If you’re planning a trip to Utah, you might be wondering if it’s the best time. Luckily, there is no single best time to visit Utah. The most suitable time will depend on the activities and attractions you’re planning to enjoy. If you’re planning on hiking, then spring might be the right choice. For snowboarding and skiing, nothing beats mid-winter. Since the likeliest reason you’re visiting Utah is for outdoor activities, the season can play a significant role.
We’ve curated this comprehensive guide to help you plan your next Utah trip.
Spring: Hiking
In March, the weather suffers from cold showers, and the mornings can be quite frigid. However, by mid-April, the season shifts toward a comfortable warmth that can be great for hiking and spending time outdoors. Between mid-April and June, hikers from all across the country descend on Utah to conquer their favorite trails.
The Spring in Utah is not just about the weather either. It’s the season when wildflowers bloom all across the state and hikers can enjoy a picturesque background as they exercise their calves.
Watch out for Spring break though. This is the period when the highest number of people participate in hiking, so the most popular trails can be quite crowded. However, if you can plan a trip that avoids the peak of Spring break, you can enjoy a more comfortable experience. Also, hotel stays and car rentals can be more affordable during this period.
Summer: Water Sports
Temperatures reach their peak between June and September. It can be too hot for hiking, but great weather to try your hand at some water sports. Utah offers a range of water parks that cater to large crowds during this season. Urban centers such as Salt Lake City and Park City tourists who primarily want to stay active while still beating the heat. The heat is quite dry which can make water sports even more enjoyable.
It’s less advisable to visit any of the national parks or state parks at this time of the year since temperatures can cross 100 degrees Fahrenheit. These parks remain crowded despite the heat since it is summer vacation for kids, but ensure that you keep hydrated and carry wide-brimmed hats.
Fall: National Parks
Utah is home to 5 national parks and over 46 state parks. It’s no coincidence the best hotels and resorts to be found in Utah are located near these national parks. Tourists from all over the country come to the state to experience these unique national parks.
If you’re considering a national park adventure, then the best time is the fall. The months between September and November bring a combination of suitable weather and thriving landscapes. The fall months mean that nature starts to change its color and this provides a great window of opportunity for tourists to capture stunning views and create lifelong memories.
Some of the best national parks to visit include the Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park. Along with spring, this can also be a great time to hit the hiking trails since the weather is quite mild and the crowd is smaller.
Winter: Snow Sports
Utah experiences harsh winters but this can be a blessing for winter sports enthusiasts. Utah is home to several great peaks that get covered in snow between December and January. Most of these mountains are located around Northern Utah so that’s where most of the tourist activity is. In fact, the US Ski Team also trains in Utah since the area gets over 500 inches of dry snow.
Since the weather can be quite extreme, it’s best to pack heavy winter clothing, and don’t forget to bring your sporting gear. You can participate in sports such as skiing and snowboarding. A few tourists also take part in hikes despite the cold weather. The experience can be quite different in the winter since most of the trails will be deserted, however, that can be its own adventure.
Lastly, the Sundance Film Festival is held here in January, which can be an additional bonus for some tourists.
Planning a Visit to Utah
As mentioned earlier, the best time to visit Utah depends on what you want to do. Spring is for hiking while fall is for the national parks.
If you’re planning a trip to Utah, then consider staying at the Cougar Ridge resort. This resort offers 5-star comfort along with a range of on-site and off-site amenities. Further, the resort is close to the Capitol Reef National Park which is one of the best in the region. Apart from hiking and sightseeing, you can also watch private rodeo performances and eat Utah BBQ. There are several local restaurants to try as well.
Head over to the registration page if you want to reserve a villa.