Zion National Park Winter Weather
Weather can vary significantly throughout Zion National Park, so visitors should be prepared to encounter an array of different conditions. Temperatures change with elevation and region, and they can drop sharply at night. Daytime winter highs can reach 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, though nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing. Winter is often wet, so expect rain, snow and mixed precipitation.
At lower elevations, snow will usually melt off fairly quickly after a storm, but at higher elevations, snow and ice can persist, especially in shady areas, so be prepared and consider “over the shoe” traction devices over sturdy boots. Some trails can be closed due to wintry conditions (including falling ice hazards). If you’re planning on hiking The Narrows, expect a cold journey and check with the park about conditions — a drysuit rental from a local outfitter may be necessary. Be sure to check Zion National Park’s winter weather and climate information before your trip.
Average Daily High and Low Temperature
Oct. |
Nov. |
Dec. |
Jan. |
Feb. |
|
78/49 F |
63/37 F |
53/30 F |
52/29 F |
57/31 F |
More Winter Inspiration
-
5 Festive Activities to Brighten Your Utah Ski Holiday
Planning a holiday ski escape to Utah? Here's five festive activities to brighten your travels and raise the bar on holiday spirit.
-
A Winter’s Desert: Visiting Southern Utah in the Slow Months
Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own.
-
Across a Snow-Covered Desert
Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah.
-
An Uncommon Confluence
A solo sojourn where snow and desert meet in a lesser-known corner of Utah’s red rock country.
-
Best Hikes in St. George During Winter
While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, we’ve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks.
-
Explore the Tushars on Snowshoe
Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? Eagle Point is a Utah favorite location. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure.
-
Find a Winter Refresh in a Utah State Park
The best Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery. Take a winter break to refresh with a visit to a few of these places.
-
Gravity and Water: Mark Making in a Winter’s Desert with Anne Kaferle
Finding Helper at a time when she “needed it the most,” landscape artist Anne Kaferle has put down roots in Utah, thanks to plein-air painting and the healing power of time alone in the landscape.
-
Ice and rock, snow and splendor: Winter in Southern Utah
Come along on a five-day expedition to see Southern Utah’s wintry face, explore national parks, ski its mountains and find ways to play in the snow.
-
Off-Season Off-Roading in Ticaboo
Familiar freedoms in a new kind of winter wonderland.
-
Planning Your Utah Desert Holiday
Where to find holiday lights, performances, farms and activities in Southern Utah.
-
The Best Golf in Southern Utah
When the courses of Northern Utah are covered with snow, Southern Utah is ripe with elevated golf experiences that rival the best in the world.
-
The Complete Winter Camping Packing List for Staying Warm in Southern Utah
For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter.
-
Top Ski Towns in Utah
The best ski towns in Utah tout easy access to The Greatest Snow on Earth®, along with lively culture, fine dining and off-mountain activities.
-
Turning the Lens on a Wintry Southern Utah
Discover some of the most picturesque places to photograph in Southern Utah, and learn some tips for how to shoot and travel responsibly.
-
Winter in Southeastern Utah: Arches and Canyonlands
Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude.
-
Winter in Southern Utah Like a Local
Southern Utah comes alive in winter with unexpected experiences for those who are well-prepared and solitude for those who want to expand their view.
-
Winter Wonders in Greater Zion
As you’re mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary.
-
Yurt Camping in Utah: How To Have a Wintertime Yurt Excursion
Whether you’re glamping or choosing a simpler option, yurt camping in Utah during the wintertime is a fun, unique experience you won’t want to miss out on.
Zion National Park
"A winter visit to Zion includes sunshine, moderate temperatures and a stunning sandstone kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and pinks."
Winter Activities in Zion
Winter Hiking
Zion National Park offers fantastic hiking opportunities year-round. When selecting a trail for a winter hiking adventure, be sure to check conditions and be aware shadier hikes are likely to be icier. Choose a hike like the Riverside Walk, Pa’rus Trail or Lower Emerald Pool Trail, or opt for an even more challenging adventure. The park offers plenty of hiking trails for every level of hiker. Beware of icy patches, especially on steep trails and those with drop-offs. Traction devices may make hiking easier and safer. Also, be aware of ice that could fall from canyon walls above and use caution.
The Narrows should only be attempted by well-prepared and outfitted hikers, but is possible with support from local outfitters in Springdale.
Photography
Winter is a photographer’s dream in Zion National Park. Shorter days make it easy to catch both sunrise and sunset as the red rock walls transform into a swimming sea of golden and fiery hues with red, orange, yellow and purple dancing on the landscape. The soft winter luminescence provides a contrast to summer’s strong light.
Since winter is a less crowded season, photographers will have an easier time taking images of iconic locations without getting too many other visitors in the shot. Please always be mindful of the land and other visitors when taking photos. Photography tours and guides are available throughout the region for those who want to learn more about the art.
Stargazing
Night sky-friendly light fixtures are in place throughout Zion National Park, casting light downward in order to preserve the dark night sky. The park is a perfect location for stargazing and taking time to look up in amazement. Pa’rus Trail is a favorite paved path for viewing. The park encourages people to stick to paved front country paths for sky viewing to avoid nocturnal encounters with wildlife, cliffs, drop-offs and other dangers. Make sure you bring a light with you and select a location where you can easily return to your car (such as a paved path) for safe viewing.
The Narrows in Zion National Park
Photo: Hage Photo
Winter Camping Near Zion
Watchman Campground is located in Zion Canyon and offers both electric hook-ups and tent sites. It is open year-round; reservations are required and can be made up to six (6) months in advance. A number of other campgrounds throughout the region are also open during the winter, and people can find plenty of other lodging options including glamping, hotels, motels and resorts in Springdale, East Zion, St. George, or even Kanab.
Winter Travel Tips
- The park is open year-round, though some services like the visitor center, have limited winter hours, and others are closed.
- Check the park website or call to get the most up-to-date information on current conditions. Areas, roads and trails can be closed or restricted with little notice, and some areas can become hazardous in certain conditions.
- Zion has a park shuttle bus which is typically only used in winter during the busiest times around holidays.
- Roads are usually plowed soon after storms, though winter driving conditions, including icy and slippery roads, can persist at any time during the winter. Make sure you and your car are prepared for winter driving, with chains or snow tires and a full winter emergency kit.
- Always bring appropriate winter gear, including plenty of warm clothes for layering along with extras in case your clothes get wet, as well as sunglasses and sunscreen. Be sure to properly prepare for a winter visit.
- The park encourages visitors to carefully plan their trip and leave a trip plan with an emergency contact.
- Be flexible with your plans. Check the forecast the day of the trip and be prepared to switch to Plan B (which could be staying indoors) depending on conditions.
