News & Updates
Zion Weather and Conditions
Weather is the variable that reshapes a Zion day. This page lays out the seasonal patterns you can plan around, and points to the forecast and road sources that tell you what is actually happening.
Where to Get Today's Answer
Forecasts and Warnings
Enter Springdale, Utah for a point forecast, and read any flood messaging before entering a slot canyon.
UDOT Traffic
Road conditions and cameras for the highways you drive to reach the park.
Zion Current Conditions
Park alerts and notices, posted by the people on the ground.
The Seasonal Pattern on the Canyon Floor
These typical highs are for the canyon floor near Springdale, at about 4,000 feet. Higher country such as Kolob Terrace runs 10 to 20°F cooler.
- Spring, March to May: highs from about 60 to 85°F, with the river swollen by snowmelt.
- Summer, June to August: highs from about 93 to 100°F, with July the hottest month.
- Fall, September to November: highs from about 63 to 91°F, with mild days and cool nights by October.
- Winter, December to February: highs from about 52 to 57°F, with nights that drop below freezing.
The best time to visit Zion guide has the full month-by-month table with crowd levels.
Weather That Changes the Plan
Monsoon season
July through September brings afternoon thunderstorms, and the danger in a slot canyon is flash flooding from rain that fell somewhere you cannot see. Read the forecast the morning of any Narrows or Subway hike, and rethink the day if storms are in the outlook. Our Narrows guide covers the hike itself.
Heat
On summer afternoons the canyon floor can pass 100°F. The answer is timing: start at dawn, carry more water than you think you need, and rest through the worst of the afternoon.
Cold and ice
Winter nights fall below freezing, so layer up and plan for short days. Trail ice details are in trail updates; for the full winter picture, read Zion in winter.
Roads
Check the UDOT source above before you leave, and check whether any road or route is closed. [VERIFY: nps.gov]
A Simple Routine
- Days before: look at the seasonal pattern here and pick a month that suits what you want to do.
- The night before: read the forecast and choose a start time.
- The morning of: check the park's conditions page and the road cameras, then go.
More updates live in the News & Updates hub, and trail-specific notes are on trail updates.
Related Guides
Best Time to Visit Zion
Average highs and lows, crowd levels, and what to expect each month.
Best time to visit →Zion in Summer
Long days, big heat, and how to plan around afternoon storms.
Zion in summer →Zion in Winter
Snow on red rock, short days, and the least crowded season.
Zion in winter →