Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Capitol Reef in July
Capitol Reef's warmest month brings highs averaging 92°F (34°C), lows of 65°F (18°C) and about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 66/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 92°F (34°C)
- Avg low
- 65°F (18°C)
- Rain
- 1.1 in (29 mm)
- Humidity
- 35%
- Cloud cover
- 53%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 25 min
- Comfort score
- 66/100 · Good
What July feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 92°F (34°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 65°F (18°C), about 15°C (27°F) below the afternoon high.
Low humidity, around 35%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain.
Plan around July
July sits mid-table; the best months are April & May and September & October.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (July – September), which brings about 3.2 in (82 mm) in total.
- Comfort slips from 82/100 in June to 66/100.
- Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so July falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for July
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 92°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 65°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Capitol Reef in July
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Fruita Orchards
Historic orchards where you can pick cherries, apricots, peaches and apples in season.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Jun–Oct.
Hickman Bridge Trail
Two-mile round trip to a 133-ft natural bridge with views of Capitol Dome.
Why now July scores 66/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Capitol Gorge Trail
Flat walk through a narrow canyon to the Pioneer Register and natural water tanks.
Why now Highs near 92°F and 1.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Gifford Homestead
Restored pioneer farmhouse selling small fruit pies and cinnamon rolls.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Mar–Oct, morning.
Capitol Reef Visitor Center
Orientation, trail maps and info on the Waterpocket Fold geology.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in July
- Bryce Canyon in July~70 mi · highs 83°F, 1.2 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Canyonlands in July~75 mi · highs 96°F, 1.0 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Arches in July~95 mi · highs 97°F, 1.2 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Zion in July~118 mi · highs 89°F, 1.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
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 July: quick answers
Is July a good time to visit Capitol Reef?
It's middling, scoring 66/100. The best months are April & May and September & October, at up to 98. Expect highs of 92°F (34°C) and 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain. Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so July is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Capitol Reef in July?
Average highs are 92°F (34°C) and average lows 65°F (18°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Capitol Reef in July?
Not much: about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain falls across July on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 10.1 in (257 mm).
What should I pack for Capitol Reef in July?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 92°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 65°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
More on Capitol Reef
Planning Capitol Reef in July?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.