The Best Time to Visit Zion National Park: Month-by-Month Guide

Zion National Park is one of Utah’s crown jewels — towering red cliffs, emerald rivers, and world-famous hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows. But timing your visit is everything. Seasons in Zion can dramatically change your experience: spring brings rushing waterfalls, summer opens the Narrows, fall paints the canyon in vibrant color, and winter offers crowd-free trails.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best times to visit Zion National Park by season and month, with weather details, crowd levels, and top activities. Whether you want to avoid the summer heat, capture fall colors, or hike iconic trails without the crowds, this month-by-month guide will help you plan the perfect trip.

Spring in zion (March–May)

Best for: Waterfalls, lush canyon walls, cool hiking temperatures
Be prepared for: Cold water, high runoff, trail closures, variable weather

Spring is one of Zion’s most visually dramatic seasons. Snowmelt fills the Virgin River, creating powerful waterfalls and seeping springs across the canyon walls. Temperatures are comfortable for hiking, usually in the 50s–80s °F.

But spring also brings   the least predictable conditions of the year:

• Temps: 50s–80s °F
• Virgin River runs strong, making waterfalls spectacular.
• The Narrows frequently closes due to high flow rates (often April–May).
• Caveat: The Narrows may be closed due to high river flow.

Guide Insight:
On our guided Zion trips, we often build flexible itineraries in spring because trail access can change with little notice.

Summer in zion (June–August)

Best for: Hiking The Narrows, long daylight, river-based adventures
Be prepared for: Intense heat (95–105°F+), crowds, monsoon thunderstorms

Summer is prime season for The Narrows thanks to low water flow and warm air temperatures. Wading through the Virgin River becomes not just manageable but refreshing.

However, this is also Zion’s most challenging season for exposed trails:

• Temps: 90s–100s °F
• Crowds peak in June/July.
• Best for: Hiking The Narrows (low water, refreshing in heat).
• Caveat: Monsoon storms (late July–August) bring elevated flash-flood risk, affecting river hikes and slot canyons.

Guide Insight:

Our guides avoid long, exposed hikes after 10am in summer. Early starts and conservative pacing are essential.

Fall in zion (September–November)

Best for: Ideal weather, fall color, balanced trail access
Be prepared for: Shorter days, early freezing at elevation

Fall is widely considered the best overall season in Zion — especially mid-September through late October.

You can expect:

• Temps: 50s–80s °F
• Golden cottonwoods along the river (peak late October–early November)
• Best for: Angels Landing, Observation Point, photography.
• Caveat: Shuttle stops late November → need your own car.

Guide Insight:
Most of our lodge-based tour guests choose fall because it offers the best combination of comfort, scenery, and trail access.

Winter in zion (December–February)

Best for: Solitude, quiet photography, relaxed pace
Be prepared for: Snow/ice, cold water, limited services

Winter is peaceful and underrated:

• Temps: 30s–50s °F
• Lowest crowds of the year.
• Best for: Peaceful hikes, crisp photography.
• Caveat: Angels Landing and higher trails may be icy; microspikes often recommended. And the Narrows water is extremely cold.

Guide Insight:
Winter is perfect for guests who prefer solitude and don’t mind cooler temperatures. It is not ideal for high-water or technical trails.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Zion National Park

Month-by-Month Breakdown

• January & February: Cold but crowd-free. Perfect for solitude and photography.
• March & April: Wildflowers bloom; waterfalls strongest. Start of shuttle season.
• May & June: Great for long hikes. Water levels drop → Narrows becomes accessible.
• July & August: Hot, but Narrows is at its best. Go early morning to avoid heat.
• September & October: Best overall months for balance of weather, colors, and hiking.
• November & December: Quiet, festive, and cool. November still mild; December can see light snow.

When to Hike Zion’s Most Popular Trails

Hiking The Narrows

• Best: May, June, September
• Worst: Spring runoff months (often closed April/early May).
• Consider neoprene socks and dry suits in cooler months.

Angels Landing

• Best: March–May, September–November
• Avoid: Peak July crowds.
• Permit required year-round

observation point

• Best: Spring & Fall
• Worst: Winter (if it's a snowy year), Summer (unless starting very early)
• Since 2019, the only access is via the East Mesa Trail

emerald pools

• Best: Spring & Fall, early mornings in summer
• Worst: Winter - it gets icy
• In general, this is a good trail any time of year if you're prepared for the conditions

Why Timing Matters for Visiting Zion

• The shuttle system runs from March to November, changing how you access trails.
  
• The weather ranges from snow in winter to 100°F+ heat in July/August.
  
• Popular hikes (Narrows, Angels Landing) are largely season-dependent.
  
• Crowds can be 3–4x higher in peak months compared to the off-season.

FAQs About Visiting Zion National Park

Choose Your Perfect Zion Hiking Adventure.

No matter when you visit, Zion has something unforgettable to offer. Spring brings waterfalls, summer opens the Narrows, fall fills the canyon with color, and winter offers quiet beauty. The best time to explore depends on how you want to experience the park. Whether you are looking for fewer crowds, cooler weather, or iconic trails, your adventure starts with choosing the right style of trip.

👉 Choose Your Perfect Zion Hiking Adventure.