Zion's big packing problem is water, in both directions. Summer highs top 99°F (37°C) on the canyon floor, and the park's most famous hike, The Narrows, is a walk up a river. You need sun gear and shoes that can get soaked.
Zion weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 54°F12°C | 57°F14°C | 66°F19°C | 73°F23°C | 84°F29°C | 95°F35°C | 100°F38°C | 99°F37°C | 91°F33°C | 79°F26°C | 64°F18°C | 52°F11°C |
| Low | 30°F-1°C | 34°F1°C | 39°F4°C | 45°F7°C | 52°F11°C | 63°F17°C | 70°F21°C | 68°F20°C | 61°F16°C | 48°F9°C | 37°F3°C | 28°F-2°C |
| Rain days | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryCool days, freezing nights. Highs are 52°F (11°C) in December, 54°F (12°C) in January and 57°F (14°C) in February, with lows of 28°F (-2°C), 30°F (-1°C) and 34°F (1°C). February is the wettest month on average with 8 rain days. These are 30-year averages from the Zion National Park station on the canyon floor; higher trails are colder and can be icy. Bring a warm jacket, gloves and traction cleats.
Spring
March–MayPleasant but busy. Highs rise from 66°F (19°C) in March to 73°F (23°C) in April and 84°F (29°C) in May, and lows run from 39°F (4°C) to 52°F (11°C). Snowmelt can keep The Narrows closed into late spring. Pack layers and a rain shell.
Summer
June–AugustVery hot. Highs average 95°F (35°C) in June, 100°F (38°C) in July and 99°F (37°C) in August, and nights stay at 63–70°F (17–21°C). July and August bring afternoon monsoon storms and flash flood risk. Bring sun protection, a big water bottle and an early alarm: hike at dawn.
Fall
September–NovemberThe best hiking months. Highs fall from 91°F (33°C) in September to 79°F (26°C) in October and 64°F (18°C) in November, with lows of 61°F (16°C), 48°F (9°C) and 37°F (3°C) and only 4–5 rain days a month. Pack for hot afternoons and cool mornings.
What to bring to Zion
0 of 26 packed- Hydro Flask 32 oz Travel Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Zion's summer highs reach 100°F (38°C), and a big bottle is the difference between a good hike and heat exhaustion.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Keeps your phone and snacks dry while you wade up the Virgin River in The Narrows.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
Sandstone scrapes and blisters are common on Zion's steep trails.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
A handheld fan helps on 99°F (37°C) August afternoons while you wait for the shuttle.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
A small power bank keeps your phone alive for photos on long days in the canyon.
- Peak Design Capture Clip V3Camera & Photo
Clip your camera to your strap and keep both hands free for chains on steep sections.
- Boot Bananas Original Shoe DeodorizersFootwear & Shoe Care
Wet water shoes and dusty hiking shoes get rank fast after a day on the trail.
Clothing
- Quick-dry shorts or pants · 3 pairsJeans are heavy when wet.
- Sun shirts · 3Summer highs top 37°C on the canyon floor.
- Warm jacket · 1Winter lows drop to -2°C, Dec–Feb.
- Gloves · 1 pairFor winter, Dec–Feb.
- Light rain shell · 1July and August bring afternoon monsoon storms.
Footwear
- Grippy hiking shoes · 1 pairAngels Landing is steep sandstone with drop-offs.
- Closed-toe water shoes · 1 pairThe Narrows is a walk up the Virgin River.
- Neoprene socks · 1 pairThe river is cold for much of the year.
- Traction cleats · 1 pairHigher trails can be icy in winter.
Gear
- Walking stick · 1For slippery rocks in The Narrows.
- Dry bag · 1
- Sun hat · 1
- Headlamp · 1Hike at dawn in summer.
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Electrolyte packets
Documents and money
- Angels Landing permitLottery on Recreation.gov.
- Wilderness permit for top-down Narrows
- National park pass or entry fee
Tech
- Plug adapter · 1UK, EU and Australian visitors need one.
What shoes should you pack for Zion?
Two pairs: grippy hiking shoes and water shoes. Angels Landing and Observation Point are steep sandstone with drop-offs, so you want traction. For The Narrows you walk in the Virgin River over slippery rocks, so wear closed-toe water shoes or canyoneering boots, plus neoprene socks when the water is cold.
What do people wear in Zion?
Casual hiking clothes. Quick-dry shorts or pants, a sun shirt and a hat are standard, and the same works in Springdale restaurants. Nobody dresses up.
What to pack for The Narrows in Zion?
Water shoes, neoprene socks, a walking stick and a dry bag. The river is cold for much of the year, and the park closes The Narrows when flow is high or flash floods are likely. Check the forecast and flow on the morning of your hike.
Do you need a permit for Angels Landing?
Yes. Angels Landing requires a permit through a lottery on Recreation.gov, and the top-down Narrows hike needs a wilderness permit. Rules change, so check the park website before you go.
What plugs does Zion use?
The United States uses Type A and B sockets at 120V. US and Canadian plugs fit. UK, EU and Australian visitors need an adapter.
Tours and things to do in Zion
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Zion.
What should you leave at home for Zion?
Flip-flops for hiking, cotton jeans and a drone. Flip-flops slide on sandstone and in the river, jeans are heavy when wet, and drones are banned in national parks.
Packing for Zion: questions people ask
What should I wear in Zion in July?
Light sun clothes, a hat and lots of water. July averages a 100°F (38°C) high and a 70°F (21°C) low on the canyon floor.
Can you hike The Narrows in winter?
Sometimes, with a drysuit or neoprene rental. The water is cold, and it closes during high flow.
When is flash flood season in Zion?
Mostly July to September, during monsoon storms. Rain miles away can flood slot canyons.
Is Zion cold at night?
In winter, yes. January lows average 30°F (-1°C) and December lows 28°F (-2°C) on the canyon floor.
Do I need a permit for Angels Landing?
Yes. It is issued by lottery on Recreation.gov. Check current rules before you go.
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