The Best (and Worst) Times of Year to Visit Zion National Park?

Zion National Park is probably one of the first places that comes to mind when you think about Utah. It is Utah’s most visited National Park and boasts some of the most incredible views in the state. But you may be wondering, when is the best time to visit Zion National Park?

The best time to visit Zion National Park is in the fall because of the cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and lower water levels of the Narrows, Zion’s most iconic hike.  All areas of the park and guest services are also available at this time.  Although Zion is open year-round, visitors will have different experiences depending on when they visit like getting to drive their personal vehicle through Zion Canyon in the winter or staying in the spring when the waterfalls are flowing at their highest. The worst times of year to visit Zion is June through August when temperatures are in the 90s-100s. Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the 4th of July are also not ideal due to crowds.

Our family has visited Zion in every season and we have enjoyed all of our visits to Zion National Park. Some of our favorite highlights have been driving up Zion Canyon in our car, seeing the canyon covered in ice and snow, seeing the waterfalls in the spring when they are flowing hard, and enjoying the views, historic cabins, and double arch alcove in Kolob Canyons during the summer.

In this article, we are going to dive into the best (and worst) times of year to visit and what Zion is like, during each season of the year. Keep reading to learn more!

6 Factors To Consider When Planning Your Visit

1. Tolerance For Unpleasant Weather

Unlike many national parks in the mountains, when the best time to visit is late May through September, the best time of year to visit Zion is March through May and September through November. This is because Zion gets very hot in June, July, and August, often reaching temperatures in the 100s!

There is little you can do to cope with the extreme heat besides drinking lots of water, eating salty snacks, and wearing proper sun protection. In fact, spending extended amounts of time in this heat is dangerous and you’ll see signage throughout Zion National Park warning people about this.

Fall and Spring offer more comfortable temperatures with highs in the 60s or 70s.

Zion is actually one of the better parks to visit in the winter because the road and trails remain accessible, and you can always layer up.

GOOD TO KNOW Trails in Zion can be slick in the winter. Make sure to wear spikes on your shoes if you choose to hike.

2. Tolerance For Crowds

It’s no secret that the busiest months of the year to visit Zion are May, June, and July. Memorial Day weekend is especially bad, and I’ve heard of people waiting over 90 minutes to catch the shuttle. Fall Break is also an especially busy time (2nd or 3rd weekend in October).

However, you can expect crowds most of the year. This is a worldwide destination and close to 5 million people visit each year. I’ve seen Zion very crowded around Christmas and Thanksgiving.

The most empty I have ever seen the park was in the middle of November.

GOOD TO KNOW If you visit November through February, the shuttles aren’t running, or they only run once in a while, like on holidays and weekends. Although it is nice to be able to drive your personal vehicle up Zion Canyon, finding parking can be an issue when the shuttles aren’t running.

3. Which Area of Zion Are You Visiting

Did you know that there are actually 4 different areas in Zion? Most people stick to Zion Canyon (where the shuttles run) and the Zion-Mount Carmel Road. Kolob Canyons is the 3rd area of Zion and is about an hour away and has a separate entrance. These 3 areas have similar climates.

The 4th area, Kolob Terraces, sits at a much higher elevation (7,000 to 8,000 ft) and has temperatures that are 15-20 degrees cooler than the rest of the park. Find out more about the different areas in our article What is the Best Entry to Zion? Zion’s Three Entrances.

4. Where Else Are You Traveling

Most people usually visit more than just Zion. Combining it with Bryce Canyon or Utah’s other national parks (Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands) as part of a bigger Western road trip. You can even add the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley if you are feeling ambitious! Check out How to Visit Utah’s National Parks: Epic 5-7 Day Itinerary for help with your road trip.

Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef sit at higher elevations than the other national parks and run 10 to 20 degrees cooler than Zion.

If your primary purpose is to visit Zion as part of a larger road trip, some of the warmer months, like May or September, are great choices.

CHECK OUT: How To Visit Zion and Bryce Canyon: Epic 3-Day Road Trip

5. What You Want To Do

Pretty much everything in Zion National Park is open year-round. The roads are all drivable (except Kolob Terrace Road, which closes in the winter), the lodge, hikes, restaurants, and rental shops all remain open.

The two big things that close are the shuttles and the Narrows.

The Zion Canyon Shuttle and the Springdale Shuttle do not usually run from November to February. Guests are allowed to drive their personal vehicle up Zion Canyon. Just keep in mind that parking within the canyon can be an issue when the shuttles aren’t running.

The Narrows closures. As I write this in March, the Narrows is currently closed because snowmelt has caused the river currents to be too fast for people to safely hike this. This can be an issue in March and April in some years.

GOOD TO KNOW You can check out what is currently going on in Zion by looking at the “Alerts” on the National Park website.

6. Cost

This is fairly obvious, but flights and hotel rooms cost less in the off-season. For example, the Zion Canyon Lodge averages ~$360-$420 per night during peak season (April, May, September, October). In July and August, and in the winter, the same room costs ~$269 per night.

The Best and Worst Times to Visit Zion

Go March-May if…	Go June- August if… (Worst time of year!)	Go September-October if… (Best time of year!)	Go November-February if…
*If you enjoy moderate temperatures (60s-70s)	*Don’t plan on doing much hiking or biking (it’s still an option, though)	*If you enjoy moderate temperatures (60s-70s)	*If you can handle lows in the 30s and are ok with some snow
*Enjoy hiking and biking	*Will mostly be viewing Zion from your windshield and not hiking	*Enjoy hiking and biking	*Don’t plan on doing much hiking or biking (it’s still an option though)
*Don’t plan on doing much hiking or biking (it’s still an option, though)	*Want to hike the Narrows	*Want to hike the Narrows	*Want to hike the Narrows (wear chest waders)
*Can handle crowds (especially in May)	*Want lighter crowds	*Can handle crowds (especially in September)	*Want light crowds
*Are visiting Utah’s other national parks (May is best)	*You are also visiting Bryce Canyon and/or Capitol Reef	*Are visiting Utah’s other national parks (September is best)	*You are NOT also visiting Bryce Canyon and/or Capitol Reef
*Want to access the shuttles	*Want to access the shuttles	*Want to access the shuttles	*Want to drive your own car through Zion Canyon
*Are ok to pay premium pricing on airfare and lodging	*Would like to save some money on lodging	*Are ok to pay premium pricing on airfare and lodging	*Want cheaper lodging and airfare
*Like waterfalls and don’t mind that the trees don’t have leaves yet	*Like vegetation. The park is really pretty this time of year	*Like golden fall leaves	*Need something to do in the winter!

Zion in the Winter (November – February)

Zion in the Winter is so different than any other time of year. The leaves have fallen off the trees, snow often coats the red rocks, and the Emerald Pools have a layer of ice!

Important things to know if you are visiting in the Winter:

• The Zion Canyon shuttle service doesn’t run November-February (other than on occasional weekends), and you are able to drive your personal vehicles up Zion Canyon and park in the parking lots at each of the shuttle stops. This allows a more relaxed and laid-back visit. However, some parking lots can fill up quickly.
• Trails can be muddy and wet, so prepare to get a little dirty, especially your shoes!
• You may need to bring jackets, coats, and other winter gear depending on the weather. It’s best to check the weather before visiting so you know what to expect. Wearing layers may be wise, as you can easily warm up throughout the day, especially while hiking. 

It is important to note that Zion’s southern and eastern entrances are open year-round, but Zion’s Kolob Canyons entrance as well as Kolob Terrace Road close every winter. 

Before visiting the park, it is always best to check the website for any closures.

DON’T MISS: Can You Drive In Zion National Park? (What You Need To Know)

I had the opportunity to visit Zion twice this past winter. As I drove into the park in November, I was shocked at how few visitors were there. It was on Sunday, and the shuttles were running (remember, they run on the weekends sometimes during this time of year). We could park at the Zion Visitor Center and did not wait in any lines. The problem… it was 22 degrees that morning! The canyon got much more pleasant around 10 am when the sun came out and warmed things up.

PRO TIP: If visiting in the winter, it will warm up around 10 am and start cooling around 4 pm. You’ll be much more comfortable if you hike or bike within these hours.

When we came back in February, also on a Sunday, the shuttles weren’t running. We got to drive our car to the end of Zion Canyon to the Temple of Sinawava, where we hiked the Narrows. The parking lot was packed, and we were grateful we found a spot. A local told us that you need to arrive by 9:00 am to find parking in the canyon if the shuttles aren’t running.

We rented chest waders and had a wonderful time hiking the Narrows without crowds.

Zion in the Spring (March – May)

Zion in the spring is known for its full waterfalls along the Emerald Pool trails, desert wildflowers, and cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings and early mornings.

I don’t know about you, but the Zion heat can be too intense for me! Visiting in the spring can be a great time if you prefer not to have to suffer through high temperatures.

The tradeoff, however, is that the Narrows and Emerald Pools trails can often be closed at times, due to too much water and high spring runoff. If you are planning to hike the Narrows, the spring is probably not the best season to visit. Even if the Narrows are open, the water will be very, very cold!

Important things to know if you are visiting in the Spring:

• Because temperatures can vary up to 30 degrees in a day, wearing layers is a good idea!
• If you are looking to visit Kolob Terrace Road and Kolob Canyons, they typically reopen in late May or in June, so be sure to check the Zion website for current closures and scheduled openings before planning your trip to those parts of Zion. 
• The shuttle begins operation in the spring, typically at the beginning of March. In the spring, you will need to park at the South Visitor Center and use the shuttle to access Zion Canyon. 
• Vegetation is just coming to life during these months. Zion is beautiful year-round, but we like it better with the green leaves contrasting with the red rock walls, usually starting to happen later in April.

DON’T MISS: Check out our articles How to Ride the Zion Shuttle and What to Expect at Each Shuttle Stop

Zion in the Summer (June – August)

Zion in the summer is beautiful but HOT. Visiting in the summer is best done in the mornings or evenings, taking a break midday to cool off and enjoy Zion Lodge, the visitor center, and bookstore, or Springdale City. 

It is always our game plan when we visit in the summer to get to the park before 8:00 am. We usually spend until lunchtime hiking, and then leave for our Airbnb or hotel to relax, swim, go shopping, visit museums, or do other fun things indoors!

If you plan to spend all day in the park, be sure to pack sunscreen and stay hydrated! Most shuttle stops have water bottle refill stations, so take full advantage of those! 

Summer is a great time to visit the Narrows as the water is a bit warmer and becomes shallower throughout summer and into the fall. However, pay close attention to the weather! Summer is monsoon season in the park, and huge storms can rip through the area. Do not enter the Narrows if there is a chance of rain! Entering slot canyons during rainstorms can be deadly. Read more in our article Are Flash Floods Common in Zion National Park?

Important things to know if you visit in the summer:

• The shuttle runs throughout the summer, and you will NEED to take it to access Zion Canyon. 
• Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace Road are open during the summer months!
• Temperatures regularly reach over 100 degrees, so be careful to take steps to prevent heat-related illness. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, take time to cool down in the shade, and listen to your body.
• This is the busiest time of year for Zion. Prepare for crowds. Read our opinion on crowds in Zion.

Zion in the Fall (September – October)

The fall is one of my favorite times to visit Zion, temperatures are cooling down, and crowds are too, with school back in session. Watch out for Utah’s fall break week! It is usually the second or third weekend in October.

The Narrows are warm and shallow, and the leaves are turning all the beautiful colors of fall.

The waterfalls along the Emerald Pools trails are usually only a trickle during the fall and don’t have quite the effect that they do in the spring, but overall, the park still has the incredible scenery it has in summer, just with changing leaves!

Important things to know before visiting in the Fall:

• The shuttle stops running regularly in December and only runs on busy weekends. Check the shuttle schedule before visiting. 
• The Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace Road areas in Zion both close when snow begins, typically in November.
• Just like in the spring, temperature can vary by 30 degrees, and wearing layers can be wise.
• The Human History Museum closes in November and does not reopen until the Spring.

Best Times To Visit

The last 2 weeks of September/first and last weeks of October. This really is a magic time of year. The temperatures are in the 70s, the shuttles are running, crowds are beginning to fade, leaves are turning, and the Narrows is shallow.

Late April-Early May. You will also experience pleasant temperatures in the 70s, have fewer crowds, and have access to the shuttles. The trees should start getting leaves, and the water levels at the Narrows should be calming down, so it’s safe to hike. You may also see a desert waterfall or two.

These are also great times to visit if seeing Utah’s other national parks is on your agenda.

Worst Times To Visit

Labor Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July. Not only is Zion incredibly hot this time of year, but it is also INSANELY CROWDED! Normally, we don’t mind the crowds at Zion, but we won’t visit this time of year.

June, July, and August… if you are into hiking. The extreme heat makes it dangerous. It’s actually hotter than the temperature says because the red rocks trap and radiate the heat.

Christmas and Thanksgiving. The park is actually pretty crowded at both of these times, it’s cold, and not very pleasant to hike or bike in.

Some Things to Remember Before Visiting Zion in Any Season

• Remember, if you would like to hike Angels Landing, you will need to get reservations. 
• The busiest season is typically April through October, expect crowds and lines for the shuttles. Be prepared for full visitor center parking lots. You may have to park in Springdale and ride the shuttle into the park.
• Always check for closures and important updates on the Zion website before visiting.

Overall, there is no bad time to visit Zion National Park. It is an incredible place to be, even on the busiest and hottest of days! But hopefully, this season breakdown can help guide your decision-making on when the best time to visit the park is for you!

FIND OUT: Do I Need A Reservation To Visit Zion?

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Zion National Park is crowded! Need a game plan to avoid the crowds? Check out our itinerary. 

Most travelers want to visit the most popular sites and still avoid the crowds. We have a detailed itinerary that gives you a step-by-step game plan so you can get to the best places at the right times.

But that’s not all! Our itinerary includes a free audio guide to listen to while driving with over an hour of stories about the park!