WEATHER & FORECAST
Real-time conditions and trip-planning data for Bryce Canyon National Park
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
Clear. Low around 44, with temperatures rising to around 47 overnight. West wind around 5 mph.
Sunny, with a high near 72. Northwest wind 5 to 12 mph.
Mostly clear. Low around 46, with temperatures rising to around 48 overnight. Northwest wind 5 to 12 mph.
Sunny, with a high near 73. West wind 5 to 14 mph.
Mostly clear, with a low around 47. West northwest wind 5 to 14 mph.
Sunny, with a high near 69.
Mostly clear, with a low around 43.
Sunny, with a high near 62.
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
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
- Insulated jacket for mornings and evenings
- Warm hat and gloves
- 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
Hydration & Nutrition
- At least 2 liters of water per person per day
- Trail snacks (salty + sweet for energy)
Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
Safety & Gear
- Headlamp (for early starts or if hikes run long)
- 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
NowSpring 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
Summer 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 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| MayNow | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Jun | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Jul | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Aug | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Sep | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Oct | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Nov | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Dec | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Trail Weather Considerations
Essential safety information for Bryce Canyon's 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.