When Is The Best Time To Visit Zion National Park?

When is the best time to visit Zion National Park? It’s a question I get asked frequently and one I can definitely answer, depending on what exactly you’re looking for.

Each season has its own vibe. Spring is my personal favorite time to visit Zion, bringing waterfalls and wildflowers. Summer is crazy hot (and crowded), fall has perfect hiking weather, and winter is peaceful and magical, but cold.

The “best” time to visit Zion National Park really depends on what kind of trip you want.

Zion is absolutely unreal any time of year. The towering cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and jaw-dropping views make it one of the most stunning places you’ll ever visit. So I’ll break it down by season, and you can decide which one fits you best.

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Best Time to Visit Zion National Park: A Quick Overview

There’s no single best time to visit Zion National Park – it all depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want perfect hiking weather? Fewer crowds? The cheapest time to go? Each season has its own pros and cons, so here’s a quick breakdown:

What Each Season in Zion Is Really Like

🌸 Spring (March – May)

Weather: Mild temps, occasional rain, waterfalls at their peak
Crowds: Moderate, getting busier toward May
Best For: Wildflowers, flowing waterfalls, comfortable hiking days

☀️ Summer (June – August)

Weather: Hot! Often 90 – 100°F, dry and sunny
Crowds: Peak season, especially mid-June to mid-August
Best For: Early morning hikes, The Narrows, canyoneering adventures

🍂 Fall (September – November)

Weather: Cool mornings, ideal afternoon temps
Crowds: Busy in September, but thins out by late fall
Best For: Crisp hiking weather, fewer crowds, gorgeous fall colors

❄️ Winter (December – February)

Weather: Cold, with possible snow and icy trails
Crowds: The quietest time in the park
Best For: Peaceful trails, snow-dusted cliffs, lower travel costs

No matter when you go, Zion National Park is incredible. You just need to plan and pack for Zion accordingly. Now, let’s break down each season so you can decide what works best for you.

A woman standing on a bridge in Zion National Park with lots of trees in the background.

Spring (March – May): Wildflowers & Mild Weather

My personal favorite, spring is one of the best times to visit Zion National Park, especially if you love waterfalls and blooming wildflowers. The winter snow starts melting, which means the park’s rivers and waterfalls are flowing at full force.

The weather is usually mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 60’s in March to the 80’s by May. You might get some rain, but that’s what keeps everything looking so lush.

Why I love Zion National Park in spring:

The waterfalls (including the famous Emerald Pools) are at their best.
Wildflowers start blooming, adding pops of color to the landscape.
The weather is perfect for hiking—not too hot, not too cold.

Things to consider:

Crowds start picking up. Schools have spring break, and beautiful weather always brings more people outside.
The shuttle system resumes in March, so you’ll need to park outside and ride in.
The Narrows might be too dangerous to hike if the river is running too high.

Overall, spring is a solid choice if you want great weather and don’t mind a few crowds. It’s my favorite time to visit Zion National Park, as I’m super partial to the flowers and beautiful weather.

Summer (June – August): Peak Season & High Heat

Summer is Zion’s busiest season, and for good reason. The long days and clear skies make it perfect for exploring, but the heat is no joke.

Daytime temperatures often soar past 100°F, which can make hiking a challenge, especially in exposed areas like Angels Landing.

Why I love Zion National Park in summer:

The Narrows is at its best – wading through the cool Virgin River is the perfect way to beat the heat.
Long daylight hours mean more time for hikes and scenic drives.
Every trail and facility is open, so you won’t miss out on anything.

Things to consider:

The heat is brutal in the afternoons! Plan hikes for early morning or evening.
Crowds are at their peak, especially in July. Expect full shuttles and packed trails.
Hotels and campsites book up fast, and prices are at their highest.
Thunderstorms vastly increase the risk of flash flooding, which can be extremely dangerous.

If you visit in summer, plan smart. Start hikes at sunrise, stay hydrated, and take breaks in the shade. You can stick to water-based adventures like The Narrows to keep cool.

You also definitely should make sure to check the National Weather Service for information about flash flood warnings.

A woman sitting on a rock in Zion National Park with lush green trees and blue sky in the background.

Fall (September – November): Perfect Balance

As much as I love spring, fall is just as easily the best time to visit Zion. The weather is just about perfect – warm days, cool nights, and way less of that scorching summer heat.

Plus, if you time it right, you’ll get to see some stunning fall colors against the sandstone cliffs and gorgeous tiny yellow flowers everywhere. Typically peak fall foliage time is late October.

Why I love Zion National Park in fall:

The temperatures are ideal for hiking – comfortable during the day and crisp in the mornings.
The summer crowds start to thin out, especially by late October.
Fall foliage adds a whole new layer of beauty, especially along the Riverside Walk and Kolob Canyons.

Things to consider:

September can still be busy, especially over holiday weekends.
The shuttle runs daily through November, so you still need to plan around that.
Early snow can happen in late fall, especially at higher elevations.

Overall, fall is the best time to visit Zion National Park. There’s great weather, fewer crowds (if you avoid September), and some of the best hiking conditions you’ll find all year.

Expert Tip: Make sure to dress in layers, as mornings and evenings can be significantly cooler than daytime.

Winter (December – February): Quiet & Snow-Dusted Landscapes

Winter in Zion is a whole different experience – peaceful, quiet, and dusted with snow. If you’ve only seen Zion packed with summer crowds, visiting in winter will feel like you have the park to yourself.

Plus, if you don’t mind the cold, this is the best time to find budget-friendly hotels and campgrounds. If you’re looking for solitude, winter is the best time to visit Zion National Park.

Why I love Zion National Park in winter:

The crowds are essentially gone. You’ll have popular trails and viewpoints almost to yourself.
Snow on the red rock cliffs is unbelievably pretty.
It’s the cheapest time to visit, with lower hotel prices and easier reservations.

Things to consider:

Some trails, like Angels Landing, can be impassable, icy and dangerous. The Narrows will be freezing, and you’ll definitely need a dry suit for it.
The park shuttle doesn’t run (it typically does run in December during the holiday season), so you can drive your own car. Parking is limited but usually not a problem since the crowds are practically non-existent.
Daytime temps can be relatively mild but they can dip below freezing, especially at night.

If you don’t mind bundling up and adjusting your hikes based on weather conditions, winter can be an incredible time to see Zion without the crowds. You need to take precautions, dress in layers, and make sure to bring appropriate gear with you.

Final Thoughts: When Is The Best Time To Visit Zion?

Zion National Park is stunning no matter when you go, but the best time for you really depends on what you’re looking for.

For most people, I’d say late spring or fall are the sweet spots. You’ll miss the worst of the crowds but still get great weather.

Whatever time of year you go, just know Zion is one of those places that stays with you. Plan a little, pack well, and you’re going to have an amazing time.

Other Helpful Information and Resources

My husband and I absolutely LOVE to travel, and the Southwest US has become one of our favorite areas. We also love taking road trips, with or without the kids, and we’ve become experts at traveling in general.

Here are some of my other relevant articles that you may find helpful and informative. (Note: I know it’s in the Southwest, but for Las Vegas info, head to my Las Vegas specific page!)

When Is The Best Time To Visit Zion National Park?