When to visit Zion without the crowds
Zion (Utah, United States) is calmest in January, February and December: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in April, May, June, July, August and September. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals.
Best months
Dec–Feb
When everyone heads home
The first week of November.
Tip
Angels Landing needs a lottery permit; in winter you can drive the canyon yourself, no shuttle.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 · calm | 9 °C (49 °F) | New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| February | 1/5 · calm | 11 °C (52 °F) | Presidents Day |
| March | 3/5 · moderate | 15 °C (60 °F) | Spring break (March) |
| April | 4/5 · busy ⚠ | 21 °C (71 °F) | |
| May | 5/5 · busy ⚠ | 26 °C (79 °F) | Memorial Day |
| June | 4/5 · busy | 34 °C (93 °F) | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July | 4/5 · busy ⚠ | 36 °C (97 °F) | Independence Day |
| August | 4/5 · busy ⚠ | 35 °C (94 °F) | |
| September | 4/5 · busy ⚠ | 31 °C (87 °F) | Labour Day |
| October | 3/5 · moderate | 24 °C (75 °F) | |
| November | 3/5 · moderate | 17 °C (62 °F) | Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 2/5 · calm | 11 °C (52 °F) | Christmas Day |
⚠ = seasonal heads-up.
Before you go: seasonal heads-ups
- Monsoon (Jul–Sep): afternoon storms and flash floods; avoid slot canyons when there is a warning.
- The Narrows often closes in spring because of snowmelt (Apr–May).
- Extreme heat (Jul): average highs up to 36 °C (97 °F). Avoid the midday sun.
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. Includes official tourism statistics (National Park Service, Zion National Park, 2023-2025). How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Zion without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually February (crowds 1/5). In February the average high is 11 °C (52 °F). All the calm months: January, February and December.
When is Zion most crowded?
The busiest season is April, May, June, July, August and September. The first week of November.
What is the weather like in Zion?
Average highs range from 9 °C (49 °F) in January to 36 °C (97 °F) in July, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025).
What should I know before going to Zion?
Monsoon (Jul–Sep): afternoon storms and flash floods; avoid slot canyons when there is a warning. The Narrows often closes in spring because of snowmelt (Apr–May). Extreme heat (Jul): average highs up to 36 °C (97 °F). Avoid the midday sun.
What festivals are there in Zion?
The main ones: Spring break (March) (March).
More places in Utah
- Moab & Arches calm in January, February and December; busiest in April, May, June, July, September and October
- Bryce Canyon calm in January, February, March, November and December; busiest in May, June, July, August and September