Best Time to Visit Zion And Bryce Canyon National Park

Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park are some of the most popular parks in the US, and for good reason. Zion’s stunning red cliffs, winding rivers, and epic trails (some of the best in the US, in my opinion) attract millions each year. Bryce Canyon offers fewer crowds and incredible hoodoos, and best of all is just 2 hours from Zion. But, when is the best time to visit Zion and Bryce?

Every season offers something unique, from cool autumn days to quiet winter hikes. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in Zion and Bryce Canyon during each season so you can plan your perfect visit.

In this article:

  • The best time to visit Zion National Park to avoid crowds or hike The Narrows and Angels Landing
  • The best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park to avoid crowds, see snow or attend local festivals
  • What to expect in each season, including closures
  • Seasonal tips and tricks for uncrowded hiking, easy parking and using the shuttles

The Best Time To Visit Zion And Bryce Canyon

Zion National Park offers different experiences depending on when you visit. During the summer, the crowds will be the worst, but all of the hiking trails will be open and days will be longer.

However, in the winter months you’ll have far fewer crowds, have the opportunity to take your own vehicle into Zion Canyon (instead of relying on the shuttle) but some hikes, like the Narrows, may be too cold to enjoy.

Chart Of Monthly Crowds  In Zion And Bryce Canyon National Park. best time to visit zion and bryce canyon national park by month
May, June & July are the most crowded months in Zion

In general, these are the best months to visit Zion National Park if you want to:

  • Hike The Narrows – October
  • Hike Angels Landing – November
  • Avoid crowds – January
  • Have the best weather – May

Note: Angels Landing requires a permit to hike, you can find out more about Zion permits here.

Bryce Canyon National Park is much less crowded than Zion. It also sits at higher elevation so it does not get as uncomfortably hot during the summer months. For this reason, it’s a lot easier to plan a trip to Bryce Canyon.

If you’re planning a trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon, I recommend prioritizing which activities you’d like to do in Zion to pick the best month to visit, and then including Bryce Canyon on your itinerary.

These are the best times to visit Bryce Canyon National Park if you want to:

  • Take a horseback ride into Bryce Canyon – August
  • Avoid crowds – January
  • Have the best weather – June

By the end of this blog post you’ll know the best month to visit, the primary differences between Zion vs Bryce Canyon National Park and how to maximize the items on your itinerary!

Woman hiking Angels Landing overlooking Zion Valley
Zion Canyon

Best Time Of Year For Zion National Park

Overall, I love fall in Zion National Park – the weather is perfect, the crowds are starting to thin, and you still have full access to the park – including Angels Landing and The Narrows hikes.

Plan your trip with these additional resources:

Spring In Zion (March – April)

Average daily temperatures: 39-75°F
Park closures: The Narrows typically closed in April, South Campgrounds reopens
Crowds: Busier during spring break weeks

Spring is one of the best times to visit Zion National Park. The weather is mild, typically ranging from the 60s to 70s. You’ll catch wildflowers in bloom and witness Zion’s plant life waking up after winter.

However, higher trails can still have lingering snow or ice, so be cautious on hikes like Angels Landing.

Spring break brings crowds, but if you aim for late April, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds.

Snow melt also means higher water levels in the Virgin River which brings with it the potential for The Narrows trail to close for safety concerns. You’ll also definitely want to rent dry pants, neoprene socks and hiking boots from Zion Outfitters because the water will be extremely cold in the spring.

Additionally, snow melt and more rainy days brings the potential for waterfalls at Emerald Pools.

Summer In Zion (May – September)

Average daily temperatures: 54-100°F
Park closures: Unless for construction or emergencies the entire park remains accessible
Crowds: As bad as it gets, expect half a million+ visitors each month

Summer is the busiest and hottest season in Zion. With temperatures regularly reaching 100°F in July and August, it’s crucial to plan early morning hikes and stay hydrated.

May offers the most tolerable weather, with highs in the 80s. Afternoon thunderstorms and flash floods are common, so always check the weather before hitting the trails.

July through September is monsoon season in Zion, so it’s important to remain alert to the weather conditions and forecast. The Visitors Center will typically post potential threats and trail closures.

The threat of flash floods cause The Narrows to close – in fact, rain from hours away can still contribute to flash flooding due to the desert climate, so even though it’s not raining in Zion you may still be affected by flash flood warnings.

Crowds are thick in Zion during the summer, and parking fills up fast (sometimes before 7am), so take advantage of the shuttle system.

The shuttle system runs in Zion Canyon along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive from March through November. That means that during the summer you are unable to drive your own vehicle on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

I recommend getting to the Zion Visitors Center by 8am to find parking. Backup parking is available just past the main entrance in the town of Springdale, where you can take the Springdale shuttle into the park and transfer to the Zion shuttle.

Luckily, the Zion shuttle operates very efficiently, although during peak times of the day you may have to wait for a few shuttles to circle through – particularly during mid-morning at Stop 1 near the Visitors Center.

emerald pools in zion national park

Fall In Zion (October – November)

Average daily temperatures: 37-79°F
Park closures: Most of the park remains open, occasional road closures may occur in Kolob Canyon due to early snowfall
Crowds: Avoid fall break weeks and enjoy mild crowds

Fall is arguably the best time to visit Zion. Temperatures are mild, averaging in the 60s and 70s, and crowds start to dwindle after fall break. This is the perfect time to enjoy the park’s scenic hikes with less competition for trail space.

Zion’s foliage also puts on a surprising show, with golden hues popping up throughout Zion Canyon in late October and early November.

Don’t forget to layer up! Fall can have daily temperature swings of more than 30°F. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially in November. It’s incredible how quickly the desert cools off once the sun sets.

Winter In Zion (December – February)

Average daily temperatures: 30-59°F
Park closures: Lava Point Road, Kolob Terrace Road and Kolob Canyons Road seasonally closed
Crowds: Lowest crowds of the year

Winter is the best time to visit Zion National Park to avoid crowds. With far fewer visitors, you’ll have many trails and viewpoints entirely to yourself.

Daytime temperatures can be comfortable, hovering in the 50s and 60s, though nights are often below freezing. Snowfall transforms Zion’s red cliffs into a magical landscape, but you’ll need to be prepared for icy conditions on certain trails. Microspikes or other traction devices are a must for navigating icy paths, especially after snowstorms.

Winter storms may close some roads and trails, so check conditions before you go. The Zion Shuttle operates in late December, but otherwise is not available during the winter. Instead, you are permitted to drive your own vehicle along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

December, January and February in Zion are some of the wettest months. While snow does fall in Zion, it quickly disappears at lower elevation. At higher elevation, snow can stick around for a while so be extra cautious when hiking.

If you plan to hike the Narrows in winter you’ll absolutely need a drysuit to stay warm. These can be rented at Zion Outfitters near the Visitors Center.

Also be extra cautious while hiking Angels Landing – particularly the last quarter mile known as the chains section. This part of the trail is along slick rock that can become icy, and has steep drop off’s on either side.

Best Times To Visit Bryce Canyon National Park

With fewer crowds and more moderate summer temperatures it’s much easier to pick a great time to visit Bryce Canyon. Personally, I think October is the best time to visit Bryce because the crowds have thinned but the weather hasn’t gotten too cold yet.

Plan your trip with these additional resources:

Spring In Bryce Canyon (March – April)

Average daily temperatures: 23-54°F
Park closures: Around late March Bryce Canyon Lodge reopens. Potential for snowstorms to temporarily close Bryce Canyon Road
Crowds: March is still fairly quiet, crowds start to pick up in April

Spring in Bryce Canyon can have unpredictable weather that changes dramatically throughout the day. On average, daily highs range from upper 40s and low 50s. Lingering snowstorms aren’t uncommon.

Many trails remain icy, particularly in shaded areas so traction devices are necessary for hiking. It’s also common to find muddy trails as snow and ice starts to melt in late April.

In April, the free Bryce Canyon shuttle resumes service for the summer season. The shuttle is a great way to get around the park, but it only covers the amphitheater area. To get farther into the park you’ll need to drive yourself.

Summer In Bryce Canyon (May – September)

Average daily temperatures: 37-80°F
Park closures: Fully open, horseback rides in Bryce Canyon resume
Crowds: At their highest with 300-400k visitors each month

While summer in Bryce Canyon bring the warmest months, they’re still far cooler than nearby Zion which sits at significantly lower elevation. July and August bring the warmest days, usually from mid 70s to low 80s.

In general, Bryce Canyon never gets excruciatingly hot, but you’ll still want to plan hikes for early in the day to avoid the heat as well as the afternoon thunderstorms (which can also bring dangerous lightening and flash floods.) July and August are considered the rainy season in Bryce Canyon, and have the most number of rainy days.

May marks the return of horseback riding in Bryce Canyon, which continues through late October each year.

Additionally, the annual Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival happens each June and is scheduled around the new moon cycle. Later, in July, you can attend the annual Geology Festival.

As summer is the busiest season at Bryce Canyon, hotels tend to fill up several months in advance. It’s best to make reservations at least 6 months prior to your visit.

Woman hiking Navajo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park
Navajo Loop Trail | Bryce Canyon

Fall In Bryce Canyon (October – November)

Average daily temperatures: 23-58°F
Park closures: Temporary road closures due to early snowstorms
Crowds: Begin decreasing for the season

By October, weather is starting to cool in Bryce Canyon with daytime highs in the upper 50s. It’s even possible to experience an early snowfall in late October.

Horseback rides are offered through the end of October, but offer fewer options as the season draws to a close. If you plan to horseback ride in Bryce Canyon in October, I recommend booking your tour several months in advance.

By November there’s a significant drop in visitors to the park, so you’re more likely to have hiking paths to yourself. If you plan to hike down into the amphitheater be sure to pack traction devices as you’re likely to encounter icy conditions, particularly in shaded areas.

Bryce Canyon Lodge typically closes for the season by early November.

Winter In Bryce Canyon (December – February)

Average daily temperatures: 15-38°F
Park closures: Road to Fairyland Point and Paria View closed. Rim Trail Between Inspiration and Bryce Points, and the Wall Street side of the Navajo Loop Trail closed. Bryce Canyon Road may experience temporary closures due to snow.
Crowds: Minimal

Winter in Bryce Canyon is a very different experience than the other seasons. You can expect snow for most of the season, as well as more unique things to do, like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Rentals are available at Ruby’s Inn.

Ranger-led snowshoe hikes are also available during winter in Bryce Canyon.

December also brings the annual Christmas Bird Count event. This usually takes place within a week of Christmas and is a fun way to get involved with the park rangers.

Snow in Bryce Canyon is heaviest from December through February. Once snow has accumulated, the roads to Fairyland Point and Paria View are closed to vehicles for the season (but remain open to pedestrians.)

Most hiking trails remain open in the winter, except Rim Trail between Inspiration and Bryce Points, and the Wall Street side of the Navajo Loop Trail which close seasonally.

Lastly, Bryce Canyon Winter Festival is typically held in February each year. You can participate in cookie decorating, yoga classes, photography and astronomy clinics as well as many other activities.

snow falls during winter in bryce canyon amphitheater

Verdict: Best Time To Visit Zion And Bryce Canyon National Park

For a balanced combination of good weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery, fall is my top choice. My last trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon was in mid-October and it was perfect – the crowds were manageable, parking inside the parks was possible, hikes weren’t overly crowded and the weather was comfortable during the day (and a bit chilly at night).

Spring is also a great time to visit, and offers beautiful wildflower blooms but comes with larger crowds. Additionally, The Narrows tends to be closed frequently due to high water levels in the spring.

While I recommend avoiding the busy summer months if you can, that’s not always possible for schedules. Zion and Bryce Canyon during the summer is still far better than not going at all! Just be sure to book your reservations and snag your hiking permits as far in advance as possible, as you’ll be competing for limited resources with larger crowds.

Planning your Zion and Bryce Canyon adventure? Check out my packing list for a stress free trip.

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