Zion Weather in May: What to Expect and What to Pack

Monthly averages are NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. Check the NPS alerts page for road and trail closures before you go.

By John Love I've been here · June 1985Facts checked against NPS.gov · Updated October 6, 2026

May in Zion84°F days, 52°F nights at Zion Canyon (4,038 ft), with about 0.8 inches of precipitation. Warm and one of the drier months, with highs in the mid-80s. Lava Point usually becomes reachable as snow clears at higher elevations.

Red canyon walls in the glow of sunrise — Sunrise over Zion in the fall.Photo: Millie Olsen / Unsplash

How elevation changes the weather in Zion

Estimated average high and low for each area in May, 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.

7,890 ftLava Point71° / 39°
5,100 ftKolob Canyons80° / 48°
4,000 ftZion Canyon84° / 52°

Estimates based on the long-term average at Zion Canyon (4,038 ft). Check the live forecast for each area above before you go.

May compared with the months around it

Month	Avg high	Avg low	Precipitation
April	73°F	44°F	1.2 in
May	84°F	52°F	0.8 in
June	95°F	62°F	0.2 in

May is 11°F warmer than April by day, and June warms another 11°F.

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.

What to pack for Zion in May

Picked from Zion's average weather in May.

Sleeping bags rated 40–49°F

Nights average 52°F at Zion Canyon, and higher campgrounds run colder. A bag rated about 10°F below the low keeps you warm.

Shop at Coleman

Coolers

Keep food sealed and cold at camp.

Shop at Coleman

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

Zion in May: questions

What is the weather like in Zion in May?

At Zion Canyon (4,038 ft), May averages 84°F by day and 52°F at night, with about 0.8 inches of precipitation. Warm and one of the drier months, with highs in the mid-80s. Lava Point usually becomes reachable as snow clears at higher elevations.

How cold does Zion get at night in May?

Nights average 52°F at Zion Canyon. Up at Lava Point (7,890 ft) expect it about 13°F colder, near 39°F.

Does it snow in Zion in May?

Not at Zion Canyon, where May averages no snowfall.

How does May compare with April?

May averages 84°F by day, 11°F warmer than April, and June averages 95°F.

What should I wear in Zion in May?

Plan for light layers and a rain jacket. Check the forecast for each area you will visit a few days before you go.

Live forecast by areaThe 7-day National Weather Service forecast for each part of Zion, plus all 12 months side by side.Open the Zion weather guide

More for your Zion trip

Zion National Park guideFees, hours, maps, where to stay and a first-day plan.
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.