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Best time to visit Zion National Park

The sweet spot for Zion National Park is April–May & October; the heaviest crowds hit in May–Jul, Sep. Below is the honest month-by-month picture — crowds, real temperatures and what each month actually feels like.

Month-by-month visiting conditions for Zion National Park
MonthVerdictTemps °FCrowdsWhat the month is like
January Shoulder 52° / 29° quiet Mild canyon winter; quiet trails, occasional ice at elevation
February Shoulder 57° / 31° quiet
March Good 63° / 36° busy Spring-break crowds arrive; shuttle season begins
April Best window 73° / 43° busy Prime hiking weather; wildflowers along the canyon
May Best window 83° / 52° peak crowds Ideal temps — and near-peak crowds; book lodging early
June Good 93° / 60° peak crowds Heat builds fast — start hikes at dawn
Julynow Tough 100° / 68° peak crowds 100°F+ heat; monsoon flash-flood risk in slot canyons
August Tough 97° / 66° busy Monsoon continues — storms can close The Narrows
September Good 91° / 60° peak crowds Narrows water warms; still hot at midday
October Best window 78° / 49° busy Cottonwoods turn gold — the photographer's month
November Good 63° / 37° quiet Cool, quiet shoulder season; full shuttle winds down
December Shoulder 53° / 29° quiet Short days; holiday weeks noticeably busier

CROWDS: RELATIVE SEASONALITY FROM NPS VISITATION STATISTICS · TEMPS: APPROXIMATE NOAA NORMALS AT MAIN VISITOR ELEVATION — HIGH COUNTRY RUNS 10–20°F COLDER

BEFORE YOU PICK DATES

Zion National Park needs reservations

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