Zion 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.
In shortZion has a semi-arid desert climate with hot summers, mild springs and falls, and cool winters. Elevations run from about 3,700 ft in the southwest to 8,726 ft on Horse Ranch Mountain; the table represents Zion Canyon near 4,000 ft, where most visitors go. Higher areas such as Kolob Canyons and Lava Point are cooler and hold snow in winter.
Zion 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.
Zion Canyon (Visitor Center, Springdale entrance) 4,000 ft
The area the table represents; summer highs often top 100°F, and winter snow usually melts within hours.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Zion Canyon (Visitor Center, Springdale entrance).
Kolob Canyons (Visitor Center and 5-mile scenic drive) 5,100 ft
Higher and cooler than Zion Canyon; the road may close in winter for snow or ice.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Kolob Canyons (Visitor Center and 5-mile scenic drive).
Lava Point (off Kolob Terrace Road) 7,890 ft
Much cooler than the canyon; snow closes access from fall into spring, typically reachable May-September.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Lava Point (off Kolob Terrace Road).
Average weather in Zion by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precipitation | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 54°F | 30°F | 2.0 in | 0.7 in |
| February | 58°F | 34°F | 2.1 in | 0.8 in |
| March | 66°F | 39°F | 2.0 in | 0.7 in |
| April | 73°F | 44°F | 1.2 in | 0.0 in |
| May | 84°F | 52°F | 0.8 in | 0.0 in |
| June | 95°F | 62°F | 0.2 in | 0.0 in |
| July | 100°F | 70°F | 1.1 in | 0.0 in |
| August | 98°F | 69°F | 1.6 in | 0.0 in |
| September | 91°F | 61°F | 1.2 in | 0.0 in |
| October | 78°F | 49°F | 1.2 in | 0.0 in |
| November | 64°F | 37°F | 1.2 in | 0.1 in |
| December | 52°F | 29°F | 1.6 in | 1.7 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.
Zion weather month by month
Zion in January
54°F / 30°F. Cool days in the mid-50s and nights near freezing in Zion Canyon. Shaded trails can be icy, traction devices are recommended, and Kolob Terrace Road and Lava Point are closed by snow.
Zion in February
58°F / 34°F. Still one of the wettest months. Snow usually melts quickly in the canyon but builds up at higher elevations; Kolob Canyons Road can close during storms.
Zion in March
66°F / 39°F. Wet and variable, with daily swings of 30°F or more. The shuttle typically returns to full-time service in early spring, and snowmelt can raise the Virgin River enough to close the Narrows.
Zion in April
73°F / 44°F. Mild days in the 70s and chilly nights. Snowmelt runoff often keeps the Narrows closed when river flow exceeds 150 cubic feet per second.
Zion in May
84°F / 52°F. Warm and one of the drier months, with highs in the mid-80s. Lava Point usually becomes reachable as snow clears at higher elevations.
Zion in June
95°F / 62°F. The driest month, with highs in the mid-90s and some days over 100°F. Hike early and carry plenty of water.
Zion in July
100°F / 70°F. The hottest month, averaging 100°F, with about 16 days over 100°F. Monsoon season (July-September) brings afternoon thunderstorms and the highest flash flood risk; the Narrows and slot canyons may close.
Zion in August
98°F / 69°F. Still very hot, with the most thunderstorm days of the year. Check the flash flood forecast before entering any canyon, including the Narrows.
Zion in September
91°F / 61°F. Highs drop to around 90°F as monsoon season winds down. Flash floods are still possible early in the month.
Zion in October
78°F / 49°F. Pleasant highs near 80°F and cool nights. Fall color starts at higher elevations and usually reaches Zion Canyon in late October or early November.
Zion in November
64°F / 37°F. Cooler, with highs in the mid-60s and frosty nights. Shuttle service usually ends in late fall, and Kolob Terrace Road and Lava Point typically close for snow.
Zion in December
52°F / 29°F. Cool days in the mid-50s and nights below freezing. Shuttles usually run mainly around the holidays, and storms can make driving poor until roads are plowed.
Weather hazards to plan for
- Flash floods in the Narrows and slot canyons, mainly during the July-September monsoon; storms 15-20 miles upstream can send floods into clear-sky canyons.
- Extreme summer heat in Zion Canyon, with highs often over 100°F in July and August.
- Lightning from afternoon thunderstorms in July and August, especially on exposed ridges and viewpoints.
- Ice on shaded trails and falling ice from cliffs in winter.
- Cold, high water in the Narrows during spring snowmelt; the route closes when flow exceeds 150 cubic feet per second.
Zion weather questions
What is the weather like in Zion in October?
In Zion Canyon, October highs average about 79°F and lows about 48°F, with around 1.3 inches of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for hiking.
Does it snow in Zion National Park?
Yes. Snow falls in winter, but in Zion Canyon it usually melts within hours. Higher areas such as Lava Point and Kolob Terrace hold snow, and their roads close for part of the year.
When is monsoon season in Zion?
Monsoon season usually runs July through September. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and flash floods can close the Narrows and slot canyons.
How hot does Zion get in summer?
Zion Canyon averages about 100°F in July, with about 16 days over 100°F that month. Nights stay warm, with lows near 70°F.
What is the best month to visit Zion for weather?
April-May and late September-October usually have the most comfortable temperatures, with highs in the 70s and 80s. Spring snowmelt can close the Narrows, and fall avoids most monsoon storms.
Zion planning guides
- Best Time to Visit Zion National ParkWhen to visit Zion month by month: spring and fall weather, summer heat, monsoon flash floods, Narrows closures, shuttle season dates and quiet winter days.
- Angels Landing Permit Guide (2026)How the 2026 Angels Landing permit lottery works: seasonal and day-before dates, fees, group size, what the permit covers and where to hike without one.
Sources
- NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals: ZION NP, UT (Springdale/Zion Canyon) (USC00429717)
- Climate in Zion National Park (NPS chart)
- Weather and Climate - Zion National Park (NPS)
- Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter - Zion National Park (NPS)
- Current Conditions - Zion National Park (NPS)
- Visiting Zion National Park During Monsoon Season (NPS, 2026)
- Biophysical Description of Zion National Park (NPS)
- Lava Point Overlook (NPS)
- National Weather Service forecasts (api.weather.gov)