Late winter · Weather & things to do
Capitol Reef in February
Capitol Reef edges warmer than January, with highs of 45°F (7°C), lows of 25°F (-4°C) and about 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 57/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 45°F (7°C)
- Avg low
- 25°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 0.7 in (18 mm)
- Humidity
- 61%
- Cloud cover
- 62%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 34 min
- Comfort score
- 57/100 · Fair
What February feels like
It's cool, with highs near 45°F (7°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 25°F (-4°C), so expect frost and ice.
Precipitation is light, about 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain or snow, and since nights fall well below freezing, what does fall may well be snow.
Plan around February
February is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April & May and September & October.
- Comfort improves from 53/100 in January to 57/100.
- Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so February falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for February
- Insulated jackethighs only 45°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 25°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Capitol Reef in February
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Capitol Gorge Trail
Flat walk through a narrow canyon to the Pioneer Register and natural water tanks.
Scenic Drive
Paved road south along the Waterpocket Fold's cliffs; small entrance fee.
Hickman Bridge Trail
Two-mile round trip to a 133-ft natural bridge with views of Capitol Dome.
Fremont Petroglyphs
Boardwalk along Highway 24 with Fremont-culture rock art figures.
Rim Rock Patio
Casual patio bar with beer, pizza and red-cliff views just west of the park.
Nearby in February
- Bryce Canyon in February~70 mi · highs 37°F, 0.9 in rain or snow · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Canyonlands in February~75 mi · highs 45°F, 0.6 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Arches in February~95 mi · highs 47°F, 0.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Zion in February~118 mi · highs 44°F, 1.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,104 m to Capitol Reef's ~1,674 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Capitol Reef in February: quick answers
Is February a good time to visit Capitol Reef?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 57/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April & May and September & October. Expect highs of 45°F (7°C) and 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain or snow. Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so February is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Capitol Reef in February?
Average highs are 45°F (7°C) and average lows 25°F (-4°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Capitol Reef in February?
Not much: about 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain or snow falls across February on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 10.1 in (257 mm).
What should I pack for Capitol Reef in February?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 45°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 25°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Capitol Reef
Planning Capitol Reef in February?
Share this February plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.