Best time to visit Zion National Park

Best for: smaller crowds, hiking, wildflowers, waterfalls and wildlife

Spring is an awesome time for hiking in Zion Canyon as the temperatures are pleasant and sunshine is plentiful. Wildflowers also bloom from mid-April and trees sprout new leaves, so it's a very pretty time around the park. Nights can be chilly, so bring plenty of layers to rug up after sundown.

Higher elevation areas may still be closed due to snowmelt, and you won't be able to access them unless you have proper snow gear. When snow does start to melt, the Virgin River rises and the Narrows may also close.

However, snowmelt also creates some amazing waterfalls that can only be seen during this period. Excluding the spring break holidays, it's a much quieter time in the park so you'll avoid the crowds.

Best for: hiking, ranger-led activities and accessibility

Summer sees thousands of visitors every day. That being said, all park centers and facilities are open, including the shuttle bus and daily ranger-led activities. The weather is consistently hot during the day and warm at night, which is great for camping and stargazing. There are also extended daylight hours to explore. Aim to set off early to beat the heat and dodge the crowds.

The monsoon rains arrive in mid-July through September, so be prepared for intense, albeit brief, afternoon thunderstorms and potentially flash floods near the Virgin River. It's important to check weather forecasts and park updates — especially if you're hiking slot canyons like the Narrows.

Best for: hiking, cycling, smaller crowds and fall colors

The monsoon rains can continue into September, but the skies are usually clear come October. The temperature will drop, which is ideal for tackling some of the more strenuous hikes. Crowds will also die down, so there are far fewer people to share the trails with.

Some would argue fall is the prettiest time in Zion, as fall colors turn the park's aspens and cottonwoods brilliant shades of yellow, red and orange. 

Best for: winter sports, wildlife watching and solitude

Zion isn't as cold as some US national parks during winter, but it's still chilly and wet. Daytime highs at lower elevations are a mild 50°F to 59°F, but nighttime temps plummet below freezing. Snow usually arrives in early December and blankets higher-elevation areas, but it's unlikely to stick at lower elevations.

Winter is the quietest season, so if you have the right gear and keep tabs on the weather, it's a beautiful time to explore in solitude. Some trails, like Angel's Landing, may close due to icy conditions, and you may need special winter boots with show spikes to avoid slipping.