THE ZION NARROWS

seasons 

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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. 

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Spring    (March - May)

​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

MONTH	BOTTOM-UP OPEN
March	LIKELY
April	RARELY
May	MOSTLY

MONTH	TOP-DOWN OPEN
March	UNLIKELY
April	RARELY
May	MOSTLY

​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.

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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)

​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. ​

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​Seasonal expectations​

Visitor Traffic: High

Gear Recommendation: Canyon Boots/Neoprene Socks

Flash Flood Potential: Moderate/High​

MONTH	BOTTOM-UP OPEN
May	MOSTLY
June	YES
July	YES
August	YES

MONTH	TOP-DOWN OPEN
May	MOSTLY
June	YES
July	YES
August	YES

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)

​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. ​​​

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seasonal EXPECTATIONS​​

Visitor Traffic: Moderate/High

Gear Recommendation: Dry Pants/ Dry Bib Package

Flash Flood Potential: Moderate/Low

MONTH	BOTTOM-UP OPEN
September	YES
October	YES
November	YES

MONTH	TOP-DOWN OPEN
September	YES
October	YES
November	MOSTLY

​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)

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.​

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sEASONAL EXPECTATIONS​​

​Visitor Traffic: Low

Gear Recommendation: Dry Suit Package

Flash Flood Potential: Low

MONTH	BOTTOM-UP OPEN
December	YES
January	YES
February	YES

MONTH	TOP-DOWN OPEN
December	RARELY
January	RARELY
February	RARELY

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. ​

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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​

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