When to Visit
Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.
January
Deep winter blankets Utah’s mountainous regions in snow, making it prime time for skiing in world-renowned resorts like Park City, Alta, and Snowbird. Temperatures in the valleys can hover just below freezing, though the blue skies and crisp air keep spirits high. Winter festivals such as Sundance Film Festival in Park City add a cultural sparkle to the snow.
February
Ski season continues in full force, with reliable powder on the slopes and après-ski scenes bustling with energy. Down south, places like Zion and Bryce Canyon take on a dramatic, otherworldly look under a dusting of snow - ideal for photography and peaceful, crowd-free hikes.
March
By now, spring begins to tease the valleys while the mountains retain their snow cover. This shoulder season is perfect for combining ski mornings with sunny afternoons in Salt Lake City or early wildflower sightings in St. George, where temperatures creep into the mid-teens°C.
April
With warmer days and blooming landscapes, Utah’s five national parks - Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion - begin welcoming more visitors. Wildflowers, waterfalls, and scenic drives shine, particularly in Capitol Reef, where fruit trees blossom in the historic orchards.
May
This is one of the best times to visit southern Utah. Highs in the national parks typically sit between 22-28°C, and the trails are alive with colour and activity. Adventure seekers can enjoy canyoneering, horseback riding, and river rafting before the intense summer heat arrives.
June
Summer is underway, especially in the desert regions where temperatures can often exceed 30°C. In the north, though, mountain towns offer cooler escapes. Bear Lake, known for its vivid turquoise water, becomes a haven for boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation.
July
Expect the heat to peak in places like Moab, often hitting 35°C or more in parts of the state, but early morning hikes and sunset viewpoints make it manageable. Backcountry adventures, stargazing in Dark Sky Parks, and summer rodeos bring an authentic western flair. July 24th marks Pioneer Day, a major Utah celebration with parades and fireworks.
August
The warmth lingers, especially in southern Utah, but higher-elevation destinations like Bryce Canyon or Mirror Lake Scenic Byway offer cool relief. Summer festivals continue, and lakeside camping near Flaming Gorge or Strawberry Reservoir provides a tranquil way to beat the heat.
September
Mild weather returns, making this an ideal time for hiking and exploring without the peak summer crowds. Zion’s Narrows and Arches’ Delicate Arch are more comfortable to trek, and fall foliage begins to tinge the mountain landscapes of the Wasatch Range.
October
Golden aspens set the alpine forests ablaze with color, especially around Park City, Ogden, and the Uinta Mountains. With highs averaging around 17°C or so in Salt Lake City, it's perfect sweater weather. Scenic drives like Alpine Loop and Logan Canyon draw leaf-peepers from across the state.
November
As temperatures cool and snow begins to return to higher elevations, anticipation for ski season builds. National parks remain open and much quieter - Zion and Canyonlands, in particular, feel serene and intimate. Thanksgiving brings warm gatherings and seasonal markets to Utah’s towns.
December
Snow blankets the north, and ski season kicks off in earnest. Holiday lights dazzle at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and cosy lodges in the mountains fill with festive cheer. Down south, the parks remain accessible, offering unique desert adventures under clear winter skies.
Our Ratings
Most Recommended
Recommended
Highly Recommended
Not Recommended
