THE ZION NARROWS
Weather in the Zion Narrows can vary greatly season to season, day to day, or even hour to hour. While each season presents its own display of stunning beauty, each also presents its own challenges and considerations. Flash flooding, seasonal snow-melt, falling ice, and sudden temperature fluctuations are just a handful of the varying conditions hikers must be prepared for before beginning their journey.
The following seasonal charts reflect our over 20 years of hiking in this majestic canyon. While we do our best to present the most accurate seasonal information, it is always recommend to check weather conditions periodically in the days and hours before your hike.
The following seasonal charts reflect our over 20 years of hiking in this majestic canyon. While we do our best to present the most accurate seasonal information, it is always recommend to check weather conditions periodically in the days and hours before your hike.
Spring (March - May)
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Spring can be a great time to visit the Narrows. While cold snaps and high water from spring run-off require hikers to possibly still utilize a dry suit or dry pants, day time temperatures begin to reach a comfortable level. It is likely the Narrows will be closed for periods of time between March - April due to yearly snow run-off.
Access to Chamberlain's Ranch may still be limited, preventing Top-Down Narrows single day and overnight trips. |
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sEASONAL EXPECTATIONS
Visitor Traffic: Moderate
Gear Recommendation: Dry Bib / Dry Pant Package
Flash Flood Potential: Low - Low/Moderate
Gear Recommendation: Dry Bib / Dry Pant Package
Flash Flood Potential: Low - Low/Moderate
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Potential Hazards: Spring run-off has the potential to close the Narrows if the CFS (Cubic Feet per Second) exceeds 150. If snow pack is above historical averages, it is possible for the Narrows to be closed for a significant amount of time. Please contact our shop for the most accurate conditions.
AVERAGE Temperatures
Month |
Air |
Water |
March |
48F/9C |
40F/4C - 45F/7C |
April |
57F/14C |
45F/7C - 50F/10C |
May |
67F/19C |
50F/10C - 55F/12.8C |
Summer (May - August)
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By mid-May, seasonal snow melt has usually settled and air and water temperatures have risen to a comfortable level. As this is by far the most popular time of year for hiking the Narrows, hikers should expect to encounter more traffic.
Summer also brings with it the threat of thunderstorms and flash flooding. Hikers should regularly check the weather forecast for the most up to date information. Seasonal expectationsVisitor Traffic: High
Gear Recommendation: Canyon Boots/Neoprene Socks Flash Flood Potential: Moderate/High
Potential Hazards: "Monsoon Season" as it is known in the desert southwest brings with it the potential for flash flooding. If the forecast calls for a 30% change of rain or higher, hikers should be more cautious before entering the Narrows. Significant rainfall also brings the potential for the North Fork Rd. (to Chamberlain's Ranch), to become inaccessible for up to 48 hours.
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Average temperatures
Month |
Air |
Water |
May |
67F / 19C |
50F/10C - 55F/12C |
June |
79F / 26C |
55F/12C - 60F/15C |
July |
84F / 28C |
60F/15C - 65F/18C |
August |
81F / 27C |
60F/15C - 65F/18C |
Fall (September - November)
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With colors changing, air temperatures dropping, and summer crowds abating; Fall may be the best time of year to explore the Narrows.
September still provides plenty of warmth for hikers to stick with shoes and socks, but as days shorten and water temperatures drop, dry pants may become necessary. seasonal EXPECTATIONS
Visitor Traffic: Moderate/High
Gear Recommendation: Dry Pants/ Dry Bib Package Flash Flood Potential: Moderate/Low
Potential Hazards: Strong rain storms in September are still possible. Significant rainfall brings the potential of the North Fork Rd. to Chamberlain's Ranch becoming inaccessible for up to 48 hours. Changing park shuttles times require hikers to be more wary of return times to the Temple of Sinawava.
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TEMPERATURE AVERAGES
Month |
Air |
Water |
September |
74F / 23C |
55F / 12C - 60F / 15C |
October |
63F / 17C |
50F / 10C - 55F / 12C |
November |
47F / 8C |
45F / 7C - 50F / 10C |
Winter (December - February)
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Winter hiking in the Narrows may be one of the best kept secrets in Zion. While the hike does require the use of additional insulating layers and a full dry suit, hikers will find the solitude of the canyon well worth the extra gear.
Hikers should still be aware of hazardous conditions; including falling ice, slippery surfaces, near freezing water temperatures, and though rare, flash flooding. |
sEASONAL EXPECTATIONS
Visitor Traffic: Low
Gear Recommendation: Dry Suit Package
Flash Flood Potential: Low
Gear Recommendation: Dry Suit Package
Flash Flood Potential: Low
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Potential Hazards: The Riverside walk may be extremely icy or even closed due to conditions. Hikers should avoid hiking next to canyon walls, as falling ice is likely. Though rare, flash flooding is still possible during the winter months.
TEMPERATURE AVERAGES
MONTH |
AIR |
WATER |
December |
38F/3C |
40F/4C - 45F/7C |
January |
37F/2C |
40F/4C - 45F/7C |
February |
42F/5C |
40F/4C - 45F/7C |
