Have you ever seen hikers grasp at the metal safety chains along the epic Angels Landing trail, or wade their way through the pools at the Narrows? It’s all at Zion National Park, one of the most famous National Parks in the United States! However, doing these activities takes careful planning and all depends on the best time to visit Zion National Park!
Being the 4th most visited National Park, it’s no surprise that this place fills up during summer and peak tourist months! It’s important to think about which types of activities to do, and when, during such a busy time.
The off-season in Zion National park can also bring flooding, thunderstorms, rain, and other inclement weather that can throw off a perfect itinerary.
In this guide I’ll be covering the best time to Visit Zion National Park for visitors, hikers, photographers, and first-timers, with information on seasons, weather, hiking times, local events and more! Be sure to read on!
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Best Time to Visit Zion National Park by Travel Goal
There are so many reasons why people flock to Zion National Park. For some, it’s the famous Angels Landing hike. For others, it’s simply to take in the beauty scenery of the canyon.
Depending on your goal, you’ll want to make sure you are visiting Zion National Park at the optimal time! Below are the best times to visit Zion National Park by travel goal in a tl:dr format:
- Best Weather: March–May and September–October
- Fewest Crowds: Mid-January to early March
- Best for Hiking: Spring and Fall (especially The Narrows & Angels Landing)
- Best for Stargazing: Summer and early fall
- Best for Photography: Fall for color contrasts, spring for soft canyon light
- Best for River Adventures: Late spring to early summer (Virgin River flow is strong)
Zion National Park: Season-by-Season Guide
For a more detailed look at the weather in Zion National Park, I’ve broken down each season to understand temperatures, humidity, considerations, and pros and cons.
I’ve also researched the best activities for each time of year in Zion National Park:
Spring (March–May)
- Weather: 50–80°F, ideal temps
- Pros: Waterfalls flowing, wildflowers blooming
- Cons: Very popular—crowded trails and shuttles
- Activities: Angels Landing, The Narrows (late spring)
- Considerations: Early spring may have high water in canyons
Summer (June–August)
- Weather: 90–105°F, hot and dry
- Pros: Great for The Narrows (warm water), long days
- Cons: Peak crowds, heat exhaustion risk
- Activities: River hikes, scenic drive via shuttle
- Considerations: Watch for monsoons and flash floods
Fall (September–November)
- Weather: 60–80°F, colorful foliage
- Pros: Cooler, great lighting for photos, fewer crowds
- Cons: Shorter days
- Activities: Canyon Overlook, Observation Point
- Considerations: Late October is especially photogenic
Winter (December–February)
- Weather: 30–55°F, light snow at higher elevations
- Pros: Quiet, peaceful park experience
- Cons: Limited shuttle service, snow/ice on some trails
- Activities: Watchman Trail, Zion Canyon scenic drive (open to cars!)
- Considerations: Bring microspikes for icy sections
Monthly Weather Chart
Zion’s weather can be surprisingly diverse due to its range in elevation—from canyon floors to towering cliffs.
Summer heat in the lower canyon can be intense, while higher trails offer some relief. Spring runoff affects river hikes like The Narrows, and winter can bring ice and snow to higher elevations.
To help you pack smart and plan your adventure, I’ve included a chart showing the average monthly highs and lows across the year.
Best Time for Photography in Zion National Park
Zion National park is a world-class photography destination. The dramatic valley, lush with trees and surround by the Virgin River, paints a prefect picture among the towering canyon walls.
When I visited Zion, I had so much fun being able to photograph rivers, trails, and southwest Utah’s beauty!
One of my favorites places for photography was on Angels Landing. It provides a view of the entire Zion Canyon on top of an almost 2,000 ft wall!
Here are some of the best times for photography in Zion National Park.
Best Time Overall: Fall for golden trees against red cliffs; Spring for soft light and waterfalls.
Top Photo Spots in Zion National Park:
- Angels Landing during sunrise or sunset
- The Watchman Overlook at sunset
- The Narrows mid-morning for glowing canyon walls
Below are the sunrise and sunset times so you can prepare to take an epic photo within Zion National Park!
January: Sunrise 7:30 AM | Sunset 5:15 PM
February: Sunrise 7:00 AM | Sunset 5:45 PM
March: Sunrise 6:15 AM | Sunset 6:15 PM
April: Sunrise 6:30 AM | Sunset 7:45 PM
May: Sunrise 6:00 AM | Sunset 8:15 PM
June: Sunrise 5:45 AM | Sunset 8:45 PM
July: Sunrise 6:00 AM | Sunset 8:30 PM
August: Sunrise 6:15 AM | Sunset 8:00 PM
September: Sunrise 6:30 AM | Sunset 7:15 PM
October: Sunrise 6:45 AM | Sunset 6:30 PM
November: Sunrise 7:00 AM | Sunset 5:30 PM
December: Sunrise 7:15 AM | Sunset 5:15 PM
Best Time for Hiking in Zion National Park
The best time for hiking in Zion is during spring and fall, especially from March to May and September to early November.
Popular trails like Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Observation Point are less crowded and safer in cooler weather.
Summer hikes should start early due to high temperatures and crowded conditions.
Local Events in and near Zion National Park
Zion hosts ranger-led programs during peak seasons, but major events are found in nearby Springdale and St. George.
Springdale’s Zion Canyon Music Festival in late September features live performances and local food vendors, while other regional festivals draw larger crowds.
Booking Tips & Travel Advice for Zion National Park
Zion uses a shuttle system from March to late November, so plan extra time for transport and start early to beat the lines.
Angels Landing now requires a permit, which should be secured in advance. Accommodations in Springdale can book up fast—look into surrounding areas like Hurricane or La Verkin for more options.
Final Thoughts: When Should You Go to Zion National Park?
Zion is one of the crown jewels of the Southwest, offering everything from canyon adventures to iconic summit hikes. Plan ahead, visit during the shoulder seasons, and take your time exploring—Zion rewards those who dive deep and slow down.
I hope you enjoyed this guide for the Best Time to Visit Arches National Park! If you have any questions, tips, or experiences to share, feel free to leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you.
And if you’re planning more Utah adventures, be sure to check out my other articles for more hidden gems, hiking spots, and travel tips to help you explore like a local.
