Best Time to Visit Zion National Park: Plan Your Trip for 2024

Looking for the best time to visit Zion National Park? You might be surprised, even though just over two million people a year visit in the summer that isn’t actually the best time to visit Zion National Park.

Wildflowers bloom in the spring, the big animals come closer in the fall and the winter provides some unique opportunities for Zion Visitors. 

In this article, we’re going to walk you through month-by-month the pros and cons of visiting Zion National Park in each season. We’re also going to give you insider tips on the best times to avoid the crowds and so much more!

Zion National Park Weather & Seasons 

Month	Average High	Average Low
January	54	30
February	59	34
March	66	39
April	75	45
May	86	54
June	95	63
July	100	70
August	99	68
September	91	61
October	79	48
November	64	37
December	54	30

Spring: The highs in spring can be anywhere from the mid-60s to mid-80s depending on the month. The park is often very wet from all of the melting snow. Nights don’t typically get below freezing.

Summer: Summers in Zion National Park are very hot. There is an average of 16 days a year in July that are over 100 degrees. The lows are typically in the 60s or 70s. 

Fall: Temperatures are often cool in the morning but warm up to anywhere from 50 to 60 depending on the month. Afternoon showers are common for most of the fall months. 

Winter: It does snow in Zion National Park. The daytime highs during the winter can get into the 50s and the lows are typically below freezing.  

When Is The Most Popular Time To Visit Zion National Park?

May, June, and July are the most popular months in Zion National Park. August and September see a little bit of a dip, and then October sees a little spike in crowds.

Keep reading to learn more about each season and month to see when is the perfect time to visit for you.

Visiting Zion National Park In The Spring

Zion National Park in spring is absolutely beautiful! The melting snow brings lots of water down into the canyon which makes it a great time for spotting wildflowers.

The warmer weather also makes hiking more enjoyable. Many of the most popular hikes like Angle’s Landing will also be easier in the spring since all of the snow and ice that normally make the trail dangerous have melted away. 

If you’re looking for something to do for spring break, Zion National Park is a good choice! Just know that lots of other people will be coming for spring as well.

Spring break is often the busiest part of the springtime for Zion. This is when you’ll wait in line at the Zion restaurants, for the shuttle, and even on some of the trails.

Keep reading for a month-by-month breakdown of the pros and cons of visiting Zion in the spring. 

Zion National Park In March

Visiting Zion National Park in March is a great option if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and you don’t mind a little cold. Compared to later summer months, March only sees a fraction of the daily visitors which can make hikes a lot more enjoyable. 

You will, however, miss out on one of the most popular trails like The Narrows because the melting snow will either flood the trail out entirely or put it at too high of a risk for flash flooding. 

The weather in Zion National Park in March is somewhat unpredictable. You can end up with beautiful spring days with highs in the mid-60s or it could surprise you and snow!

But if your weather gamble pays off, you’ll get to enjoy one of the United States’ most popular National Parks without the massive crowds!

Pros:

• Fewer People – Zion National Park only gets about 8% (About 10,750 people a day) of its total visitors for the year in March which means you will have a far better chance of hiking without mobs of people around you, which is always nice.

• More Availability – First-Come First-Served campsites are easier to get. There will also be more availability at local Hotels and Zion Airbnbs making it far easier and even a little cheaper to plan a trip to Zion in March. 

• Shuttle Bus Starts Running – March is when the shuttle bus starts running which will take you through the park to the most popular trailheads. This means you won’t need to worry about finding a parking spot. 

• Great for Photography – Since the lows at night still dip below freezing you can get beautiful dustings of snow on the rock formations. If you get to the park early before it melts you’ll have the opportunity to capture some truly unique photos of Zion!

Cons:

• Shuttle Bus Starts Running – What? That was on the pros list. I know, it’s also a con because while you won’t have to worry about finding a parking spot. But you’re also not allowed to drive your personal car in the canyon and the buses can get crowded. 

• Can’t Hike the Narrows – With the snow melting off and the unpredictable spring weather most of the hikes that go through narrow passages (like the narrows) aren’t going to be an option. They will either be flooded or at too high of a risk for flash flooding. 

• Rain – March is one of the rainest months for Zion so don’t be surprised if you get hit with some cold rain on your trip. 

Zion National Park In April

April is one of the best months to go to Zion National Park. The weather is far warmer than in the winter months yet it’s still cooler than in the summer months. The spring wildflowers bring lots of color to the park and the animals are more active. 

There is somewhat of a spike in traffic around the beginning of the month as spring break wraps up. But later in April, there is a nice little dip in traffic which makes it a great time to see Zion! 

Pros:

• The Colors – All of the greenery in the park starts to add a nice amount of color to the landscape. There are Cottonwoods, wildflowers, and various green grassy plants that grow in Zion and they add subtle earth tones to the red rock.

• Hiking is Ideal – If you’re looking for the best month of the year to hike Zion then April is a great option! Most of the really cold weather is gone which means you won’t need to bundle up too much for your hike. It’s also early enough that the summer heat hasn’t set in yet. 

• Better Camping – The lows at night still drop down into the 40s in April. But if you’re an experienced camper and want to avoid camping in the crowds or the heat then plan your trip for April. The highs only get up to the low 70s making it great all-around camping weather. 

Cons:

• Spring Break – While most of the summer crowds won’t have started yet, spring break is the one exception. Most schools have spring break around the end of March to the beginning of April. So if you head to the park early in the month you may still run into some spring breakers. 

• Rain – While it doesn’t rain as much in April as it does in February and Marc, April still sees an average of an inch or two of rain. 

Zion National Park In May

Zion in May is absolutely beautiful! All of the best hiking trails will be open. And not only that, it’s a great time of year to be hiking since the summer heat doesn’t start until June, July, and August.

It’s also an easier time of year to go backpacking because you won’t need winter gear. And if you need to buy gear before you go that’s going to make it a lot cheaper. 

The crowds will really be ramping up by May so expect some lines and wait times. The shuttle bus is running by May which makes getting around the park a little easier. Riding the shuttle means you won’t have to worry so much about finding parking at the trailheads. 

Pros:

• Angel’s Landing is Open – Angel’s Landing is one of the most famous trails in Zion National Park. Hiking in the winter can be extremely dangerous because of the snow and ice on the trail. But by May the ice will be gone making it a great time to hike the park’s most famous trail.

• The Narrows are Open – Earlier in the year The Narrows may be closed due to the snow runoff, but by May they should be open. The Virgin River will be nice and cool so if the summer heat does come early it will help cool you down. 

• Backpacking is Easier – If you don’t have winter gear but would still like to go backcountry camping then May is a great option. It typically speaking doesn’t get below 50 degrees Fahrenheit in May. 

Cons:

• Crowds Start – While not quite as bad as in June and July, the crowds will still be picking up drastically in May. The weather is great and so it draws a lot of people, there’s just no way around it. 

• Accommodation Gets Limited – Along with those crowds comes limited availability for accommodations and higher prices. 

• Campgrounds Fill Up – There are 3 campgrounds inside of Zion and by May you’ll start to have a hard time finding a campsite. You can book campsites in advance and we highly recommend that you book one as early as you possibly can. 

Pros Of Visiting Zion National Park In The Spring

If you’re looking for the best season to visit Zion National Park then you really can’t go wrong with spring. Here’s a quick list of why you should visit in spring. 

• The Shuttle Bus – The shuttle bus starts running in the spring making it easier to get around. 

• The Colors – With the spring rain comes the beautiful colors of the green grasses and the wildflowers.

• Hiking is More Enjoyable – The spring temperature are far cooler than the summer in Zion so hiking is a bit easier.

• Crowds are Lower – With the exception of spring break, most of the rest of spring will have lower crowds than what you get in the summer. 

Cons To Visit Zion National Park In The Spring

While there aren’t many reasons not to visit Zion National Park in the spring there are a few. Spring is a transition period of the year so the cons that you will experience depend on whether or not you’re visiting in early spring or late spring. 

• It Can Be Cold – Depending on how early you visit the park it may be a little cold. Especially if you’re trying to camp in March, the lows still get down in the 30s. 

• Closed Trails – Again, depending on how early in spring you visit, some of the most famous trails may still be closed due to ice, water, or both. If there are closed trails, there are still plenty of other things to do near Zion to keep you occupied.

• Crowds Pick Up – If you get too far into spring then the crowds will start to pick up. By May you can plan on the crowds being there. 

Best Things To Do In Zion National Park In The Spring

Zion National Park is full of amazing one-of-a-kind things to do and many of them are most enjoyable in the spring. Here is our short list of the top things you must do if you’re visiting Zion in the spring. 

• Hike – Take advantage of the fact that there are fewer people in the park and hike the trails without the crowds. This is especially great for popular trails like Angel’s Landing via Scout Lookout. 

• Photography – In early spring it still snows occasionally which adds some amazing depth to the rock formations. Capitalize on this time of year and capture some truly unique photos!

• Go Backcountry Camping – The weather for most of spring is absolutely perfect for backcountry camping. You have daytime temperatures that aren’t too hot and lows at night that won’t freeze you out! 

• See the Wildlife – All of the animals in Zion will become more active as spring goes on. Keep a sharp eye out for all the big (and small!) animals that call the park home. 

Visiting Zion National Park In The Summer

Visiting Zion National Park in the summer is a great choice if you’re limited by a school schedule. Below we give you the pros, cons, and some need-to-know information about visiting Zion National Park in each of the summer months. 

Zion National Park In June

The best time of the year to visit Zion National Park really does vary depending on what you want to do. June is a great time to do most things Zion has to offer!

All of the trails and best hikes will be open and everything is in full swing for the summer months.

So no matter if you’re looking for hiking, camping, rock climbing, stargazing, canyoneering, or anything else, June is a pretty solid choice. 

Just know going into it that you’re going to be dealing with some crowds since June is such a great month to experience the park.

Pros:

• Look for Mule Deer – During June mule deer are growing their new set of antlers. If you’re lucky enough to spot one it’s really cool to see. 

• Hike High Elevation Trails – Even high-elevation trails like Angle’s Landing via Scout Lookout will be open without any snow or ice. 

• Hike the Slot Canyons – The Narrows is probably the most famous slot canyon in Utah and by June it should definitely be open since the high water levels leftover from the snow melt-off are gone now. 

• Go Backcountry Camping – It may get into the 90s during the day but at night the temperature will still dip back down to the 60s making it really comfortable for sleeping in a tent. 

Cons: 

• The Crowds – If you want to visit Zion in June there will be crowds, there’s just no way around it. Almost 18,000 people a day visit Zion throughout June so pretty much any time of day you can expect there to be lines and lots of people on the trails. 

• The Heat – While June isn’t actually the hottest month of the year in Zion, the average daily highs are still around 95 degrees.

• More Expensive – The price to enter the park won’t change but pretty much everything else will. The biggest difference that you will see is the price of accommodation. Most of the local hotels and Airbnbs are going to have much higher rates in the summer. 

Zion National Park In July

July is a good time to visit Zion National Park if you want everything to be open. While earlier in spring will have far fewer crowds you also run the risk of some key hikes not being open.

The Narrows may be closed due to high water and Angle’s Landing may be covered in ice and snow. 

This is not the case in July! July is hot but that also means that water levels have gone down and snow is a thing of the past. So if you have to visit during the summer because that’s when the kids are on summer break then why not pick the month that will give you the best shot of having everything available? 

Pros:

• Best Sunrises – July is hot but those clear blue skies in the morning also mean that the sunrises are spectacular! 

• Lots of Animal Activity – The warm weather gets not only the plants but also the animals going! You will need to try and spot them early in the morning or late in the evening because they don’t want to be out in the super hot heat in the middle of the day. 

• Great for Photography – July often has rain in the afternoon so if you’re looking for breath-taking photos of the landscape with clouds and lightning in the background then July is the time to go!

• Bike the Pa’rus Trail – The Pa’rus trail is the only trail in the park open to both cyclists and pets. Take advantage of the long July days to bike the trail and still have time for other hikes. 

Cons:

• The Heat – If you’re headed to Zion National Park July is certainly going to deliver the heat. There’s just no way around it. The average high in July is 100 degrees making it the hottest month of the year for Zion.

• The Crowds – You would think with the park being so hot in July that there would be fewer people, and you would be wrong. July is actually THE MOST popular time to visit Zion National Park. But this is likely more to do with the fact that kids are out of school and so summertime is the only real option. 

• Monsoon Season – July is the start of monsoon season for Zion which means rain showers in the afternoon are common. The Zion summer is a combination of extreme weather at times. 

• It’s Expensive – The most popular month means the highest prices. Again the entrance fee to the park stays the same but you can expect to pay more for just about everything else. Especially things like accommodation. 

Zion National Park In August

August is the best month to visit Zion National Park if you are limited to summer break because either you or your kids have to go back to school. Most schools don’t resume until mid to late August meaning there is still time for a trip to the park!

June and July are by far the busiest months of the year for Zion National Park because people are on summer break.

But if you wait until the beginning of August then some of the crowds will have gone down. All the Ranger guides tours and excursions will still be going on so you’ll also have access to pretty much anything the park has to offer! 

Pros: 

• Things Are Blooming – The rain that comes in August brings many plants to life! If you’re vising Zion in August then you’ll have a pretty good chance of seeing the most color in the park which is awesome for photos!

• Lots of Animals – Summer is a great time to look for animals in the park because you won’t have to worry about any of them being in hibernation. 

• Activities are Open – The summer months are the most popular months to visit Zion so most of the Ranger lead activities take place during the summer. This means you’ll have the biggest variety of things to choose from. Going on Ranger lead excursions is the best way to learn about the park while you’re there. 

• Hike The Narrows – The Narrows will not only be open but the water will be much warmer making it one of the best times to hike this famous trail!

Cons:

• Crowds – August is one of the busiest months of the year for Zion National Park. The crowds will have come down slightly from their peak in June and July but not by much. An average day in August will still see about 16,000 people entering the park. 

• The Heat – August is usually a little cooler than July, but only by a few degrees. August is still a very hot time to be visiting Zion. 

• The Shuttle – You will have to take the shuttle bus to most areas of the park. This can be nice since you won’t have to worry about finding a parking spot at some of the most popular trailheads.
  
  But since August is still pretty crowded, the shuttle bus will often be full and you can get stuck waiting at the trailhead trying to get back as bus after bus keep passing you by.

Best Things To Do In Zion National Park In The Summer

Summer is the Zion National Park busy season. The peak months for visitation are June and July but August will still be pretty busy. This means if you’re going to visit over the summer, you’ll need to deal with some crowds. But it also means you’ll have access to the full park since everything will be open!

Here are some great things to do in Zion National Park in the Summer.

• Hike The Narrows – The water at the bottom of the canyon will be far warmer in the summer making it a more enjoyable hike. It’s also a great hike for escaping the summer heat since there will be more shade from the canyon walls. 

• Hike Angel’s Landing – Angel’s Landing is a breathtaking hike that will push your limits both physically and mentally. But if you can muster up the courage to tackle it you’ll be rewarded with a one-of-a-kind hike that you won’t soon forget!

• Go on Ranger Guided Tours – Ranger-guided tours are one of the best ways to learn about the park. During the summer months, you will have the most tours and excursions to choose from. 

• Look for Wildlife – There is some really cool wildlife both big and small in the park. The animals are most active in the summer months giving you the best odds of seeing them.

• Capture Beautiful Photos – The sunrises and sunsets of the summer are second to none in Zion. Visiting in the summer will give you plenty of opportunities to capture some photos that are sure to light up your Instagram. Not to mention make your friends and family a little Insta-jealous. 

• Get Off the Beaten Path – You’ll have the best access to the whole park during the summer. Some of the far reaches of the park will be closed during the winter because of the weather. Take advantage of the opportunity to see the whole park. 

Visiting Zion National Park In The Fall

Fall is the best time to travel to Zion National Park if you want to avoid the crowds, but aren’t a fan of the cold. The colors are the best in the Fall and many of the park’s main attractions are still accessible. 

Keep reading for a breakdown of the pros and cons of visiting Zion for each of the Fall months. 

Zion National Park In September

If you don’t want it to be super hot for your trip to Zion National Park, September is a pretty good month to plan for. You will still have some of the summer crowds but as the month goes on the temperature really starts to cool off nicely. 

September is also a great month if you’re looking to hike some of the most famous trails in the park. Both Angel’s Landing and The Narrows are open during September.

Since most children will have gone back to school you’ll also have the opportunity to hike those trails without so many little ones running around. 

Pros:

• Heat Goes Away – September is the end of the summer heat for Zion. Towards the beginning of the month, you may still get some highs in the 90s but by the end of the month, the highs will be in the low 80s. 

• Crowds Start to Decline – Zion National Park only gets about 11% of its total visitors in September. This makes getting around and riding the shuttle bus quite a bit easier than if you tried to visit in the summer. 

• The Shuttle is Still Running – The shuttle bus will still be running in September making it easier to get around the park. You also won’t need to try and fight for a parking spot at the trailheads. 

• Go Backcountry Camping – As the summer heat goes away September ends up being a great month for backcountry camping. You won’t have to worry about sleeping in a super hot tent, and yet the lows at night only get down to the low 60s so you won’t freeze either. 

Cons: 

• Still Some Crowds – While September does see fewer people than the summer months, there will still be crowds. We like to visit Zion National Park later in September because the crowds keep going down as the month goes on.

• The Rain – September is the end of the monsoon season in Zion National Park. But some rainy seasons last longer than others so regular afternoon showers in September are not at all uncommon for Zion National Park. 

Zion National Park In October

Zion in October is absolutely beautiful! The summer crowds have gone down and the heat has also subsided. October is one of the best months for camping in Zion National Park and the colors are spectacular!

The best month to visit Zion National Park will always vary depending on what you would like to do. But with the exception of hiking The Narrows, October is a pretty great month for doing most of the popular things to do in Zion. 

Pros: 

• Summer Crowds Are Gone – By October most of the summer traffic for Zion has ended. This makes October a good time to visit Zion National Park if you’re not interested in dealing with quite so many people. 

• Summer Heat is Gone – The average daily highs for October are only in the upper 70s and the lows are in the upper 40s.

• Ideal for Camping – The summer heat is gone but the winter cold has not yet set in. This makes October the best month to visit Zion if you are planning on camping. 

• Best Colors – The colors in the main area of the park are the most beautiful from October to November. Take that opportunity to grab some photos that are sure to impress!

Cons: 

• Days Get Shorter – Now that the long summer days are over you will have less usable time in the park. Hiking after dark can be quite dangerous and you won’t be able to see any of the rock formations after sundown. Make sure to bring a headlamp.

• It Gets Cold Fast – The summer heat can be intense but after it’s gone it gets cold fast. You will need to pack more clothes for your trip. This can be a real pain if you’re taking a flight to get there. 

• It’s Hard to Hike The Narrows – The summer heat keeps the water in The Narrows warm. Once it’s gone the water will get very cold very quickly. 

Zion National Park In November

November is the best time to see Zion National Park if you don’t want to deal with the crowds, but don’t want to deal with the cold either.

Now that school is back in session and most of the family vacations are over it’s the perfect time to see the park if you’re not limited by a school schedule. 

Snow is also uncommon for Zion in November so hiking trails like Angle’s Landing is still possible. The Narrows will start to get pretty cold so if you are going to visit in November try to plan your trip earlier in the month if hiking The Narrows is a top priority. 

Pros:

• Enjoy the Peace and Quiet – Zion National Park only gets about 5% of its visitors in November. This means you will have FAR fewer crowds to deal with than in the summer months.

• Best Time to Hike – Days are nice and cool with highs in the mid-60s which is great hiking weather. But snow in November is uncommon for Zion so popular hikes like Angle’s Landing will still be open. 

• Go Camping – The nights will start to get colder with the average lows being in the upper 30s. But if you’re an experienced camper then November can be a great month for sleeping in a tent. 

• The Colors are Amazing – The Fall colors that started in October will extend right through to November. This makes it one of the best times to see the colors with the least amount of people. 

Cons: 

• The Shuttle is Still Running – When the shuttle is running you are not allowed to drive your personal car into the park. The only exception is people staying at Zion Lodge. This really helps with getting around when the crowds are intense, but now that they’re gone it’s more of a pain than anything. 

• Days are Short – Winter is coming. That means that the days will be getting far shorter which doesn’t give you as much time for enjoying the park. 

• The Cold – When the summer heat goes away the winter cold moves in fast. This means packing more clothes and gear which can be a pain. 

Best Things To Do In Zion National Park In The Fall

Zion in the Fall is absolutely beautiful. The crowds will get smaller and smaller as the months go by and winter won’t have closed down parts of the park yet. There are tons of reasons to visit Zion National Park in the fall, but here are some of the top things to do!

• Hike Angel’s Landing – Now that the crowds have gone down, hiking some of the most famous trails is easier. Angle’s Landing can also be difficult/impossible to hike in the winter because of the snow and ice. 

• Go Camping – The summer heat makes tent camping difficult at Zion. The cooler Fall temperatures are much better for sleeping in a tent. 

• See the Colors – October and November have some of the most spectacular colors. This makes for some great scenery to take pictures of.

• Watch For Mule Deer – Mule deer rut and mating season is in November. This is when they are the most active giving you the best chance of seeing them in the park. 

• Sunset Photos – The shorter fall days mean you won’t have to stay quite so late into the evening to witness some amazing Zion sunsets. 

• Enjoy the Peace and Quiet – The summer months in Zion National Park can be absolutely crazy with the crowds. Visiting in the fall will be a much less stressful and a more enjoyable time to visit. 

Visiting Zion National Park In The Winter

Visiting Zion National Park in the winter is a great choice for anyone who doesn’t mind the cold and really doesn’t want to deal with the crowds. You’ll also get the benefit of being able to drive your own car into the park which makes planning your day far easier. 

Keep reading for a month-by-month breakdown of the pros and cons of visiting Zion National Park in each of the winter months. 

Zion National Park In December

If you’re looking for the best time to visit Zion National Park to avoid crowds then December is a great option! Not only will you have fewer people to deal with, but you’ll also have a better chance of seeing some of the wildlife!

The animals move down to the lower elevations as the weather get’s colder, and there are fewer people to scare them away. 

Keep reading for the pros and cons of visiting Zion National Park in December.

Pros:

• No Crowds – The summer crowds will be long gone by December making it a great time to visit the park. On average there will be less than 4,500 people a day coming into the park. And while that may sound like a lot, trust me when I say that’s a big drop from the 18,000 a day that comes through the gates each day in July.

• No Shuttle – The shuttle bus stops running at the end of November. This means that by December you are allowed to drive your own personal car into the park. Having your own car gives you a lot more flexibility with your day. 

• Easier Trail Access – Many of the popular trails will be much easier to hike since the crowds have gone away. 

• More Animals – The bigger animals start moving to lower elevations to escape the cold. That brings them closer to the trails which increases your chances of seeing them. 

Cons:

• The Cold – When the summer heat goes away the winter cold moves in fast. Camping in a tent starts to become a lot less fun. The lows at night in December are below freezing. 

• You Can’t Hike The Narrows – The Narrows is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park. While it is absolutely beautiful it does require hiking through water and in December that’s just not really possible. 

• Limited Hours – The park is always open but the visitor’s center has limited hours. During the summer the Visitors center is open until 8:00 pm but during the winter it is only open until 5:00 pm. 

Zion National Park In January

When most people find out just exactly how crowded Zion can get their very next question is, when is zion national park the least crowded? Without a doubt that would be January. 

Zion only gets 2% of its total annual visitors in January making it the least crowded time to visit Zion National Park. Along with the peace and quiet, January also offers some other unique opportunities for visiting Zion.

Keep reading for some of the pros and cons of visiting Zion National Park in January. 

Pros: 

• No Shuttle – The shuttle bus isn’t running yet. That means that you’re still allowed to take your personal car into the park. This can make planning your day far easier AND you don’t have to worry about standing in the cold waiting for the next bus to show up. 

• The Crowds – Hands down the best part about visiting Zion National Park in January is the fact that there will be far fewer people in the park with you than basically any other time of year. 

• Amazing Photos – It does snow in Zion National Park and it really changes the landscape. Most of the photos that people have seen of Zion are in the summer and it makes the rock formations all look the same. Adding a little snow really helps to bring out all of the little details in the bigger formations which is absolutely perfect for photos!

• Cross-Country Skiing – Believe it or not, there is actually some great cross-country skiing in Zion. January is the perfect month to try out this unique Zion activity! 

Cons: 

• The Cold – The lows in January are well below freezing which means it’s really not a great time of year for tent camping. If you’re a super camping professional you might not care, but most of us aren’t too interested in freezing in a tent. 

• Limited Ranger Excursions – Going on excursions led by the Rangers is a great way to learn about the park. But unfortunately, most of those activities take place during the summer months so there won’t be quite as many learning opportunities. 

Zion National Park In February

If you’re looking for a good time to avoid the crowds on your trip to Zion February is a great option. There are only slightly more visitors in February than in January and in total, Zion only gets 3% of its annual visitors in February. 

Planning a winter trip to Zion also gives you some great opportunities for breathtaking photos and a much better chance of seeing some of the amazing wildlife that lives in the park. 

Keep reading for the pros and cons of visiting Zion National Park in February.

Pros:

• No Crowds – February is the second least busy month for Zion after January. While the average summer month will see about 17,000 people a day coming into the park. The average day in February only gets about 4,000 which is a BIG difference. 

• No Shuttle – The shuttle bus does not run in February. This actually makes it far easier to plan your day and get around the park. You also don’t have to worry about standing in the cold waiting for the bus to show up. 

• Best Sunrise Photography – The larger formations often have a dusting of snow in the morning and if you catch it before it melts off you can capture some of the best photos of Zion that anyone has ever seen!

• Cheap Accommodations – Accommodation is normally one of the most expensive parts of any trip. The local hotels and Airbnbs all raise their rates substantially in the summer making a summer trip far more expensive than a winter trip. 

Cons:

• The Cold – The lows in February often get down below freezing which is not great for camping. It also makes hiking a little more difficult because you need to pack more layers. And packing more stuff just makes your trip harder in general. 

• Angle’s Landing May Not Be Possible – Angle’s Landing is one of the most famous hikes in Zion National Park. During the summer it can get pretty crowded and you will need to get a permit to go. But in the winter the ice and snow may close the trail altogether. So if hiking Angel’s Landing is on your backlist then a February trip may not be for you. 

• The Narrows May Not Be Possible – The Narrows is another very famous hike in Zion and you may not be able to hike it in February. There is always water that you need to hike through on the trail and that water gets VERY cold in the winter. Hiking through cold water for extended periods of time isn’t most people’s idea of a good time. 

Best Things To Do In Zion National Park In The Winter

If you’re visiting Zion National Park in the winter you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some unique activities. Everything from snowshoeing, to skiing, to spotting more wildlife and more. Here is a list of our favorite things to do in Zion National Park in the winter.

• Enjoy the solitude – Most people visit Zion in the summer which means in the winter you’ll have the benefit of experiencing the park without the crowds. This means fewer people on the trails, an easier time finding a parking spot, and an overall less stressful visit. 

• See the Wildlife – During the winter months, many of the animals that live in the park move down from higher elevations to escape the cold. This means that you’ll have a far better chance of seeing them. Since there are fewer people in the park there is also less noise to scare them away. 

• Go Skiing – Zion National Park actually offers some great options for cross-country skiing. If you want to see more of the park while doing something other than hiking give cross-country skiing a try!

• Try Snowshoeing – Similar to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing can be a lot of fun! If you have little ones that want to try something new, give snowshoeing a go!

• Take a Drive – During the winter months, the shuttle bus isn’t running. This means that you are allowed to drive your personal vehicle into the park. Being able to drive yourself makes winter one of the best times for sightseeing since you will be on your own schedule, not the bus’ schedule. 

• Capture Amazing Photos – The light dustings of snow on the rock formations are absolutely beautiful! Visiting in the winter will give you the chance to capture some truly unique photos. 

The Best Time Of Year To Visit Zion National Park

If you want to know when to visit Zion National Park you’ll need to decide what you would like to do AND what you are willing to deal with. A combination of those two things will determine when specifically would be the best time for you to visit Zion. 

Below we’ve covered some of the most common considerations when trying to figure out when exactly to visit the beautiful Zion National Park!

Overall Best Time To Visit Zion National Park

The best overall time of year to visit Zion National Park is in either the spring or the fall. The weather is nicer than it is in the summer or winter and you’ll have fewer crowds to deal with.

The spring is when most of the wildflowers are in bloom because the winter snow is melting which brings a lot of water into the canyon. If you visit earlier enough in the spring, you may also still be able to drive your personal car into the park before the shuttle bus starts. 

In the fall the colors are beautiful. October and November are the best months for colors. Most of the summer crowds will be gone by then because school will have started back up. By October the daily highs are only in the upper 70s making it the best time of year to hike Zion National Park. 

Cheapest Time To Visit Zion National Park

The cheapest time to visit Zion National Park is in the winter. Accommodation is normally one of the most expensive parts of planning a trip and in the winter rates will be the lowest which makes it one fo the best times to book one of the best places to stay near Zion.

Many of the local hotels and Airbnbs have summer rates that are far more expensive so you can save the most money by visiting in the winter. 

The second big expense to consider is flights if you’re going to be flying into the area. Flights are also generally speaking a bit cheaper in the winter.

Best Time To Visit Zion National Park To Avoid The Crowds 

Winter is the least crowded time of year to visit Zion National Park. Zion gets less than 8% of its total visitors from December through February making it a much more enjoyable time to visit. The summer months are by far the most crowded so if you’re looking to not deal with crowds, plan your trip in the winter months. 

On an average day in July about 18,000 people will come to the park. But for the average day in January, only about 3,000 people will come to the park. 

Best Times To Visit Zion National Park For Wildlife Viewing

The best time for seeing wildlife in Zion National Park will depend on what you would like to see. In the spring animals will be more active because the weather is warming up. 

Both big horn sheep and mule deer give birth from late spring to early summer so you may get to see some babies. But as spring turns into summer, the bigger animals will move up to higher elevations to escape the heat which will make your odds of seeing them go down. 

Fall is another good option for wildlife photography because bigger animals will move back down as the summer heat goes away and the winter cold pushes them out of the higher elevations. 

Many big animals also have their mating season in the fall which makes them much more active. This also increases your chances of seeing them. 

Best Time Of Year To Visit Zion National Park For Sightseeing

Winter is a good month for sightseeing if you don’t mind the cold. The crowds will be nonexistent making it easier to get great photos without a bunch of other people in them. The snow up on the bigger rock formations also adds a level of beauty that you just don’t get in the summer. 

If you don’t like the cold or if a winter trip is not an option then either spring or fall are great times for sightseeing in Zion National Park as well. In the spring the colors begin to pop as the melting snow adds water to the canyon. But as spring turns into summer, the crowds will get bigger and bigger every day. 

In the fall you will get completely different colors which will give you the opportunity for some great photos as well. And as the fall turns into winter you will get fewer and fewer people visiting the park every day. 

Best Time To Go To Zion National Park For Backpacking And Hiking

The best time of year for backpacking and hiking in Zion National Park is in either the spring or the fall. The summer heat is no fun and it’s also the most crowded time of the year and so the trails will be packed with people. 

The biggest difference between the two is that in the spring you will have some spring breakers that will add to the traffic. In the fall you will have fall break but on average there will be more people coming to the park in the spring. 

For most of the spring and summer months, the daily highs do not get over 70 degrees during the day making it nice hiking weather. 

The nights however are colder in the spring so if you’re going to be sleeping in a tent then we recommend planning your trip for the fall. 

Best Time Of Year To Visit Zion National Park To Hike The Narrows

The best time of year to hike The Narrows would be the summer. But be warned this does come with its downsides as well. 

The Narrows is a slot canyon created by the Virgin River and the trail takes you upriver through the canyon so you will be hiking through water and even swimming through water at times.

Here is a quick breakdown of what you can expect from hiking The Narrows in each of the four seasons. 

Winter – Hiking the Narrows in winter is possible but trust me when I say that it’s for experts only. The Virgin River can reach water temperatures as low as 38 Degrees which is nearly freezing. This means that if you’re going to hike The Narrows in the winter you will need the proper protective clothing like insulated layers or even a wetsuit. 

Spring – Spring is often not an option for hiking The Narrows. The melting snow brings lots of water down to the Virgin River and so the high/unpredictable water levels become dangerous. The Rangers will likely close The Narrows during spring to keep everyone safe. 

Summer – Summer is a great choice. The spring rains will have gone away and the summer sun warms up the water so you won’t need to worry about freezing making it the best time to visit the narrows. But since summer is the most popular time to visit Zion National Park the trail will likely be very crowded. 

Fall – It is possible to hike The Narrows in the fall but the water will start getting cold again. The fall is also when Zion gets hit with monsoon season so the water levels start to get unpredictable again. 

Psst! If you’re looking to hike some other slot canyons near Zion that don’t have water there are plenty of other options such as Antelope Canyon, Peekaboo Slot Canyon, and Buckskin Gulch.

Best Time Of Year To Hike Angels Landing

The best time to hike Angels Landing is actually in the summer. You will have to deal with the crowds but it’s by far the safest time of year to go. 

Angel’s Landing is probably the most famous hike in Zion National Park along with The Narrows. It’s so famous that you need a permit to go and getting a permit can be a bit of a challenge. The temptation can be to try and hike Angel’s Landing in the winter when the competition for a permit is far lower, but this isn’t the best idea. 

The winter months are a dangerous time to try and hike Angel’s Landing. The hike up to Scout Lookout is not too bad and that will take you up to the famous formation.

From there up to Angel’s Landing it gets very steep and there are massive dropoffs right next to the trail. During the winter months, the entire area gets very icy making it an extremely dangerous time to hike. 

The summer is the safest time but as I mentioned you will have the hardest time getting a permit. But even with the competition for permits we still recommend hiking in the summer. 

Some visitors choose to try and hike Angel’s Landing in the shoulder seasons, either the spring or the fall. This can be a good option but you run the risk of still having ice in the spring or getting rained out by the monsoon season in the fall. 

You can go with a tour company that will provide a hiking permit for you. This is a slightly more expensive option but makes it easier to get a permit. 

Best Time Of Year To Visit Zion With Kids

The best time to visit Zion with kids depends on your availability and what you think the kids are up for! Most families choose to visit in the summer because that’s when their kids are on summer break and so it’s the only time they can go. 

This is actually one of the main reasons why the summer months are the busiest months for Zion National Park. So if you are looking to plan your trip over spring or fall break instead, just know that those weeks will also be pretty busy for the same reasons. 

The good news is that the summer months have most of the kid-friendly things to do in Zion National Park. Most of the Ranger-led tours and excursions take place during the summer. This means that there are the most learning opportunities for your little explorers in the summer. 

Visiting Zion with kids in the winter is possible, it’s just easier in some ways and harder in others. It will be easier because the shuttle does not run in the winter. This means that you can drive your personal car into the park. That alone will make it far easier especially if you have very young children. 

But the biggest drawback to visiting Zion with kids in the winter is the cold. You will be very limited on what you can do since most of the trails will be covered in snow and ice. 

Zion National Park Best Time To Visit FAQs

Wrap-Up: Best Time To Visit Zion National Park

There are so many options for the best time to visit Zion National Park. Each season brings different considerations and will be different for each person.

We hope this guide helps you decide which month and season to visit Zion National Park and you have a lovely trip!