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Zion National Park

Daily weather ranking for Zion National Park, based on temperature, sunshine, wind, precipitation and humidity.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park — 7-Day PWI

The table below shows Zion's Perfect Weather Index (PWI) for the next 7 days. Higher scores indicate more comfortable outdoor conditions.

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How to use this: Days with higher scores are generally better for hiking and outdoor activities, with more comfortable temperatures, lighter winds, and fewer weather impacts.


When Is the Best Time to Visit Zion National Park for Perfect Weather?

October offers the most consistently comfortable weather, while December and April deliver near-perfect conditions with fewer crowds.

Using 2025 Perfect Weather Index (PWI) data from the Zion Visitor Center, clear seasonal patterns emerge. To make the numbers meaningful, the raw monthly totals were normalized to a monthly PWI score (percent of possible points) and paired with the count of rare Perfect 10 days. Higher percentages mean more consistently comfortable conditions for hiking, sightseeing, and scenic drives.

Monthly Perfect Weather Summary (2025)

MonthMonthly PWI ScorePerfect 10 DaysWhat It Means
January~72%0Cool, quiet, some cold mornings
February~79%3Improving temps, still low crowds
March~75%0Variable spring weather
April~82%3Excellent balance of warmth & comfort
May~77%0Warmer days, rising heat
June~70%0Hot afternoons begin
July~69%0Heat + monsoon storms
August~65%0Hottest, most humid period
September~73%0Gradual cooling
October~83%4Peak conditions, very reliable
November~81%3Cool, crisp, fewer people
December~82%
5
Surprisingly excellent winter weather

Monthly Visitor Statistics (avg 2019-2023 source:NPS)

Month% of Visitors# of Visitors
January3%130,503
February3%139,039
March8%343,141
April8%364,993
May11%474,301
June12%556,426
July12%554,096
August10%469,603
September11%486,413
October11%484,521
November6%286,923
December4%200,044

Best Overall Months

October is the clear standout, with the highest overall score and multiple Perfect 10 days—cool mornings, mild afternoons, low humidity, and minimal weather disruption. December, April, and November follow closely, offering consistently comfortable conditions and some of the year’s best hiking weather.

Seasonal Weather Patterns & Outdoor Impact

Looking beyond individual months, Zion’s weather falls into four distinct seasonal patterns that directly affect hiking safety, comfort, and crowd levels.

Winter (December–February)

Winters are cooler but often stable and dry. Snow is possible but usually short-lived at canyon elevations. December performs exceptionally well, making it one of the most underrated months for hiking, photography, and scenic drives. Visitor numbers are low, which greatly enhances trail access and overall experience.

Best for: Hiking lower elevations, photography, solitude
Watch for: Cold mornings, occasional icy trails

Spring (March–May)

Spring brings variability. April stands out with warm days and comfortable conditions, while March and May can swing between cool and hot. Snowmelt can raise river levels, affecting routes like The Narrows.

Best for: General hiking, canyon views
Watch for: Rapid weather changes, spring runoff

Summer (June–August)

Despite long daylight hours, summer scores lowest. High heat and monsoon-driven thunderstorms reduce comfort and can create flash flood risks in slot canyons.

Best for: Early-morning hikes, higher elevations
Watch for: Heat stress, lightning, flash floods

Fall (September–November)

Fall is Zion’s most reliable season. October and November combine mild temperatures, low humidity, and stable conditions, aligning perfectly with Zion’s most popular hikes.

Best for: Long hikes, backpacking, iconic trails
Watch for: Crowds in October (weather-driven demand)

Weather vs. Crowds: A Key Tradeoff

  • October & April: Near-perfect weather but peak visitation
  • December & February: Excellent weather and lighter crowds
  • Summer: High visitation despite poor comfort scores

Bottom Line

If weather alone decides your trip, October is the best month to visit Zion National Park. If you want near-perfect conditions with fewer people, December and November are exceptional alternatives—something most visitors overlook.


Explore more: All National Parks · Best Weather This Week · Other Desert Parks