The climate of Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, a geographical gem in
Utah, USA, is nestled under the Köppen climate classification of Cfb, portraying a marine west coast climate with warm summers. The weather fluctuates considerably throughout the year. Temperatures display a seasonal progression, hitting the highest mark around 26.8°C (80.2°F) in the sweltering month of
July and dropping to the year's low of -9.2°C (15.4°F) amid the chilly months of
January and
December.
Rainfall fluctuates sparingly, with precipitation ranging from a low of 15mm (0.6") in
June to a high of 51mm (2") in
August. The area experiences rainfall throughout the year, albeit consolidating more heavily during the end of summer and the onset of Autumn. Days receiving rainfall display similar variation, peaking at 9.9 days in August and diminishing to 4.1 days in June.
Run parallel to this, snowfall strides with a voluminous 500mm (19.7") in January, depleting considerably for the summer months of
May, June, and July, reducing to minuscule amounts by Autumn and then picking the pace again in Winter. Correspondingly, the park appreciates sunshine for durations expanding from 6 hours per day in December to 12 hours in June, keeping in tune with the increase in daylight hours during these months.
The best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park
Basing on the context of the weather patterns, the park thrives during the period from
May to
September when the conditions are mildly warm and the rainfall is minimal. This time features temperatures fluctuating between the mild 11.9°C (53.5°F) to a warm 26.8°C (80.2°F). Rainfall dips to modest levels, measuring between 15mm (0.6") to 41mm (1.6"). This is an ideal period for outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing and hiking, thanks to the relatively comfortable temperatures and extended daylight hours.
The worst time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park
When it comes to considering an unfavorable time to visit, the winter months from
December to
February stand as a buffer. During this period, temperatures can be harsh, going as low as -9.2°C (15.4°F), with shorter daylight hours, receiving sunshine for merely 6 to 7 hours per day. Heavy snowfall characterizes these months, escalating to a maximum of 500mm (19.7") in
January, reducing mobility and access to certain park areas.
Spring weather in Bryce Canyon National Park
Spring graces the park with a fair share of sun and rain. From temperatures moving from a cooler 3.6°C (38.4°F) in
February to a pleasant 11.9°C (53.5°F) in
April, it sets the stage for the upcoming warmer months. Simultaneously, the park encounters nominal rainfall, toggling from 36mm (1.4") to 20mm (0.8"). During this season, the park transitions from snow-laden landscapes to bursting wildflowers.
Summer weather in Bryce Canyon National Park
Summer carries along lengthy daylight hours across the National Park, stretching from 14.2 hours to 14.7 hours with increased sunshine duration. Temperatures during this season reach their peak, ascending from a comfy 17.8°C (64°F) to a warm 26.8°C (80.2°F) in
July, although sudden afternoon thunderstorms may sometimes bring a chill in the air. Rainfall, however, maintains a minimal approach, tallying 15mm (0.6") in
June and marginally rising to 41mm (1.6") by July.
Autumn weather in Bryce Canyon National Park
Autumn at
Bryce Canyon National Park observes the temperature scaling down from a moderately warm 21°C (69.8°F) in
September to a cooler 7.1°C (44.8°F) by
November. Simultaneously, rainfall witnesses an initial increment, culminating at 51mm (2") in
August, and then easing to 33mm (1.3") by November. With shortening daylight hours and unpredictable weather patterns, Autumn marks an oncoming winter chills.
Winter weather in Bryce Canyon National Park
Winter swathes the park in a blanket of snow, as temperatures plunge staggeringly between 2.4°C (36.4°F) to -9.2°C (15.4°F) from
December to
February. The park registers snowfall as high as 500mm (19.7") in
January. Against this, the number of daylight hours too contracts, stretching barely between 9.9 hours to 9.6 hours, with sunshine duration equally frugal. Despite the biting cold, Winter's pristine snow-covered landscapes offer captivating views and invigorating winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Weather in January
Bryce Canyon National Park in
January is a winter wonderland. Visitors can expect lower temperatures, and frequent spells of snowfall, contributing to a total snow accumulation of approximately 500mm (19.7"). Comparatively colder than
February, it offers a pristine setting for winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in Bryce Canyon brings slightly warmer temperatures compared to
January. It continues to be a month of winter, but with less snow, measured at around 457mm (18") for the month. Snow-based activities remain popular, with the accumulated snowfall from January adding to a sizeable winter playground.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March at
Bryce Canyon National Park signifies the onset of spring with moderate rise in temperatures. Despite the sporadic snowfall—totaling around 406mm (16") for the month—spring's presence starts to become evident. As it edges towards
April, the weather becomes more amiable for outdoor explorations.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in Bryce Canyon witnesses a significant reduction in snowfall, down to around 155mm (6.1"). The weather sets apace for spring, presenting a milder climate than
March. Hikers and nature lovers find April conducive as it offers an agreeable tapestry of snow-dusted formations against the backdrop of a blooming wilderness.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the advent of warmer days in
Bryce Canyon National Park. The last bits of snowfall traces are seen, measuring nearly 20mm (0.8"). This month, the park truly blooms into spring, providing a captivating spectacle for nature lovers who throng to witness the valley awash with color.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in Bryce Canyon indicates the outset of summertime, as temperatures escalate. A minimal 0.2-inch snowfall occasionally adorns the landscape, creating a stark contrast against the flourishing foliage. Longer daylight hours make it ideal for day trips and sightseeing, with ample sunlight to explore the park.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, amidst the peak of summer, is the warmest month at
Bryce Canyon National Park. The temperature can climb to around 26.8°C (80.2°F), without any snowfall. This weather pattern brings forth an onslaught of visitors who enjoy hiking under the clear blue skies and extended daylight hours.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Bryce Canyon in
August witnesses a mellowing of heat from
July's peak, but still packs warmer temperatures. With an average accumulation of 51mm (2") of rain, the month can be mild-mannered weather-wise, yet it emerges as the wettest month of the year.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September at
Bryce Canyon National Park brings a pleasant reduction in temperature. With 43mm (1.7") of rain, it's drier than
August, providing an ideal setting for outdoor activities. The landscape begins to take on the glorious hues of fall, attracting leaf peepers from all over the country.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in Bryce Canyon is a spectacle of fall foliage. With the temperatures falling further, the weather turning colder is indicative of the approaching winter season. Despite a slight increase in rainfall from
September —a total of 51mm (2")—, October remains a favorite among hikers and photographers.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in Bryce Canyon observes a noticeable change in weather, with temperatures continuing their descent and snowfall marking its presence with around 282mm (11.1"). A shift from the bright colors of
October to a white winter wonderland begins in earnest.
Weather in November » Weather in December