Bryce Canyon Weather: Forecast and Month-by-Month Averages

Live forecasts from the National Weather Service. Monthly averages are NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. Check the NPS alerts page for road and trail closures.

Bryce Amphitheater hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park — Bryce Amphitheater hoodoos.Photo: Oleg Chursin / Unsplash

In shortBryce Canyon is a high-elevation park with cool summers, cold snowy winters, and freezing nights from about October to May. Elevations range from 6,620 ft at Yellow Creek to 9,115 ft at Rainbow Point, and most overlooks sit near 8,000 ft. The table represents park headquarters near the visitor center (7,890 ft), which averages about 87 inches of snow a year.

Planning for October at park headquarters (7,890 ft): 58°F days, 32°F nights, 1.7 in of precipitation. Expect it about 4°F colder at Rainbow Point (9,115 ft).

Bryce Canyon forecast by area

Weather changes a lot with elevation here, so check the forecast for where you are actually going. Each forecast covers the National Weather Service grid square around that spot.

Bryce Canyon Visitor Center and the main amphitheater 7,894 ft

Matches the table; the main Bryce Amphitheater overlooks are within the first 3 miles of the park road.

The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Bryce Canyon Visitor Center and the main amphitheater.

Rainbow Point (end of the scenic drive) 9,115 ft

About 1,200 ft higher than the visitor center, so usually cooler with deeper snow; winter storms can close the road beyond Mile 3.

The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Rainbow Point (end of the scenic drive).

How elevation changes the weather in Bryce Canyon

Estimated average high and low for each area in October, highest first. Air cools about 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet you climb, so the same day can feel like two different seasons. Change the month in the packing picks below to update these numbers.

9,115 ftRainbow Point54° / 28°
7,894 ftBryce Canyon Visitor Center and the main amphitheater58° / 32°

Estimates based on the long-term average at park headquarters (7,890 ft). Check the live forecast for each area above before you go.

Average weather in Bryce Canyon by month

Monthly averages for BRYCE CANYON NP HQRS, UT (7,890 ft), NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. About 17 inches of precipitation a year.
Month	Avg high	Avg low	Precipitation	Snowfall
January	37°F	17°F	1.9 in	19.8 in
February	39°F	18°F	1.7 in	18.1 in
March	46°F	23°F	1.3 in	13.2 in
April	54°F	29°F	0.8 in	5.9 in
May	63°F	37°F	0.9 in	1.5 in
June	75°F	45°F	0.5 in	0.2 in
July	80°F	52°F	1.6 in	0.0 in
August	78°F	50°F	1.9 in	0.0 in
September	70°F	42°F	1.8 in	0.0 in
October	58°F	32°F	1.7 in	3.0 in
November	46°F	23°F	1.3 in	9.7 in
December	37°F	17°F	1.3 in	15.3 in

These are long-term averages at one station. Higher areas of the park are colder, and any single year can be much warmer, colder, wetter or drier.

Bryce Canyon weather month by month

Bryce Canyon in January

37°F / 17°F. One of the coldest, snowiest months, with highs near 37°F and lows near 17°F. Storms can close the main road beyond Mile 3 until plows clear it; bring traction devices for icy paths.

Bryce Canyon in February

39°F / 18°F. Still deep winter, averaging about 18 inches of snow. Trails may need snowshoes after big storms and become packed and icy after a few days of melt.

Bryce Canyon in March

46°F / 23°F. Heavy snow is still possible and can affect travel. Thawing days and freezing nights leave trails and parking lots icy.

Bryce Canyon in April

54°F / 29°F. Highs in the mid-50s°F, but nights are below freezing and spring snowstorms still happen. The park shuttle usually starts running in April.

Bryce Canyon in May

63°F / 37°F. Milder days in the 60s°F with cold nights near 37°F. Lingering snow and ice can remain on shaded trails early in the month.

Bryce Canyon in June

75°F / 45°F. One of the driest, most pleasant months, with highs around 75°F. Nights are cool, so bring a jacket for sunrise and stargazing.

Bryce Canyon in July

80°F / 52°F. The warmest month, averaging about 80°F, often 20°F cooler than the desert below. Afternoon thunderstorms bring heavy rain and frequent lightning.

Bryce Canyon in August

78°F / 50°F. Monsoon storms are common in the afternoon. Watch for lightning on exposed rims and for flash floods and washouts on trails below the rim.

Bryce Canyon in September

70°F / 42°F. Similar to June, with highs near 70°F, though monsoon storms can continue into the month. Nights drop into the 40s°F.

Bryce Canyon in October

58°F / 32°F. Many sunny, mild days, but nights fall to about freezing and early snowstorms are possible. The shuttle usually stops in late October.

Bryce Canyon in November

46°F / 23°F. Winter returns, with highs in the mid-40s°F and nearly 10 inches of snow on average. Expect icy trails and possible temporary road closures.

Bryce Canyon in December

37°F / 17°F. Cold and snowy, with highs near 37°F. Snow on the hoodoos is striking, but carry traction devices and check road status before driving south.

Weather hazards to plan for

Icy trails and paved areas from melt-and-refreeze cycles; NPS recommends traction devices throughout the park in winter.
Winter storms can close the 18-mile main road beyond Mile 3 until plowing is finished.
Lightning during July-September afternoon thunderstorms, especially on exposed rim viewpoints; go indoors when thunder roars.
Flash floods, trail washouts, and rockfall during monsoon storms.
Freezing nights from about October to May, even after mild, sunny days.

What to pack for Bryce Canyon, based on the weather

Gear picked from Bryce Canyon's average weather for the month you choose. Packing for

October: average high 58°F, low 32°F, 1.7 in of precipitation.

Sleeping bags rated 24°F and below

Nights average 32°F at park headquarters, and higher campgrounds run colder. A bag rated about 10°F below the low keeps you warm.

Shop at Coleman

Camp stoves

With nights near 32°F, hot meals and drinks make mornings much easier. Stoves are usually allowed even when campfires are banned.

Shop at Coleman

Lanterns

Long, cold evenings come early in October. A rechargeable lantern lights camp without a fire.

Shop at Coleman Warm jacket on Amazon Base layers on Amazon

Some links above are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this works

Bryce Canyon weather questions

What is the weather like in Bryce Canyon in October?

October averages a high of about 58°F and a low of about 32°F at the visitor center. Many days are sunny and mild, but early snowstorms are possible and nights are often below freezing.

Does it snow in Bryce Canyon?

Yes. The visitor center area averages about 87 inches of snow a year, mostly from November through April, and higher areas like Rainbow Point usually get more.

When is thunderstorm (monsoon) season in Bryce Canyon?

Afternoon thunderstorms are common from July through September. They are usually brief but bring heavy rain, frequent lightning, and a risk of flash floods and trail washouts.

How cold does it get at night in summer?

Summer nights are cool, averaging about 45°F in June and about 50-52°F in July and August. Bring a warm layer for sunrise and night sky viewing.

What is the best month to visit Bryce Canyon for weather?

June and September usually offer the most comfortable weather, with highs around 70-75°F and less snow risk. June is one of the driest months; September can still bring afternoon storms.

Bryce Canyon National ParkFees, hours, maps, where to stay and a first-day plan.Open the Bryce Canyon guide