Zion National Park Weather by Month: What to Expect Year-Round

Monthly Weather Overview

Data from the NOAA Zion Canyon station (1991–2020 normals) shows dramatic seasonal shifts. Higher elevations—including Lava Point at 7,890 feet and the rim trails—run significantly colder than the canyon floor. Use the table below to match your fitness, heat tolerance, and hiking goals to actual conditions.

Winter: December–February

Winter brings below-freezing nights and daytime highs in the 50s. Snow is light (0.7–1.7 inches monthly) but possible; expect icy conditions on shaded canyon trails and exposed drop-offs. Road conditions are variable—Zion Canyon Scenic Drive rarely closes but may ice over in December–February. Personal vehicles are permitted on the 6-mile Scenic Drive during winter when shuttle service pauses (December 31 through early March).

The South Campground closes for the season. Watchman Campground remains open year-round but sites may be inaccessible after heavy snow. Lava Point (7,890 feet) is typically closed until May due to snowpack. Lodge rates drop to around $276/night—50% below summer. Crowds are minimal, especially mid-week.

Avoid: The Narrows (river water approaches freezing; a drysuit is required). Trails with exposed drop-offs like Angels Landing are risky when wet or icy. Do not rely on backcountry water sources without checking NPS alerts; some springs dry up or freeze.

Spring: March–May

Spring warms the canyon into the 60s–80s by May. March and April bring unpredictable weather—lows can dip near freezing while highs spike into the 70s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, especially April–May. South Campground reopens in early March, and full shuttle service returns to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

**Critical hazard:** Snowmelt feeds the Virgin River. The Narrows typically closes from mid-April through mid-May when flow exceeds 150 CFS. This is peak visitation season, so check NPS alerts before booking this hike. Parking fills by 9 AM. Hotel rates in Springdale jump 50–100% over winter.

Best for: Hikers seeking perfect daytime temperatures (60s–70s) without extreme heat. Prepare for flash-flood risk in slot canyons and icy creek crossings. Backcountry water sources like Potato Hollow Spring on the West Rim Trail are often unreliable mid-season.

Summer: June–August

June begins climbing into the 90s; July and August regularly exceed 100°F (average 99–101°F). Heat illness and dehydration are serious risks. Afternoon monsoon storms (mid-July through August) bring flash-flood hazards near the Virgin River and in narrow canyons. Expect 14–15 thunderstorm days per month in July–August. Parking fills before 9 AM. Shuttle wait times exceed 30 minutes during peak hours (8 AM–noon). All campgrounds and lodging fill weeks in advance.

Lava Point Campground (7,890 feet elevation) offers relief—roughly 20°F cooler than the canyon floor, with summer highs in the 70s–80s. It's a worthwhile 45-minute drive escape from peak crowds and heat. The primitive campground has 6 sites, pit toilets, no potable water (bring your own), and operates May–September.

Best for: Those using early-morning (before 9 AM) or sunset/evening hikes. Avoid midday hiking; heat stroke and dehydration risk is extreme. Do not hike slot canyons during or after monsoon storms due to flash-flood risk.

Fall: September–November

September remains warm (highs 70s–90s) but noticeably cooler than summer. October and November bring ideal hiking weather—highs in the 60s–78°F. Fall colors emerge late October. South Campground closes October 31. Shuttle frequency drops from summer levels but full service remains through November. Parking pressure eases after Labor Day and again after Thanksgiving.

This is the best season for most visitors. Narrows, Angels Landing, and Emerald Pools are ideal. Water temperatures warm enough to wade comfortably; no monsoon flash-flood risk. Trail conditions are excellent with minimal mud or snow.

October stands out as the optimal month—comfortable temperatures, excellent trail conditions, full shuttle service, and manageable crowds compared to April–September.

Road and Access Windows

**Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (6 miles):** Shuttle-only operations run roughly March through late November. During winter (December–February), personal vehicles are permitted but subject to parking capacity. Road conditions rarely close the drive, but icing is possible. Check NPS updates before winter trips.

**Kolob Terrace Road (toward Lava Point):** Higher elevation means snow closure is possible November–May, depending on snowpack. Lava Point Campground typically operates May–September only.

**Campground seasons:** South Campground runs early March through October 31 (tent-only, 117 sites). Watchman Campground is open year-round (126 sites with electric hookups and tent areas). Lava Point (6 primitive sites, first-come-first-served) runs May–September.

**Angels Landing permits:** Available year-round via recreation.gov ($6 application, $3/person if awarded). Permits cover dawn/day/dusk hike slots.

**The Narrows:** Watch NPS closures. Spring runoff (mid-April through mid-May) regularly exceeds the 150 CFS closure threshold. Monsoon season (mid-July through August) brings flash-flood risk.

Entrance Fees and Facilities

Entrance fee is $35 for a private vehicle (valid 1–7 days), $30 for a motorcycle, $20 per person for bicyclists/pedestrians (youth 15 and under free). Nonresidents aged 16+ pay an additional $100 nonresident fee. The park is open every day of the year.

Zion Lodge is the only in-park lodging (year-round, rates start ~$276/night; phone 833-778-9290). Springdale, 2.3 miles outside the south entrance, offers multiple hotel chains and is adjacent to the free shuttle system. Facilities at campgrounds include pit or flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Lava Point offers no potable water.