Canyon, so it’s usually 15 to 20°F cooler. You can leave Zion in a T-shirt and need a warm jacket at Sunrise Point the same evening. In summer, Bryce is the cool escape. In winter, Zion is mild while Bryce is snowy and often below freezing all day.
See our Bryce Canyon weather by month guide for the other half of your trip, and our Zion to Bryce Canyon road trip guide for the drive between them.
What to Wear in Zion by Season
| Season | What to Wear and Pack |
|---|---|
| Winter | Warm base layer, fleece, insulated jacket, hat and gloves, waterproof boots, microspikes for icy trails; dry suit for The Narrows |
| Spring | Light layers you can peel off, a rain shell, sun hat; warm layer for cold mornings and higher trails |
| Summer | Light, loose, breathable clothes, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lots of water, salty snacks; rain jacket for storms |
| Fall | Layers for chilly mornings and warm afternoons, light gloves in November; neoprene socks for The Narrows |
Year-round essentials: broken-in hiking shoes with good grip, sun protection, plenty of water, a headlamp (days are short in winter and storms can slow you down in summer), and one extra layer you can add or remove. Zion’s big day-night swings make layering useful in every month.
Which Zion Weather Forecast Should You Check?
A general “Zion” weather app forecast often uses one point, and it may not match where you’re hiking. The park’s weather page links separate forecasts for Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyons and the East Entrance. Use the one that matches your plans.
Before any hike, check:
- The forecast for the right part of the park
- The daily flash flood potential rating, especially from July to September
- The Virgin River flow if you’re hiking The Narrows
- The park’s current alerts for trail and road closures
Cell signal is patchy inside Zion Canyon, so check everything before you board the shuttle. The visitor center also posts the day’s forecast and flash flood rating.
Zion Weather Rating by Month
| Month | Weather Character | Weather Is Best For |
|---|---|---|
| January | Cold, quiet | Winter sightseeing, photography |
| February | Cool, wetter | Quiet hikes |
| March | Mild, changeable | Spring hikes (not The Narrows) |
| April | Comfortable | General hiking |
| May | Warm, dry | Hiking and sightseeing |
| June | Hot, very dry | Early-morning hikes, river time |
| July | Hottest, monsoon begins | The Narrows on safe days |
| August | Hot, storm-prone | River hiking with care |
| September | Warm, settling | Hiking and The Narrows |
| October | Mild, crisp mornings | All-round hiking |
| November | Cool | Quiet hiking, fall color early on |
| December | Cold | Winter scenery |
Once you know what the weather will be like, build your days with our Zion National Park itinerary, and pick a base that keeps hot or stormy days easy with our guide to hotels near Zion National Park.
Common Zion Weather Mistakes
- Treating Zion as always hot. Winter nights freeze and higher trails get snow.
- Checking the Springdale forecast for a high-elevation hike.
- Starting exposed hikes late on summer days.
- Treating monsoon storms like ordinary rain. They bring lightning and flash floods.
- Entering The Narrows without checking flow and flash flood potential.
- Assuming a sunny April means The Narrows is open. Snowmelt says otherwise.
- Drinking lots of water but eating nothing salty.
- Packing only for daytime highs. Mornings can be 30°F colder.
One habit prevents most of these problems: check conditions for the exact place and activity you’re doing that day.
Related Guides
Planning more of this trip? These guides pick up where this one leaves off:
- Zion National Park With Kids
- Zion National Park Angels Landing
- The Narrows Zion National Park
- Closest Airport to Zion National Park
Zion National Park Weather: FAQs
What is the weather like in Zion National Park year-round?
Cool to cold, often wet winters; mild, changeable springs; very hot summers with monsoon storms from July to September; and comfortable falls. Temperatures often swing 30°F between day and night.
What is the hottest month in Zion National Park?
July, with an average high of about 101°F in Zion Canyon. About half of July days top 100°F.
What is the coldest month in Zion?
December and January, with average highs in the low to mid-50s°F and lows around 30°F in Zion Canyon. Higher areas are colder.
Does Zion National Park get snow?
Yes, mostly December to February. Snow on the canyon floor usually melts within hours, but higher areas can stay snowy for weeks, and shaded trails can stay icy.
When is monsoon season in Zion?
Usually July through September, with the most storms in late July and August. Afternoon thunderstorms can cause flash floods and lightning.
What month gets the most rain in Zion?
March, with about 2 inches on average. June is the driest month, with about 0.3 inches.
Is Zion too hot in July?
It can be for long, exposed hikes. Hike at sunrise, rest during the hottest hours, carry at least a gallon of water and save The Narrows for safe, storm-free days.
Is Zion cold in October?
Not during the day. October averages about 78°F in the afternoon and 49°F at night, so mornings and evenings feel cool. Bring a warm layer.
Is April good weather for Zion?
Yes. April averages around 74°F, which is excellent for most hikes. But spring snowmelt often keeps The Narrows closed.
How cold is the water in The Narrows?
It changes with the season: roughly upper 30s to 40s°F in winter, 40s to 50s in spring, 50s to 60s in summer and early fall, and back into the 40s by November. Rent neoprene socks in spring and fall, and a dry suit in winter.
Can flash floods happen in Zion when it isn’t raining?
Yes. Rain miles upstream can send a flood through The Narrows or a slot canyon under clear sky. Always check the flash flood potential before entering a narrow canyon.
What Zion Weather Should You Plan For?
The easiest way to think about Zion’s weather is by season. Winter is cold but peaceful, with snow on the peaks and ice in the shade. Spring is comfortable for hiking but brings snowmelt that can close The Narrows. Summer is hot, with dangerous afternoon storms from July. Fall cools down into some of the best hiking weather of the year.
But the averages are only a starting point. In a park with this much elevation change, narrow canyons and a river that can rise in minutes, today’s conditions matter more than any monthly chart. Use this guide to know what to expect, then check the forecast, river flow and park alerts before every hike. For the rest of your planning, start with our guide to the best things to do in Zion National Park.