Does it rain alot in Zion National Park?

Weather in Zion National Park varies significantly throughout the year. Summer is hot with regular thunderstorms. Winter often brings snow to Zion Canyon.

Understanding Zion’s weather patterns will not only help you plan a great trip to the park—it could also save your life. Flash floods (see below) are a serious risk when exploring Zion’s narrow canyons, particularly during the summer monsoon season.

Take a few minutes to learn about Zion’s weather, and you can safely enjoy one of America’s most amazing national parks.

See also Best Times to Visit Zion National Park

Monsoon Season

Zion Summer Weather

Zion’s weather is heavily influenced by the North American Monsoon, which affects seasonal precipitation throughout the American Southwest.

During the hottest months of the year—July through mid-September—the desert bakes under intense solar radiation. Hot air rises as fast as 50 feet per second, creating an area of low pressure that draws warm, humid air from the Gulf of California and the Gulf of Mexico.

As the hot, humid air rises it comes into contact with cold, high-altitude air, forming enormous anvil-headed clouds that grow dark and ominous as they rise thousands of feet. Eventually the clouds burst, producing torrential afternoon thunderstorms.

The storms generally dissipate by evening, and the next morning the cycle repeats itself. July through mid-September is called “monsoon season” in the Southwest, and flash floods are a serious threat during this time.

But the intensity of Zion’s monsoon season varies from year to year. Zion is located on the North American Monsoon’s western edge, which shifts annually, so some summers are extremely wet while others are unusually dry.

Zion Flash Floods

Flash floods are one of Zion’s greatest dangers. During monsoon season—July, August, September—powerful thunderstorms sweep through the region.

Storms can dump several inches of rain in just a few hours, and the rocky, sun-baked landscape does little to absorb the water or slow it down. Runoff channels into narrow side canyons, forming flash floods that can reach speeds topping 23 feet per second, ripping out trees and vegetation and tumbling boulders like ice cubes.

Perhaps most frightening, flash floods can happen when skies are sunny and clear overhead. If a thunderstorm several miles distant dumps rain over a canyon’s headwaters, a flash flood can roar downstream, catching unsuspecting hikers and canyoneers by surprise. The wall of water often moves so fast that it compresses the air in front, sending pebbles and small rocks flying through the air.

If you find yourself in the path of a flash flood, climb as high as you can as quickly as possible. It is not possible to outrun or outswim a flash flood. Even if you are only a few feet above the water, those few feet can save your life.

If there is no high ground, seek shelter behind a large rock that can break the wall of oncoming water. Squeezing into a crack or crevice along a rock wall is another last-ditch option.

The best way to avoid flash floods is to stay away from narrow canyons when the forecast calls for rain. Zion posts weather forecasts at all park entrances and visitor centers, and flash flood alerts are posted on Twitter. Flash flood alerts, which are issued by the National Weather Service, prompt the closure of The Narrows and other potentially dangerous trails.

Canyoneers, who seek out narrow canyons, face the greatest danger from flash floods. When picking up canyoneering permits, ask about the weather. If a park ranger suggests staying away from certain canyons, heed the advice. Canyoneers who disregard ranger warnings have died in flash floods.

Zion Winter Weather

As temperatures cool in autumn, a new weather pattern takes hold. From November to March, prevailing winds arrive from the west, bringing moist air from the Pacific Ocean.

Most of this moisture falls as snow on the Sierra Nevada Mountains, but some finds its way into southern Utah, where it falls as snow or rain in a mild, steady stream.

Although winter storms are much less intense than summer storms, they can sometimes linger for days. Nearly half of Zion’s precipitation falls between December and March.

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If you have never been to Zion National Park, it is always a good idea to research out and look into the seasonal weather conditions.  Averages temperatures you will be experiencing and vacationing in can vary drastically throughout the year. Zion is in the heart of Southern Utah, which has some extreme variance in weather depending on the current times of year and weather patterns.  Southern Utah sits in higher elevations like Zion Park, and have 4 main seasons summer, fall, winter, and spring! This is defiantly something to keep in mind as you look to prepare your next trip to Zion National Park.

Zion Park Summer Weather

In the summer (June- September) months it can be very hot with extremely low humidity making it feel much hotter than you actually think it is. This makes staying hydrated a little harder to do during that time of year, but obviously really important. Zion is higher in elevation and is considered the high mountain dessert, so the UV rays are much more intense. Sunscreen is a great idea for outdoor recreating through your summer months. These are some things to think about when planning your trip to the park. The highest recorded temperature in Zion was 104 degrees F. in 1985. July is always the hottest months of the year in the park but it still cools down in the evening through mid-morning.

Winter Weather in Zion

Zion during winter (November- February) months the park is slow but it is still open and draws many visitors.  The lowest recorded temperature in the park was -20 Degrees F. in 1989. Winter months typically have a much higher average of precipitation and will receive both rain and snow. December is the coldest months of the year in Zion so take that into consideration if you plan to enter the park then. Plan on bringing a big coat or layers with a wind proof jacket during your winter months in Zion.

Fall and Spring Weather in Zion is Prime

Zion National Park during the mild fall and spring months of the year, typically have the best temperatures and see no extremes temperatures generally. With the average daytime high temperatures being around 70 degree’s in the mild spring and fall months, it makes for a great choice. Generally Zion Park traffic is not at its peak either with all facilities and businesses being open. Most of these mild months are T-Shirt and shorts weather, but it’s always a good idea to keep a jacket nearby.

Check the Weather Channels- Zion National Park Forecast:

Monsoon season has arrived here in Zion National Park! This is a fun time to be in Zion. Cracking thunder, showering rain, fresh scents dancing in the air after rain, waterfalls cascading down sandstone cliffs, and don’t forget, flash floods. As summer starts coming to an end, thunderstorms start rolling in.

Monsoon season shines a new light on Zion and while it adds beauty, it comes with great danger. On average, 86 people are killed every year in the United States due to floods. Flash floods, like their name, come in an instant and catch their victims off guard.

Unpredictable Thunderstorms in Zion

While weather predictions are usually pretty accurate, they aren’t always 100% accurate. Zion National Park is 229.1 square miles, that’s almost 150,000 acres. Zion National Park rises more than 5,000 feet in elevation (3,666 ft – 8,726 ft). Because of Zion’s size and elevation differences, weather often varies throughout in the Park.

Most, if not all of the water in Zion comes from the Kolob Mountain area. So, while the Park could have no rain showers, Kolob Mountain could experience a downpour, leading to flash flooding into Zion’s many canyons.

Monsoon rainstorm showering Zion National Park in the distance.

Flash Floods in Zion National Park

Flash floods are one of Zion’s natural wonders and deserve a lot of credit for Zion’s beauty. When flash floods tear down the mountain and into Zion canyon, they collect a mass of debris including rocks, silt, logs & branches, etc. As this dense water debris mixture races through the canyon it carves into rock.

This work of nature is evident in Zion’s tall sandstone cliff faces, slot canyons, and smooth rock surfaces; polished by flash floods. This force of nature can be deadly however. When hiking in any of Zion’s streams, washes or canyons – it’s extremely important that you plan around the weather, and that includes erratic weather (don’t take any chances).

Flash flooding in Zion National Park is no laughing matter. These floods are surprising and misleading. These floods are full of mud and rocks and other debris; this makes the water much more dense and therefore harder to navigate (do not cross roads that are  flooded over). Swimming in or through flood waters is almost always impossible and will likely result in injury or death.

When is Monsoon Season in Zion National Park?

Monsoon season in Zion National Park usually arrives at the end of summer, between late July and mid September. Despite safety precautions, monsoon season is a terrific time to visit Zion. Beautiful rainstorms shower on the Park, bringing waterfalls, vital moisture for desert habitat and allowing the strong scent of sage and other plants to fill the air.

How to Prepare for Monsoon Season in Zion

The best way to prepare for monsoon season in Zion is to stay informed on Zion’s weather. If the weather forecast is at all cloudy, it’s best to stay away from hikes involving tight, slot canyons and deep ravines or washes. If you find yourself hiking in a slot canyon and a the skies (even if distant) become stormy, always be aware of possible high ground you can go to.

You’ll also want to wear rain proof or water resistant jackets as well as water resistant shoes. Monsoon season is an incredible time to be in the Park. As long as you’re prepared, you’ll be in awe at the wonder that rain storms bring to Zion. Oh, and don’t forget a camera! Be safe and enjoy the rain!