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A triangular sandstone mountain rises over green and yellow foliage under a cloudy blue sky.
NPS/Shane Carte

National Park · UT

Zion National Park

Zion is quietest in January and February and busiest in September.

Towering red sandstone cliffs, the Virgin River, and the famous Narrows and Angels Landing hikes draw millions to southwest Utah.

4.9M recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)

January: ~218,698 typical visitsJanFebruary: ~242,997 typical visitsFebMarch: ~388,795 typical visitsMarApril: ~461,695 typical visitsAprMay: ~485,994 typical visitsMayJune: ~510,294 typical visitsJunJuly: ~534,594 typical visitsJulAugust: ~534,594 typical visitsAugSeptember: ~485,994 typical visitsSepOctober: ~437,395 typical visitsOctNovember: ~315,896 typical visitsNovDecember: ~242,997 typical visitsDec

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

Pick a month to visit Zion

This week

7-day forecast

DayConditionsHighLowPrecip chance
Mon 19Overcast62°F48°F21%
Tue 20Overcast63°F49°F17%
Wed 21Light drizzle69°F53°F79%
Thu 22Rain showers62°F46°F98%
Fri 23Mostly clear55°F41°F82%
Sat 24Clear61°F43°F15%
Sun 25Clear66°F47°F5%

Forecast data by Open-Meteo

Source: Open-Meteo

Weather

Monthly climate normals

MonthAvg highAvg lowPrecip
January52°F29°F1.6"
February58°F33°F1.6"
March66°F39°F1.7"
April74°F46°F1.3"
May84°F55°F0.7"
June95°F64°F0.5"
July100°F70°F0.8"
August97°F68°F1.4"
September90°F60°F0.8"
October78°F48°F1.1"
November63°F37°F1.2"
December52°F29°F1.4"

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Zion NP

Know before you go

Fees & hours

Entrance fee
$35 — $35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days
Hours
Open 24 hours daily; shuttle required in the canyon most of the year
Official NPS park site →

Source: NPS Data API

Conditions

Current alerts

  • Information

    Please park legally and responsibly

    Zion has limited parking. Once parking spaces in Zion are full, visitors should park in Springdale. Please park only in designated spaces. Vehicles parked outside of designated spaces are subject to citation and towing.

    Details on nps.gov →
  • Information

    Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program

    All hikers need a permit to hike Angels Landing. Learn why you need a permit and how to get one using the link below.

    Details on nps.gov →
  • Caution

    Toxic cyanobacteria in rivers, streams, and pools

    Do not submerge your head in or drink instream water in Zion National Park.

    Details on nps.gov →
  • Caution

    Large vehicle restrictions on Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway

    Vehicles that exceed length, width, height, or weight limits cannot travel between Canyon Junction and the park's East Entrance. See the current limits on the page linked below.

    Details on nps.gov →
  • Park Closure

    Watchman Trail closed

    The Watchman Trail is closed pending repairs.

Source: NPS Data API

FAQ

Zion questions

When is the best time to visit Zion?

Zion is least crowded in January, February, and December. September is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.

How much does it cost to visit Zion?

Entrance to Zion costs $35 ($35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days).

When is Zion busiest?

Zion is busiest in September, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.

How crowded is Zion during holidays and fee-free days?

Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Zion. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.