Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Zion in October
Zion cools off: highs slip to 65°F (18°C), from 79°F in September, with lows of 39°F (4°C) and about 1.3 in (32 mm) of rain.
At 100/100 for comfort (2nd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 65°F (18°C)
- Avg low
- 39°F (4°C)
- Rain
- 1.3 in (32 mm)
- Humidity
- 46%
- Cloud cover
- 30%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 01 min
- Comfort score
- 100/100 · Great
What October feels like
Days are mild at around 65°F (18°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 14°C (26°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
About 1.3 in (32 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's October.
Clear skies are common, with cloud cover averaging only 30%.
Plan around October
October is one of Zion's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by November, the score drops to 77/100.
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 8°C (14°F) from September.
- Comfort holds steady from September (100 → 100/100).
- Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so October falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for October
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 39°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Zion in October
October is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Angels Landing
Chain-assisted ridge hike to a narrow summit 1,500 ft above the canyon.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best early morning, spring or fall.
Bit & Spur Restaurant
Long-running Southwestern restaurant with a garden patio and red-rock views.
Why now October scores 100/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Pa'rus Trail
Easy paved riverside path from the visitor center with views of the Watchman.
Why now Highs near 65°F and 1.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Oscar's Cafe
Springdale café for big breakfast burritos and Mexican plates on a patio.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Zion Outfitter
Rents canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks and drysuits for the Narrows, next to the park entrance.
Nearby in October
- Bryce Canyon in October~50 mi · highs 58°F, 1.2 in rain · 4°C (8°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Grand Canyon in October~97 mi · highs 76°F, 1.0 in rain · 6°C (11°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in October~118 mi · highs 66°F, 1.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Las Vegas in October~141 mi · highs 82°F, 0.5 in rain · 10°C (17°F) warmer by day, drier
These averages also cover Zion NP.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,087 m to Zion's ~1,782 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.
Zion in October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Zion?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 100/100. Expect highs of 65°F (18°C) and 1.3 in (32 mm) of rain. Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so October is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Zion in October?
Average highs are 65°F (18°C) and average lows 39°F (4°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Zion in October?
Not much: about 1.3 in (32 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 13.1 in (332 mm).
What should I pack for Zion in October?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 39°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Zion in October?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.