Bryce Canyon Weather: Forecast and Current Conditions
Bryce Canyon is one of the highest national parks in the United States. The plateau ranges from 7,900 to 9,200 feet above sea level. At this elevation, the climate is mountainous, with wide day-to-night temperature swings, long snowy winters, and summers shortened by Southwest monsoon thunderstorms. The short version: it can be 77°F at noon and drop below 41°F that same night, even in July.
Current readings are unavailable. See the seasonal averages farther down this page.
Open-Meteo readings · updating… · park time zone
Bryce Canyon Climate Month by Month
The figures below are climate normals recorded at the Visitor Center, at about 7,900 feet. Expect temperatures 5 to 9°F lower at Rainbow Point, at 9,100 feet, the coldest area of the park.
| Month | Low | High | Precip. | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°F | 34°F | ~1.2 in | Guaranteed nighttime freezing, frequent snow |
| February | 14°F | 37°F | ~1.1 in | Snow is still likely |
| March | 19°F | 46°F | ~1.2 in | Late-season snowstorms |
| April | 28°F | 55°F | ~1.0 in | Alternating sun and snow |
| May | 37°F | 64°F | ~0.8 in | Pleasant, but nighttime freezing is still possible |
| June | 45°F | 75°F | ~0.6 in | Dry and ideal for the trails |
| July | 52°F | 81°F | ~1.8 in | Thunderstorms almost every afternoon |
| August | 50°F | 77°F | ~2.0 in | Active monsoon, frequent lightning |
| September | 41°F | 70°F | ~1.0 in | Dry weather returns, golden light |
| October | 30°F | 57°F | ~1.0 in | Freezing nights, fall colors |
| November | 19°F | 43°F | ~1.0 in | First lasting snow |
| December | 12°F | 34°F | ~1.4 in | Snow-covered park and a wintry atmosphere |
Precipitation is measured as water equivalent. In winter, 0.4 inches represents about 4 to 6 inches of fresh snow.
Is Bryce Canyon Cold? Records and Extremes
Yes, very cold in winter. Bryce Canyon is one of the coldest national parks in the contiguous United States, largely because of its elevation. Freezing temperatures occur every night from October through May. Visitors arriving directly from Las Vegas, at 1,500 feet, or Zion Canyon, about 4,000 feet lower, are often surprised by summer nights that fall to around 50 to 54°F.
As for heat, summer records at the Visitor Center rarely exceed 90°F. Dry air and high elevation limit how hot it feels, but they also increase dehydration. Two liters of water per person per outing is a safety standard, not a suggestion.
Snow can fall during any month of the year, although July and August snowfall remains exceptional. In winter, annual accumulation on the plateau generally exceeds 71 inches. The hoodoos owe part of their shape to repeated freeze-thaw cycles that gradually fracture the sandstone.
What to Wear by Season
Winter: Layer thermal clothing, including a technical base layer, midweight fleece, and waterproof windproof shell. Add liner gloves, an ear-covering hat, waterproof hiking shoes, and light traction devices such as microspikes. Falls on ice are the park's leading cause of winter injuries. Without traction, several trails become genuinely dangerous.
Spring: Keep a waterproof jacket in your daypack at all times, even under a blue morning sky. March and April storms arrive without warning. Recommended layers include a lightweight base layer, fleece, and windbreaker.
Summer: Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen and put on a hat from sunrise. Wear UV400 sunglasses. Pack an ultralight rain jacket for afternoon thunderstorms. Trail shoes with aggressive tread are a good choice because red clay trails become seriously slippery after rain. Avoid exposed ridges between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. in July and August. For hikes with kids, find family-friendly trails and safety tips in the Bryce Canyon with Kids guide.
Fall: Use the same base layers as in spring, adding a warmer jacket starting in October. For camping, a sleeping bag rated to 23°F is recommended starting in mid-October.
Alerts and Conditions to Watch
Road closures: The main Scenic Drive stays open year-round, but side roads such as Fairyland Point and access roads to some overlooks may close without warning after snowfall. Check the official NPS website before you leave, especially from November through April. For access routes and alternatives in case of a closure, find your options in Getting to Bryce Canyon.
Thunderstorms and lightning: From mid-July to mid-August, storms form quickly over the plateau. Here's the absolute rule: if you hear thunder or spot cumulonimbus clouds overhead, leave ridges and exposed areas immediately. Don't seek shelter under a lone tree.
Ice: From November through April, shaded trails remain icy even when afternoon temperatures rise above 32°F. The National Park Service publishes a conditions report updated daily, available at the park entrance and online.
Flash floods: They're less common than at Zion, but they can occur on canyon-bottom trails such as Riverbottom Trail after heavy rain. Watch the sky upstream, not just above your position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bryce Canyon so cold?
Bryce Canyon is so cold because of its high elevation. The plateau sits between 7,900 and 9,200 feet, well above most national parks in the American West. At this elevation, temperatures are consistently 10 to 15°F lower than in nearby valleys such as Zion or Page, Arizona.
Does it snow in Bryce Canyon?
Yes. Bryce Canyon is one of the snowiest parks in the American Southwest. Snow falls from November through April, with the heaviest accumulations between December and February. Late-season storms in March and April can still drop several feet of snow in a few hours.
Is it snowing in Bryce Canyon right now?
Outside the June-to-August period, snow remains possible in Bryce Canyon at any time. To check current conditions, including snow, ice, and road closures, consult the NPS conditions report, updated daily.
What is the climate like in Bryce Canyon?
Bryce Canyon has a semi-arid mountain climate, with long snowy winters, warm but moderate summers that top out around 77 to 81°F, frequent thunderstorms from mid-July through mid-August associated with the Southwest monsoon, and sunny, pleasant falls with cool nights starting in October.
What should I wear to visit Bryce Canyon?
What you need varies widely by season. In winter, thermal clothing and traction devices are essential. In summer, focus on sun protection and always keep a lightweight rain jacket in your pack for afternoon storms. Year-round, the temperature difference between morning and afternoon can exceed 27°F, so layering is the right approach.