Southern Utah Weather

[bluegrass_smoke]

We are starting to plan our 2019 winter trip to AZ. On our way back to east, we want to spend some time in southern Utah National Parks. When is a good time to head that way from the Phoenix/Scottsdale area? Cool I don't mind but cold and snow is something I want to avoid. Thanks in advance.

[profdant139]

I would not shy away from the high country in the winter, as long as you are properly equipped. The red rocks covered with a dusting of snow are spectacular. For example, Kodachrome State Park (not too far from Bryce) has full hookups, and we have camped there in the snow.

Having said all of that, if there is a real blizzard on the way (as distinguished from a few inches of fluffy stuff), I would re-route to lower elevations.

[jplante4]

Moved from General RVing

[tatest]

Late September, early October is nice, although this is well enough known that the parks stay pretty busy, it is the most popular time for visitors flying in for RV circle tours, from Europe and the eastern U.S. Mid-October gets a huge influx of traffic whichever week the UEA has its lobbying visit to the state legislature, creating a week-long school holiday at a time of the year when southern Utah weather is most pleasant. This year it is this week.

After mid-October, it depends on your weather expectations. The area gets a long cold winter, but outside the mountains it is a mostly dry winter, and cold means the parks are not so crowded. I've been there in early October, great weather tending to be warm, but thunderstorms possible, and in May when it was moderately warm at lower altitudes, quite cold up in the passes.

[ncrowley]

We live about 30 miles west of Zion. November and December can be wonderful months to visit. There are not so many people and most of the time, the weather is great. However, Bryce has snow in the winter. Other places to visit would be Monument Valley and Moab.

[bluegrass_smoke]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far.

[2gypsies1]

I think you'd enjoy the weather of Utah beginning in late March/April. May it starts getting hot.

[BarryG20]

It can be a a real **** shoot. Many times the weather is just fantastic cool but not freezing during the day with great sun. Then you can also get a good snow and overcast for a few days. The higher elevation areas it can certainly be darn cold and obviously risk of snow is quite a bit higher. If you are a hiker don't be surprised to find snow and ice on the trails at least in places as they might only see sun a couple hours a day if at all in the canyons.

[Grit_dog]

Look up the avg temps for where you want to go??
I've been in some of the best snow conditions in November and 90deg in April.......in southern Utah.

[F-TROUP]

Just left Moab Oct 6th was in the mid 70's lows 40's

[Tom_Barb]

obgraham wrote:
Depends a bit on where you are talking about. Bryce Canyon? I've been in heavy snowfall there in April.

Well,,,the two big parks are over 7000' in elevation. Spring comes late that high.

[obgraham]

Depends a bit on where you are talking about. Bryce Canyon? I've been in heavy snowfall there in April.

[Clay_L]

We passed through UT heading north from AZ for many years. We went through at the end of March most years and it was cool but not hot all those years as I recall.

[Corky12]

We have done southern Utah from mid to late February many years. It can be chilly nights but daytime hiking with a light jacket is perfect. March and April are warmer but also more crowded.