Weather & Forecast
Real-time conditions and trip-planning data for Bryce Canyon National Park
Red Flag Warning issued July 9 at 11:05AM MDT until July 11 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from noon Friday to midnight MDT Friday night. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 495 Color Country West Desert, Fire Weather Zone 496 Color Country Mountains and Fire Weather Zone 498 Grand Staircase. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 6 percent. * IMPACTS...Critical fire weather conditions are expected. Any new fire starts or existing fires may spread rapidly.
Red Flag Warning issued July 9 at 11:05AM MDT until July 9 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from noon Friday to midnight MDT Friday night. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 495 Color Country West Desert, Fire Weather Zone 496 Color Country Mountains and Fire Weather Zone 498 Grand Staircase. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 6 percent. * IMPACTS...Critical fire weather conditions are expected. Any new fire starts or existing fires may spread rapidly.
Hourly Forecast
Hour-by-hour outlook for the next 48 hours
Extended Forecast
16-day outlook for Bryce Canyon National Park
NWS Detailed Forecast
Official narrative forecast from the National Weather Service
Sunny, with a high near 86. West southwest wind around 13 mph.
Clear. Low around 55, with temperatures rising to around 58 overnight. West wind 5 to 13 mph.
Sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 5 to 12 mph.
Clear, with a low around 56. West wind 7 to 10 mph.
Sunny, with a high near 90. West northwest wind 6 to 10 mph.
Mostly clear, with a low around 60.
Sunny, with a high near 89.
Mostly clear, with a low around 61.
Source: weather.gov
Sunrise & Sunset
Plan your hikes and photography around the light
This Week's Sun Times
What to Pack Right Now
Personalized recommendations based on the current forecast
Clothing
- Shorts and breathable hiking pants
- Multiple layers for big temperature swings
- Comfortable hiking socks (wool blend)
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (high-altitude sun is intense)
- Wide-brim hat for sun protection
- Polarized sunglasses
- UV-protective lip balm
- Cooling neck gaiter or bandana
Hydration & Nutrition
- At least 3 liters of water per person per day
- Electrolyte packets
- Trail snacks (salty + sweet for energy)
Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
Safety & Gear
- Headlamp (for early starts or if hikes run long)
- Leave exposed areas if thunderstorms threaten
- First aid kit with blister care
- Trail map or downloaded offline maps
Seasonal Guide
What to expect each season at Bryce Canyon National Park
Spring
Spring at Bryce Canyon is a transitional season of dramatic contrasts. Snow-covered hoodoos gradually give way to wildflower blooms across the plateau. Weather is highly variable — sunny mornings can quickly turn to snow squalls. The Rim Trail and many viewpoints become accessible as snow melts, but some trails below the rim may remain icy well into April. Spring brings some of the best photography conditions with fresh snow on red rock formations.
- Heavy layers for temperature swings
- Waterproof jacket
- Microspikes for icy trails
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
Summer
NowSummer is Bryce Canyon's busiest season, but the high elevation (8,000–9,000 ft) keeps temperatures 20–30°F cooler than lower desert parks. Days are warm and pleasant for hiking, though afternoon thunderstorms are common during monsoon season (July–August). Lightning is a real hazard along exposed rim trails. The park's famous hoodoo amphitheaters are fully accessible, and all trails are open. The dark skies make summer nights ideal for the park's astronomy programs.
- Layered clothing (cool mornings, warm afternoons)
- Rain jacket for afternoon storms
- Minimum 2 liters water per person
- Wide-brim hat and sunscreen
Fall
Fall is arguably the best time to visit Bryce Canyon. Crowds thin dramatically after Labor Day while weather remains excellent for hiking. The surrounding Ponderosa pine and aspen forests explode with golden fall color against the red and orange hoodoos. Clear autumn skies provide exceptional visibility — on clear days you can see over 100 miles from the rim. October's first dustings of snow on the hoodoos create magical photography opportunities.
- Warm layers (cold mornings, mild afternoons)
- Insulated jacket for evenings
- Sunscreen
- Sturdy hiking boots
Winter
Winter transforms Bryce Canyon into a snow-covered wonderland. The contrast of white snow against vivid orange and red hoodoos is unlike anything else in the national park system. The park remains open year-round, but road access is limited — only the road to Bryce Point stays plowed. Rim Trail sections and some upper trails are accessible with proper traction devices. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular on the rim. Expect bitterly cold temperatures, especially at night when it regularly drops below zero.
- Heavy insulated jacket and base layers
- Microspikes or snowshoes
- Warm hat, gloves, and face covering
- Hand/toe warmers
Historical Monthly Averages
Typical conditions by month at Bryce Canyon National Park
🌡️ Average Temperature (°F)
🌧️ Average Precipitation (inches)
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month ratings for planning your trip
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Activities | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Feb | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mar | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Apr | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| May | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Jun | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| JulNow | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Aug | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Sep | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Oct | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Nov | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Dec | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Trail Weather Considerations
Essential safety information for Bryce Canyon National Park trails
High Elevation Effects
Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000–9,100 feet elevation. The thin air means you'll tire faster, sunburn more quickly, and dehydrate sooner than at lower elevations. Allow extra time for hikes, drink more water than you think you need, and watch for symptoms of altitude sickness: headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. Trails that descend below the rim (like Navajo Loop) require climbing back up — the return is always harder than the descent.
Lightning on the Rim
The exposed canyon rim is extremely dangerous during thunderstorms. Afternoon storms develop rapidly during monsoon season (July–September) — a clear morning can produce lightning by early afternoon. If you hear thunder or see dark clouds building, immediately leave exposed rim areas and descend below the rim or seek shelter. Never shelter under isolated trees. The Rim Trail, Bryce Point, and Inspiration Point are particularly exposed to lightning strikes.
Ice and Snow on Trails
Trails below the rim — especially the Navajo Loop's steep switchbacks through Wall Street — become extremely treacherous when icy. Compacted snow and ice persist on shaded trail sections from November through April. Microspikes are essential, not optional. The Queens Garden connector and Peek-a-Boo Loop can have dangerous ice patches on north-facing slopes. Check trail conditions at the Visitor Center before descending below the rim in winter and early spring.
Extreme Cold at Night
Bryce Canyon's high elevation and dry air create dramatic temperature drops after sunset. Even in summer, nighttime temperatures can fall into the 40s°F. In winter, temperatures regularly plunge below zero (-10 to -20°F is common). If you're staying for sunset viewing or attending an astronomy program, bring significantly more warm clothing than the daytime weather suggests. Hypothermia is a real risk for unprepared visitors year-round.
Monsoon Season Flash Flooding
July through September brings monsoon season with sudden, intense afternoon thunderstorms. While Bryce Canyon doesn't have narrow slot canyons like some Utah parks, the steep trails below the rim can experience dangerous water runoff and rockfall during heavy rain. The Wall Street section of Navajo Loop is particularly vulnerable to falling rocks loosened by rain. Avoid hiking below the rim during active thunderstorms.
Sun Exposure at Altitude
At 8,000+ feet elevation, UV radiation is approximately 25% stronger than at sea level. Sunburn happens quickly, even on overcast days and even in winter when snow reflects UV rays. Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen, reapply every 2 hours, and use a wide-brim hat and UV-protective sunglasses. The dry air also increases dehydration — drink water consistently, even when you don't feel thirsty. Lip balm with SPF is essential in all seasons.
Bryce Canyon National Park Weather FAQ
Common questions about Bryce Canyon National Park weather, seasons, and forecast
What is the weather like in Bryce Canyon National Park?
Bryce Canyon sits high on the Paunsaugunt Plateau, with the rim between about 8,000 and 9,100 feet, so it is much cooler than lower desert parks. It has four distinct seasons with large day-to-night temperature swings: mild summers, crisp spring and fall, and long, cold, snowy winters. Even in summer, nights can dip into the 40s°F.
What is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park for good weather?
Late spring through early fall (May–October) offers the most comfortable hiking weather, with September and October especially pleasant as crowds thin and the air stays clear. Summer days are mild but bring afternoon thunderstorms, while winter is cold and snowy — beautiful for photography but requiring traction and warm layers.
How hot does Bryce Canyon get in the summer?
Bryce stays mild for a Southwest park thanks to its 8,000-foot elevation. July and August daytime highs typically reach only the mid-70s to low-80s°F (about 24–28°C) and drop into the 40s°F at night, so pack a warm layer even in midsummer. Afternoon monsoon storms are common, so plan exposed rim hikes for the morning.
Does it snow in Bryce Canyon National Park?
Yes — heavily. Bryce Canyon receives roughly 100 inches of snow a year, and snow is possible from October through April. Winter nights regularly fall below 0°F. Rim and below-rim trails can be icy or snow-packed, so microspikes or other traction devices are strongly recommended in winter.
When is monsoon season in Bryce Canyon, and why does it matter?
Monsoon season runs from roughly mid-July through September and brings sudden afternoon thunderstorms. At Bryce the main danger is lightning on the exposed rim and hoodoo overlooks (plus rockfall and runoff on below-rim trails), so watch the sky, leave high and exposed viewpoints when storms build, and time hikes for the morning.
What is the current weather forecast for Bryce Canyon National Park?
This page shows a live 16-day forecast, an hourly outlook, and the official National Weather Service narrative for Bryce Canyon, updated continuously. Because of the elevation, conditions on the rim can be cooler and windier than down among the hoodoos, so check before you head out.