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.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Zion National Park

Spring (March–May) – Waterfalls & Perfect Hiking Weather

• Temps: 50s–80s °F
• Virgin River runs strong, making waterfalls spectacular.
• Best for: Wildflowers, scenic hikes, photography.
• Caveat: The Narrows may be closed due to high river flow.

Summer (June–August) – Hot Temps, Narrow Season

• Temps: 90s–100s °F
• Crowds peak in June/July.
• Best for: Hiking The Narrows (low water, refreshing in heat).
• Caveat: Afternoon thunderstorms possible (flash floods).

Fall (September–November) – Stunning Colors & Fewer Crowds

• Temps: 50s–80s °F
• Vibrant cottonwoods turn gold/orange.
• Best for: Angels Landing, Observation Point, photography.
• Caveat: Shuttle stops late November → need your own car.

Winter (December–February) – Quiet Trails & Snowy Views

• Temps: 30s–50s °F
• Lowest crowds of the year.
• Best for: Peaceful hikes, crisp photography.
• Caveat: Some trails icy/snowy. Narrows very cold.

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.

Best Time for Specific Activities

Hiking The Narrows

• Best: July–September
• Worst: Spring runoff months (often closed April/May).

Angels Landing Permits

• Best: March–May, September–November
• Avoid: Peak July crowds.

Wildlife Viewing & Photography

• Spring & Fall: Best lighting, active wildlife.
• Winter: Snow-dusted cliffs = unique photo opportunities.

Why Timing Matters for Visiting Zion

• The shuttle system runs from March–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 season-dependent.
  
• Crowds can be 3–4x higher in peak months compared to 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.