Bryce Canyon - When to Visit

When to Bryce Canyon

Climate guide & best times to travel

Bryce Canyon experiences an extreme desert climate with exceptionally high temperatures and minimal precipitation throughout the year. The region sees virtually no rainfall, with most months receiving only 0.1 inches or less, creating arid conditions year-round. Temperatures range from relatively mild winters with highs of 98°F in January to scorching summers reaching peak temperatures of 176°F in July, making it one of the most extreme climates in the travel to United States. The climate follows a distinct seasonal pattern with winter months (December-February) being the most tolerable with temperatures in the upper 90s to low 100s°F, while summer months (June-August) become dangerously hot with temperatures exceeding 160°F. The consistent 70% humidity throughout the year, combined with these extreme temperatures, creates challenging conditions for outdoor activities during peak summer months. Visitors should plan carefully around these temperature extremes for safety and comfort.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
December through February when temperatures are in the more manageable 98-101°F range, though still extremely hot by normal standards.
Cultural Exploration
January and February offer the coolest conditions with highs around 98-101°F, making indoor cultural activities and brief outdoor exploration more bearable.
Adventure & Hiking
December through March provide the only feasible hiking conditions with temperatures below 115°F, though extreme caution and preparation are still essential.
Budget Travel
June through August may offer lower accommodation rates due to the extreme heat (160-176°F), but travel during these months requires exceptional heat preparation.

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January represents the coolest month of the year with highs of 98°F and lows of 62°F. Despite being winter, temperatures remain extremely hot by normal standards. Minimal rainfall of 0.1 inches maintains the arid desert conditions.

98°F High
62°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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February

February continues the relatively cooler winter pattern with highs reaching 101°F and lows of 65°F. The dry conditions persist with only 0.1 inches of rainfall. This remains one of the more tolerable months for outdoor activities.

101°F High
65°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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March

March marks the beginning of the temperature climb with highs reaching 114°F and lows of 73°F. The extremely dry conditions continue with minimal 0.1-inch rainfall. Heat begins to become more challenging for extended outdoor activities.

114°F High
73°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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April

April sees a significant temperature increase with highs of 128°F and lows of 84°F. No rainfall occurs during this month, intensifying the arid conditions. Outdoor activities become increasingly difficult due to extreme heat.

128°F High
84°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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May

May brings dangerously high temperatures with highs of 145°F and lows of 97°F. The complete absence of rainfall creates extremely harsh desert conditions. This month requires exceptional heat precautions for any outdoor activities.

145°F High
97°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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June

June escalates to extreme heat with highs of 167°F and lows of 112°F. No precipitation provides relief from the scorching temperatures. Outdoor activities become extremely dangerous without proper preparation and should be limited to early morning hours.

167°F High
112°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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July

July reaches the year's peak temperature with highs of 176°F and lows of 125°F. A minimal 0.1 inches of rainfall provides virtually no relief from the extreme heat. This is the most challenging month for any outdoor activities.

176°F High
125°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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August

August maintains extreme heat with highs of 171°F and lows of 122°F. The minimal 0.1 inches of rainfall does little to alleviate the scorching conditions. Outdoor exposure should be extremely limited during this month.

171°F High
122°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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September

September begins the gradual cooling trend with highs of 158°F and lows of 106°F. Light rainfall of 0.1 inches provides minimal relief. While still extremely hot, temperatures start to become slightly more manageable than peak summer.

158°F High
106°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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October

October shows continued cooling with highs of 136°F and lows of 89°F. The minimal 0.1 inches of rainfall maintains dry conditions. Temperatures remain challenging but begin to approach more manageable levels for brief outdoor activities.

136°F High
89°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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November

November brings significant cooling with highs of 114°F and lows of 73°F. Light rainfall of 0.1 inches continues the dry pattern. Temperatures become more tolerable for outdoor exploration with proper precautions.

114°F High
73°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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December

December returns to the year's coolest temperatures with highs of 98°F and lows of 62°F. Minimal rainfall of 0.1 inches maintains the arid climate. This month offers the most comfortable conditions for outdoor activities, though still extremely hot by normal standards.

98°F High
62°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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Activities in Bryce Canyon