Zion Weather in October: 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, 2026October in Zion78°F days, 49°F nights at Zion Canyon (4,038 ft), with about 1.2 inches of precipitation. 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.
How elevation changes the weather in Zion
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.
- 7,890 ftLava Point65° / 36°
- 5,100 ftKolob Canyons74° / 45°
- 4,000 ftZion Canyon78° / 49°
Estimates based on the long-term average at Zion Canyon (4,038 ft). Check the live forecast for each area above before you go.
October compared with the months around it
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precipitation | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
October is 13°F cooler than September by day, and November cools another 14°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 October
Picked from Zion's average weather in October.
Nights average 49°F at Zion Canyon, and higher campgrounds run colder. A bag rated about 10°F below the low keeps you warm.
Shop at Coleman
With nights near 49°F, hot meals and drinks make mornings much easier. Stoves are usually allowed even when campfires are banned.
Shop at Coleman
Keep food sealed and cold at camp.
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Zion in October: questions
What is the weather like in Zion in October?
At Zion Canyon (4,038 ft), October averages 78°F by day and 49°F at night, with about 1.2 inches of precipitation. 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.
How cold does Zion get at night in October?
Nights average 49°F at Zion Canyon. Up at Lava Point (7,890 ft) expect it about 13°F colder, near 36°F.
Does it snow in Zion in October?
Not at Zion Canyon, where October averages no snowfall.
How does October compare with September?
October averages 78°F by day, 13°F cooler than September, and November averages 64°F.
What should I wear in Zion in October?
Plan for light layers and a rain jacket. Check the forecast for each area you will visit a few days before you go.
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.
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)