Best time to visit Zion National Park

With a country as big as the US, it’s no surprise that the landscapes are vast and unique. Beaches on the coasts, green plains that go on further than the eye can see, cityscapes and mountain ranges. And of course, many national parks. Zion National Park is one of the busiest and most visited national parks in the country – for good reason! Jaw-dropping doesn’t even really begin to describe it, and if you want to blend the sites of the Grand Canyon and Yosemite in one, then you need to head here.

Interested? Great! Discover the best time to visit Zion National Park, and hop on your USA National Parks Road Trip to get going.

Where is Zion National Park? 

Zion National Park is located in the USA, in the Western state of Utah which is characterised by red rocky canyons, some sprawling dry forests, and vast blue skies. It’s a nature reserve and the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive cuts straight through the park’s main section, bringing you gorgeous views of forest trails, Virgin River, and the Emerald Pools along the way.

How to get to Zion National Park?

The closest airport to Zion National Park is St. George Regional Airport, which is a smaller airport with limited commercial flights – though it is only an hour away. You can also fly into Salt Lake City International Airport as well, which is a 3 hour drive away.

There are plenty of towns and smaller cities surrounding the park, but the best place to stay is in Springdale as it is the most convenient. It’s a quaint little town filled with adorable boutique hotels, ready to host visitors from all over the country and the world. From Springdale you are right by the park entrance, which you can drive to, or take a bus to.

Zion National Park through the seasons

Spring

Average temperatures: 13-21°C

Spring is one of the best times to visit Zion National Park as this is the time of year that nature really wakes up. Fresh leaves bud on the trees and you’ll catch plenty of early season blooms preening under a gentle sun. It’s perfect for a Spring Break getaway or Memorial Day long weekend. 

March and April will see more rainfall than May, so beware and pack a jacket with you! Don’t be deterred by the showers though – watching the heavens open up over the canyons is a real sight to behold. 

Note: Depending on snow levels in the winter, certain areas of the park may remain inaccessible without proper winter gear, particularly in March.

Summer

Average temperatures: 27-35°C

Visiting in the summer is the optimal time to witness the park in all its glory. A golden sun is sure to shine over the canyons and rivers and forests, winking at you from above as you enjoy hikes, rafting, and picking up your jaw over and over again. It’s an especially perfect time of year if you like water as you can paddle and tube down the Virgin River – and cool off.

The summer weather is particularly hot, so make sure you pack accordingly (reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and hats are going to be your best friends!), and take it easy. July and August are the hottest months, so take heed.

Note: The monsoon season is between July and September, so keep an eye out for flash flood warnings ahead of your visit. 

Autumn

Average temperatures: 13-23°C

Come autumn time, you’ll find that the park is cooler and not as crowded. On top of that, classic fall colours will be starting to peek out at higher elevations before trickling down, setting the canyons ablaze in brilliant reds and oranges and golds. Perfect for leaf peeping in late October and November!

Note: The Human History Museum closes for the year at the end of November, and the park shuttle will start to run at a lower frequency, so make sure to plan your trip ahead of time. 

Winter

Average temperatures: 5-10°C

Zion National Park becomes a true winter wonderland in December, January, and February – however a lot of the park closes due to snowfall and downpour and icy conditions. That being said, roads are still plowed and certain trails are still open, you just want to make sure you’re properly equipped for these frosty adventures.

Boots with good grip are a must to avoid slipping on ice and injuring yourself, and if you’re venturing into the Narrows, a drysuit is advised.

Note: The shuttle bus is not in use between Christmas and New Year, and the Human History Museum remains closed, as well as the South Campground.

What is the best month to go to Zion National Park?

The best time to visit Zion National Park will depend on what you’re looking for specifically and each month of the year. As a general rule, summer is the park’s busiest time. This is when you’ll get the most consistent scorching weather as well as the most dazzling views of nature in full swing. Locals will say that summer is when Zion National Park is at its most beautiful.

The most popular months to visit Zion National Park are June, July, and August. It’s hot and sunny and the weather will stay like that for basically the whole season (note that late-July will become hotter, feeding into August). 

If you’re looking for natural beauty with fewer crowds on the hiking trails, then the shoulder seasons – during spring and autumn – will be perfect. Zion National Park is always fairly busy given how gorgeous it is, but there are fewer crowds at this time of year. Note that while Utah has a dry climate, you could still meet a few cooler or even rainy days – so pack accordingly, especially if you’re travelling in early spring or late autumn.

This a general guideline for high and low times at Zion National Park:

• High time (when there will be the most travellers): Late May through to mid-September
• Low time (when there will be the least amount of travellers: December to February
• Shoulder seasons: Marc to mid-May and mid-September to late November

When not to visit Zion National Park?

This may come as a bit of a contradiction, but Zion National Park’s most popular travel time (between June and August) is also sometimes regarded as the worst time to visit.

This is due to the popularity. It’s a busy time of year and you may find that the viewpoints are obstructed by lots of visitors. The weather can also become uncomfortably hot, reaching peaks of 31-35°C. Because summer is the park’s peak season, parking is also busier, as well as surrounding accommodations. 

Winter might also not be the best time as much of the park closes and the temperatures can get very cold, even dropping to freezing in the night.

That being said, Zion National Park is spectacular in the summer and winter, so the best time to visit Zion National Park really just depends on what you’re looking for and what you’re willing to put up with on the way! 

How many days do you need in Zion National Park? 

If you want to make the most of your time in Zion National Park, 2 to 3 days is the recommended amount. This will give you enough time to visit both the canyons and hike along some of the most iconic trails, such as Angels Landing and the Narrows and make your way to all the viewpoints – which you’re going to want to do! 

What to do in Zion National Park

1. Angels Landing trail

Angels Landing is probably the most popular and sought after trails in the national park as it leads to some truly spectacular views. Really. You’ve never seen anything like it before – unless of course you’ve already been to the park… 

At 8.4km, it’s a hefty hike, but an extremely rewarding one. Visitors should note that a permit is needed for this hike, however, due to the popularity and rangers wanting to preserve the trail as much as possible. So, you’ll need to apply for that ahead of time.

2. Canyon Overlook trail

This hiking trail is perfect for less experienced hikers who would like to see some natural wonder without wrecking their legs. The trail is short (1.9km) and has very low elevation, making it beginner friendly and also very accessible. It’s especially special at sunset when the dying sun casts its rays across the canyon, painting them the most vibrant gold.

3. E-bike tour

Don’t fancy a walk or want to get around in speed and style? An e-bike tour is perfect as you can cover more of the park in less time. You’ll feel the breeze in your hair, making you feel like one of the eagles you might spot soaring through the open skies.

This is a great option as well, as you can rent e-bikes near to your accommodation, allowing you to cycle to the park instead of hopping on the shuttle.

4. The Narrows

The Narrows, in total, is a 25km adventure. You can hike a chunk of it at a time, or do the whole thing over a few days, with camping stops in between. The choice is up to you, and each is as beautiful and awe-inspiring as the other. 

It’s a very popular trail – similar to Angels Landing – however the Narrows is subject to periodic closure throughout the summer season, depending on the water levels in Virgin River. Why? Because essentially, this isn’t really a trail, it’s more of an adventure alongside the river, wading through the water, climbing over rocks, and stomping through the woods. It’s definitely for the more advanced national park visitor, and hiring a guide is advised.

This trail is also only open in summer. So, if you think about it, it’s sort of like a rare and exclusive activity!

5. Horseback tour

Another great way to see Zion National Park, in the true Western spirit, is on horseback. These types of tours are offered by third-party organisations operating within the park, and there are plenty of different options. Some previous experience with horseback riding is advised, though set rules and expectations will differ company to company.

If you’re able to, though, it’s worth it! You’ll feel like a true American pioneer, winding through the canyon and feeling wild and free. Spirit, anyone?

Camping in Zion National Park 

Camping in Zion National Park is a must-do activity if you want to prolong your time out in the open and really reconnect to nature. There are many camping grounds throughout the park, including a few glamping resorts as well. 

If you’re into stargazing- and I mean, who isn’t? – this will be a total dream come true as the park has very little light pollution, allowing a whole tapestry of stars to light up the night sky. You’ll sleep and dream like you never have before. 

Travelling to National Parks in North America with Contiki

The US and Canada are such vast and naturally beautiful countries, and they have many more national parks to visit than just Zion. Have you heard of Jasper National Park, or Glacier National Park? If you can’t get enough of the outdoors, check out all of our wild and rugged national park tours!