Utah is on your bucket list, and for great reasons! From the scenic vistas to the various indoor and outdoor activities, it’s truly a state everyone should explore. But when is the best time of the year to visit?
Best Time of the Year to Visit Utah
The answer depends on many factors, like what you’re planning to do when you’re there and your favorite vacation temperatures. For instance, the arts and entertainment scenes are top-notch, so the Christmas plays in Utah shouldn’t be missed. But the breathtaking views along the national parks are often closed when there’s snow, narrowing the time for those planning on hiking these natural wonders to a warmer season.
What’s the best time of year for you to enjoy your favorite activities in Utah? Follow this guide to ensure you’re planning your trip to the Beehive State during the right season!
The General Details
Utah has gained popularity as a favorite tourist destination. Statistics on Utah’s economy boasted a record visitor spending of nearly $12 billion USD. This staggering boost brought almost 100,000 new travel-related jobs to the state and significantly helped the state and tax revenue.
The tourism economy continued to stay strong in 2023 and 2024, even among country-wide concerns of inflation, recession, and higher gas prices. In short, the world has finally recognized Utah’s potential for delighting the soul through natural marvels, attractions, and activities, and they’re headed to see it for themselves.
The state’s climate is semi-arid, dry, and desert, meaning the summers are hot and the winters are not. Northern Utah can see a whopping 43 feet of snow each year, ideal for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Spring and summer are sunny and warm, packing in plenty of people for lake activities and hiking explorations. Since the state is known for its low humidity, extreme cold and heat are easier to deal with here than in more humid states.
With a busy year all the time, how can you avoid the tourist crush and still come for your favorite Utah goodies? Let’s break down the year season by season next.
Spring Favorites (March-May)
Spring in Utah is known for being wet and cold in the early months, then budding into beautiful, warmer temperatures ideal for hiking.
If you want to check out the many impressive ski resorts in the state, head to the northern cities. Snowfall continues most years until mid-April, giving you plenty of time from winter to spring to get your skiing fix!
Another wonderful part of visiting Utah in the spring is that you can drive a short distance south and be in mild temperatures. There’s only about a four-hour difference between northern and southern Utah (depending on where you’re going). It’s quite possible to plan a few days of skiing and take the rest of your trip to visit some of the Mighty Five, Utah’s five national parks in the south of the state.
Note that the parks can be anywhere from 35 minutes to three hours away from each other, so plan carefully if you want to visit more than one. The majestic beauty of wildflowers growing in Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park is worth the trip! However, those later spring days are also popular with other tourists. If you’re planning to visit and don’t want to be rushed, consider going early in the morning or later in the day.
Summer Fun (June-August)
Utah’s summers are hot, hot, hot, which is perfect if you enjoy water sports or indoor activities. The dry heat here makes the above 100-degree Fahrenheit days bearable but still dangerous if you aren’t protected from the sun’s rays.
On a hot June day, you can see daylight for close to 15 hours, giving you plenty of time to check out Arches, Zion National Park, or the Canyonlands. Waterways like the Virgin River are ripe for water activities and hiking along the stretches of land on either side. However, swimming is usually not recommended due to the toxic algae blooms.
If you want to swim, Bear Lake’s turquoise waters with a mountain backdrop await you. There, you’ll find watersports (rentals if needed), trails, and warm temps. Water activities like paddleboarding and whitewater rafting are popular at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and fishing or relaxing around Panguitch Lake is another option.
City lovers who prefer the comforts of home often head to Park City, where they can enjoy clean, cool mountain air, along with nightlife, shopping, and restaurants. The city is extremely popular with foodies! Whatever your preferred activity, from horseback riding to guided hikes, you will likely find it when you visit Utah in the summer.
Lovely Autumn (September-November)
The traditional autumnal drop in temperature found in every state is visible in Utah during September-November. Outdoor activities are easier during these months because the paths aren’t as busy, and the sun isn’t as harsh. The days can be crisp and cool, and the evenings are chilly, but the colorful hues of changing leaves make this time of year arguably the most beautiful. October can bring snow, shrouding the trees and ground in a peaceful white blanket until the noon sun melts it again.
Autumn is a great time to visit as long as you have warm clothes. The shorter days mean fewer tourists, giving you time to experience the natural landmarks and national parks without distraction.
Winter Wonderland (December-March)
Chances are extremely high that you’ll see snow during a winter visit, especially in Northern Utah. In an average year, temperatures can dip into the 20s but rarely get below 0 degrees. This cold climate is ideal for keeping the snow packed for the thousands of skiers, snowshoers, and snow tubers who visit the slopes each year.
But even if you don’t want to get up close with the snow, you’ll still enjoy the winter wonderland of Utah. It’s the time when theaters are festive and showing favorites like The Nutcracker, shopping and dining venues are full of lights and carols, and the Festival of Trees takes place in Salt Lake City. Check the holiday calendar of the city you’re visiting, and explore what Utah looks like when its residents are in the Christmas spirit!
