Skip to content

Capitol Reef · February

Capitol Reef in February

February is one of the best times to visit Capitol Reef — about as busy as January, quieter than March.

Expect light crowds (1/10), highs near 47°F, and about 10.8 hours of daylight.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

1/10
Quiet

Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.

About 9% of this park's busiest month.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →

Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe

Visitation

Typical February visits vs. the year

February (typical)19,552
Peak — May207,945
Quietest — January16,138

February draws about 1% of Capitol Reef’s yearly visitors.

Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Weather

February weather

Avg high
47°F
Avg low
26°F
Precipitation
0.5"
Sunrise
7:14 AM
Sunset
6:03 PM
Daylight
10.8h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CAPITOL REEF NP, UT US

What's open

Capitol Reef in February: access

Capitol Reef is a 24 hour park, open all day, every day. The visitor center is open daily, except for some major holidays. Visitor center hours vary, call 435-425-3791 and follow the prompts for current visitor center information.

No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.

Source: NPS Data API

Conditions

Current alerts

  • Caution

    Monsoon Season & Flash Floods

    Heavy rains can cause sudden flooding, especially in canyons and washes. Do not drive or hike through flood waters. Get to high ground and wait for floods to subside. Some roads may close temporarily; closures are posted at the visitor center.

    Details on nps.gov →
  • Caution

    Elevated E. Coli levels - Fremont River and Sulphur Creek

    Recent water quality testing shows elevated E. coli levels in the Fremont River and Sulphur Creek. A warning advisory has been issued by the Utah DEQ. Use caution if entering the water. Do not get water in your mouth, do not swim. Wash hands with soap and water.

Source: NPS Data API

Context

Capitol Reef crowds across the year

January: 1/10 crowdJanFebruary: 1/10 crowd1FebMarch: 5/10 crowdMarApril: 8/10 crowdAprMay: 10/10 crowdMayJune: 9/10 crowdJunJuly: 6/10 crowdJulAugust: 6/10 crowdAugSeptember: 9/10 crowdSepOctober: 9/10 crowdOctNovember: 4/10 crowdNovDecember: 2/10 crowdDec

FAQ

Capitol Reef in February

How busy is Capitol Reef in February?

February rates 1/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Capitol Reef National Park — about 9% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 19,552.

What is the weather like at Capitol Reef in February?

In February, Capitol Reef averages a high of 47°F and a low of 26°F, with about 0.5 inches of precipitation.

How much does it cost to visit Capitol Reef?

Entrance to Capitol Reef costs $20 (An entrance fee is charged per vehicle.).

When is Capitol Reef least crowded?

Capitol Reef is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.

How many hours of daylight does Capitol Reef get in February?

In mid-February, Capitol Reef gets about 10.8 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:14 AM and sunset around 6:03 PM.