Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Zion in September
Zion cools off: highs slip to 79°F (26°C), from 86°F in August, with lows of 52°F (11°C) and about 1.0 in (25 mm) of rain.
At 100/100 for comfort (the top score of the year), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 79°F (26°C)
- Avg low
- 52°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 1.0 in (25 mm)
- Humidity
- 40%
- Cloud cover
- 23%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 14 min
- Comfort score
- 100/100 · Great
What September feels like
Days are warm, averaging 79°F (26°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 52°F (11°C), about 15°C (27°F) below the afternoon high.
Low humidity, around 40%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 1.0 in (25 mm) of rain.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 23%.
Plan around September
September is one of Zion's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: October highs fall to 65°F.
- Comfort improves from 88/100 in August to 100/100.
- Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so September falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clothes79°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 52°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Zion in September
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
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.
The Narrows
Wade the Virgin River upstream through a slot canyon from the Riverside Walk.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Jun–Sep.
Canyon Overlook Trail
One-mile hike on the east side to a view down Pine Creek and switchbacks.
Why now September scores 100/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Hub for the free canyon shuttle and ranger trail conditions.
Why now Highs near 79°F and 1.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Emerald Pools Trail
Short hikes to pools and seasonal waterfalls below cliffs, starting at Zion Lodge.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in September
- Bryce Canyon in September~50 mi · highs 71°F, 1.0 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Grand Canyon in September~97 mi · highs 90°F, 1.1 in rain · 6°C (11°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in September~118 mi · highs 80°F, 1.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Las Vegas in September~141 mi · highs 97°F, 0.4 in rain · 10°C (18°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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Zion?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 100/100. Expect highs of 79°F (26°C) and 1.0 in (25 mm) of rain. Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so September is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Zion in September?
Average highs are 79°F (26°C) and average lows 52°F (11°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Zion in September?
Not much: about 1.0 in (25 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 13.1 in (332 mm).
What should I pack for Zion in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (79°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 52°F), lip balm and moisturizer (dry air) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Zion in September?
Share this September plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.