Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Capitol Reef in September
Capitol Reef cools off: highs slip to 80°F (27°C), from 89°F in August, with lows of 53°F (12°C) and about 1.1 in (27 mm) of rain.
September opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 98/100 (the top score of the year).
- Avg high
- 80°F (27°C)
- Avg low
- 53°F (12°C)
- Rain
- 1.1 in (27 mm)
- Humidity
- 37%
- Cloud cover
- 35%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 14 min
- Comfort score
- 98/100 · Great
What September feels like
Warm afternoons near 80°F (27°C) make long days outdoors easy.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 53°F (12°C), about 15°C (27°F) below the afternoon high.
Low humidity, around 37%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 1.1 in (27 mm) of rain.
Clear skies are common, with cloud cover averaging only 35%.
Plan around September
September is one of Capitol Reef's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: October highs fall to 66°F.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, July – September.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: April & May and September & October.
- Comfort improves from 74/100 in August to 98/100.
- Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so September falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 80°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 53°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 September
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Cassidy Arch Trail
Steep 3.4-mile round trip up to a large arch you can stand above.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best spring or fall.
Hickman Bridge Trail
Two-mile round trip to a 133-ft natural bridge with views of Capitol Dome.
Why now September scores 98/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
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.
Capitol Reef Visitor Center
Orientation, trail maps and info on the Waterpocket Fold geology.
Why now Highs near 80°F and 1.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Capitol Gorge Trail
Flat walk through a narrow canyon to the Pioneer Register and natural water tanks.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in September
- Bryce Canyon in September~70 mi · highs 71°F, 1.0 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Canyonlands in September~75 mi · highs 82°F, 1.1 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Arches in September~95 mi · highs 83°F, 1.3 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Zion in September~118 mi · highs 79°F, 1.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, 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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Capitol Reef?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 98/100. Expect highs of 80°F (27°C) and 1.1 in (27 mm) of rain. Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so September is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Capitol Reef in September?
Average highs are 80°F (27°C) and average lows 53°F (12°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Capitol Reef in September?
Not much: about 1.1 in (27 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 10.1 in (257 mm).
What should I pack for Capitol Reef in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 80°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 53°F), lip balm and moisturizer (dry air) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Capitol Reef
Planning Capitol Reef in September?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.