The Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Zion National Park (2024)

Zion National Park is Utah's oldest national park, encompassing over 200 square miles of sandstone canyons, soaring cliffs, and coniferous woodlands. Its elevation sharply rises and falls, but the otherworldly terrain attracts all manner of outdoors enthusiasts, from photographers to rock climbers.

Zion sees about five million visitors a year, making it one of the most-visited national parks in the country. Naturally, this means hiking trails and shuttles can become unbearably crowded during the high season. That's why visitors should consider certain factors — like visitation patterns, temperature, and water levels — when planning a trip.

Generally, the tourist season is busy between February and November, though it's busiest during the summer months when people are on vacation and the weather is best for outdoor recreation. But to choose the best time to visit Zion National Park, you'll need to evaluate the cost, crowds, and weather against the goals of your trip.

Avoid the most crowded months in Zion National Park.

While Zion National Park is open year-round, some seasons are busier than others. At the height of the tourist season — the summer months, campgrounds are full, trails are packed, shuttles are crammed, and parking is difficult. If you have the flexibility, making the trip during the park's off-peak months means less crowded hiking trails and fewer view-blocking selfie sticks.

But if you have strong personal preferences regarding weather, there are other times you might want to avoid the national park. July often ushers in debilitating midday heat with daily highs averaging 100 degrees. Fall temperatures fluctuate, but the autumnal colors can be stunning.

January is the best, if challenging, time to visit for peace and quiet. Although it's the middle of winter, the daily temperatures remain comfortable compared to those in other parts of the country. Even so, it's worth noting that this month is the coldest and receives the most precipitation. With an average high temperature in the mid-50s, you can get away with wearing just a light jacket on one of the most beautiful winter hikes in the U.S., Watchman Trail.

What's the best month to go to Zion National Park?

Summer in Zion is hard to beat. This is when you'll get the most time to explore because of long summer days and extended park hours. Because June and July are the busiest months in the park, consider visiting in September to avoid the heaviest summer traffic.

Due to its unique climate and range of elevation, Zion National Park experiences many weather conditions that can affect access to certain trails, sites, and attractions. Thunderstorms are most common in July and August. A good rule of thumb is to check Zion's current conditions, no matter the season.

What's the most affordable time to visit Zion National Park?

No matter when you visit, you'll have to purchase a parking pass upon entering Zion. You can opt for a weekly pass or purchase an annual interagency pass that will get you into federal recreation sites around the country.

There are a few ways to get discounted parking passes, though. Seniors and military members can pay a lesser fee for interagency passes. And don't forget that anyone 15 and under gets in for free, year-round. Free entry is also offered on special fee-free days such as Veterans Day and National Public Lands Day. You can also choose to park outside of the park and use the shuttle system.

To save on accommodations, food, and tours outside of the park, you might consider visiting in the quieter months, particularly in January and February.

Plan to hike in Zion National Park around the weather.

The Narrows are a major highlight of the park. This truly narrow section of Zion Canyon has walls that tower more than 1,000 feet high above a coursing river. You can get a sense of the area by walking along the paved and wheelchair-accessible Riverside Walk, but for a true Narrows experience, you'll want to throw on a pair of waterproof shoes (or shoes you don't mind getting wet) and walk up the Virgin River, which takes you further into the canyon.

The Narrows are often closed during the spring when snowmelt causes the water to rise dramatically. And in late fall and winter, the water can be cold. Because of this, people tend to hike The Narrows in the summer and early fall, when the water is warmer and at its lowest level. However, you should always be mindful of flash flooding regardless of the season.

Angels Landing is a popular once-in-a-lifetime experience for those brave enough to tackle it. Not for novices, the last part of the path is cut into solid rock and leads hikers up the trail's namesake 1,488-foot-tall formation. The nearly 5.5-mile round-trip hike can be done year-round, but should only be attempted in fair weather because it is quite dangerous. Most people hike it in the summer months.

Note that both of these hikes require visitors to reserve a permit before heading off. For other more casual hikes and open trails, it's still important to keep the weather in mind. Snow can affect trail conditions and lead to closures, so be prepared for limited park access if you choose to visit this time of year.

For the easiest canyoneering in Zion National Park, go seasonally.

Because of its narrow canyons and numerous waterways, this national park has become one of the country's premier canyoneering destinations. Canyoneering is an activity that requires scrambling, climbing, and swimming up, down, and through canyons, often with the aid of ropes. Beginners can book a tour of the lower end of The Narrows, while more experienced visitors can head to the Subway (Left Fork) or Orderville Canyon.

You can go canyoneering in Zion year-round, but certain routes are sometimes limited. The most comfortable time for the sport is during the summer when the water is warm and shallow.

Canyoneering permits can be obtained through a lottery system two months in advance, calendar reservations one month in advance, or a last-minute drawing seven to two days in advance.

Camp in Zion National Park year-round.

There's nothing like waking up in the beauty of Zion National Park, which is why camping is one of the park's most popular activities. That said, you'll want to make reservations early — Zion's three frontcountry campgrounds — South, Watchman, and Lava Point — fill up quickly.

Zion Canyon's Watchman Campground is open year-round, while South and the more primitive Lava Point are typically closed over the winter. The most enjoyable time to camp is in the fall when the heat of summer loosens its grip and the peak-season crowds subside.

If you’re looking for more remote camping options, hike to backcountry sites. There are 13 to choose from along the seven-mile La Verkin Creek Trail, popular in spring, summer, and fall. Be mindful that these wilderness areas are affected by wildfires, rockfalls, flash floods, and other natural forces. So be sure to check the conditions before heading into the backcountry.

Plan on wintertime for the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

The renowned Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is packed with hiking trails, picnic spots, and stunning views that require minimal physical effort. You can stop and stretch your legs to get a good view of the Court of the Patriarchs or take in a sunset at Canyon Junction Bridge.

The caveat is that the route is open to private cars during a small window when the park shuttles are not in operation, typically from January to March. When the shuttles are running, you can only see the sights along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive by riding one.