Utah Weather by Month
Utah is located in the western United States, bordered by Idaho and Wyoming to the north, Colorado to the east, Arizona to the south, and Nevada to the west. It became the 45th state on January 4, 1896. Known for its diverse landscapes, Utah features the Rocky Mountains, the Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau. Major cities include Salt Lake City (the capital and largest city), West Valley City, Provo, West Jordan, and Orem. Key landmarks include Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, and the Great Salt Lake. Utah’s economy is robust, driven by industries such as technology, mining, tourism, and outdoor recreation, along with a significant influence from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
Weather Overview:
Utah experiences a semi-arid to desert climate with significant temperature variations between seasons. Winters can be cold with snowfall, particularly in the mountainous regions, while summers are typically hot and dry.
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 29.7 | 1.14 |
| February | 34.4 | 1.18 |
| March | 42.0 | 1.58 |
| April | 50.2 | 1.73 |
| May | 60.1 | 1.89 |
| June | 70.3 | 0.74 |
| July | 78.6 | 0.72 |
| August | 76.8 | 0.81 |
| September | 66.9 | 1.18 |
| October | 54.1 | 1.52 |
| November | 40.0 | 1.40 |
| December | 30.7 | 1.25 |
January
January in Utah brings cold temperatures and snowy conditions, especially in the mountainous regions. Average temperatures vary widely across the state, with colder temperatures in the northern and higher elevation areas. In Salt Lake City, average highs range from the mid-30s°F (1-4°C) to the low 40s°F (4-7°C), while average lows dip into the teens°F (-7 to -10°C). In contrast, southern Utah experiences milder temperatures, with average highs in the 40s°F (4-9°C) to 50s°F (10-15°C) and lows in the 20s°F (-6 to -3°C). Snowfall is common in the mountains, making January an excellent time for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports in resorts like Park City, Deer Valley, and Alta. However, travelers should be prepared for winter driving conditions and check weather forecasts before venturing into the mountains.
February
February continues the winter chill in Utah, with cold temperatures and ample snowfall in the mountainous areas. Average temperatures remain similar to January, with highs ranging from the 30s°F (1-4°C) to the 50s°F (10-15°C) and lows in the teens°F (-7 to -10°C) to 20s°F (-6 to -3°C) across the state. Snowpack in the mountains reaches its peak during this month, providing excellent conditions for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The Sundance Film Festival, held annually in Park City, attracts filmmakers and cinephiles from around the world, making February a popular time to visit for film enthusiasts. In southern Utah, national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon offer milder weather and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for hiking and exploring the stunning red rock landscapes.
March
March marks the transition from winter to spring in Utah, with gradually warming temperatures and longer daylight hours. Average highs begin to climb, ranging from the 40s°F (4-9°C) to the 60s°F (15-20°C) across the state, while lows generally stay above freezing. Snowfall decreases in the lower elevations, although mountainous areas may still receive significant snowfall early in the month. March is an excellent time to visit Utah’s national parks, as temperatures become more comfortable for hiking and outdoor activities. Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Parks offer stunning landscapes and fewer crowds compared to the peak season in summer. In the northern part of the state, ski resorts begin to wind down operations, offering spring skiing and special events for visitors.
April
April brings springtime to Utah, with mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers across the state. Average highs range from the 50s°F (10-15°C) to the 70s°F (21-26°C), while lows generally stay above freezing. Spring skiing is still possible in the higher elevation areas, although snowpack begins to melt, and resorts may start closing for the season. April is an ideal time to explore Utah’s scenic landscapes, from the red rock canyons of southern Utah to the alpine meadows of the Wasatch Mountains. Hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing are popular activities in places like Moab, Zion, and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Visitors can also enjoy cultural events and festivals, such as the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point and the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab.
May
May is a delightful time to visit Utah, with warm temperatures and abundant sunshine beckoning outdoor enthusiasts to explore the state’s natural wonders. Average highs range from the 60s°F (15-20°C) to the 80s°F (27-32°C), while lows generally remain comfortable. Spring is in full bloom, with wildflowers carpeting the valleys and canyons in vibrant hues. May is an ideal time for hiking, camping, and sightseeing in Utah’s national parks and monuments. Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Zion, and Bryce Canyon offer a diverse range of landscapes to explore, from towering red rock formations to lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking, river rafting, and horseback riding in destinations like Moab and Park City.
June
June brings the onset of summer in Utah, with warm temperatures and longer days perfect for outdoor adventures. Average highs range from the 70s°F (21-26°C) to the 90s°F (32-35°C), while lows are generally comfortable. June is an ideal time for hiking, camping, and exploring Utah’s national parks, although visitors should be prepared for hot weather, especially in the southern part of the state. Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, and Bryce Canyon offer a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, from scenic drives and short hikes to backcountry adventures and overnight camping trips. June is also a popular time for river rafting trips on the Colorado and Green Rivers, with companies offering guided excursions through stunning canyon scenery. Visitors can also enjoy cultural events and festivals, such as the Utah Arts Festival in Salt Lake City and the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City.
July
July is the peak of summer in Utah, with hot temperatures and sunny skies prevailing across the state. Average highs range from the 80s°F (27-32°C) to the 100s°F (38-40°C), while lows may not drop below 70°F (21°C) in some areas. Despite the heat, July is a popular time for outdoor recreation, with visitors flocking to Utah’s national parks, lakes, and rivers to escape the summer heat. Hiking, camping, and sightseeing are popular activities in destinations like Moab, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Lake Powell. Visitors can also cool off with water-based activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing in Utah’s reservoirs and streams. July is also a time for celebrating Independence Day, with communities hosting fireworks displays, parades, and festivals throughout the state.
August
August continues the hot and sunny conditions of summer in Utah, with temperatures remaining high throughout the month. Average highs range from the 80s°F (27-32°C) to the 100s°F (38-40°C), while lows may not drop below 70°F (21°C) in some areas. Despite the heat, August offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and sightseeing in Utah’s national parks, although they should be prepared for the heat and stay hydrated. August is also a popular time for visiting Utah’s mountain resorts, where cooler temperatures and scenic landscapes provide a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Outdoor concerts, festivals, and events are held throughout the state, offering opportunities to experience Utah’s vibrant culture and community spirit.
September
September marks the transition from summer to fall in Utah, with gradually cooling temperatures and changing foliage. Average highs range from the 70s°F (21-26°C) to the 90s°F (32-35°C), while lows begin to drop into the 50s°F (10-15°C) to 60s°F (15-20°C). September is an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and sightseeing, as the weather becomes more comfortable and fall foliage begins to appear in some areas. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives through Utah’s mountain passes, exploring colorful forests and alpine meadows. September is also a popular time for attending cultural events and festivals, such as the Utah State Fair in Salt Lake City and the Red Rock Film Festival in St. George. Travelers visiting Utah in September can experience the beauty of late summer and early fall, enjoying mild weather and picturesque landscapes before the onset of winter.
October
October is synonymous with fall foliage in Utah, as the leaves change colors and the landscape transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. Average highs range from the 60s°F (15-20°C) to the 70s°F (21-26°C), while lows drop into the 30s°F (0-4°C) to 40s°F (4-9°C) across the state. Cool, crisp days and clear skies make October perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, scenic drives, and photography. Fall foliage reaches its peak in Utah’s mountainous regions, including the Wasatch Range and the Uinta Mountains, offering stunning vistas and photo opportunities. October is also a popular time for visiting Utah’s national parks, as the weather remains mild, and crowds begin to thin out after the summer peak season. Travelers visiting Utah in October can immerse themselves in the beauty of fall, exploring scenic drives and hiking trails adorned with vibrant foliage.
November
November marks the transition to winter in Utah, with cooling temperatures and occasional frost towards the end of the month. Average highs range from the 40s°F (4-9°C) to the 50s°F (10-15°C), while lows drop into the 20s°F (-6 to -3°C) to 30s°F (0-4°C) across the state. While early November may still feel like fall, with lingering foliage and mild weather, colder conditions become more prevalent as the month progresses. November is a time of transition, with outdoor activities giving way to indoor pursuits such as holiday shopping and cultural events. Travelers visiting Utah in November can experience the changing seasons, from the last traces of fall to the first hints of winter, making it an ideal time for cozy getaways and exploring indoor attractions.
December
December brings winter weather to Utah, with cold temperatures and the potential for snowfall across the state. Average highs range from the 30s°F (-1 to 2°C) to the 40s°F (4-7°C), while lows drop into the teens°F (-7 to -10°C) to 20s°F (-6 to -3°C) across the state. While snow is relatively rare in some parts of the state, it can occur, especially in the higher elevations of the Wasatch Mountains and the Uinta Mountains. December also brings festive holiday celebrations and events, offering opportunities to experience the magic of the season. Outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are popular, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages. December can be a cozy and enchanting time to visit Utah, with the promise of winter festivities and seasonal cheer.
