Climate and monthly weather forecast
Utah, USA

Utah has a mainly dry, semi-arid (BSh, BSk) and desert climate (BWh, BWk). Summers are long and extremely hot, while winters are short and cold. Utah lies in the western part of the United States and is one of the Four Corners States as well as the Mountain States. Arizona in the south, Nevada in the west, Idaho in the north, Wyoming in the northeast, and Colorado in the east share borders with the state, which also touches New Mexico in the southeast. The Gulf of California is an important factor that influences the climate.

Utah, the Beehive State, has an average elevation of 1860 meters with the highest point on Kings Peak at 4,120.3 meters and the lowest at 664.4 meters at Beaver Dam Wash. The diverse topography ranges from deserts to flourishing pine forests in the mountains. The Colorado Plateau, the Rocky Mountains, and the Great Basin regions join in Utah. Western Utah is an arid desert with small mountain ranges and rugged terrain as an anomaly in the landscape. The southern landscape is scenic with the Colorado River, and its tributaries wind through the sandstone to create mesmerizing canyons, arches, mesas, buttes, and gullies. Eastern Utah has high elevation basins and plateaus.

The best time to visit Utah is during the spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. The shoulder seasons are colder than the severely hot weather of summer but warmer than the cold winter. Spring brings unexpected precipitation in some parts of the state. The fall is a colorful period in the high mountains of Utah when the landscape attains scenic beauty. The summer heat is oppressive, and the season is prone to thunderstorms. October has pleasant weather with comfortable days and nights, but diurnal temperature variations exist throughout the year.

The worst time to visit Utah is in the winter from December to February, with severely cold nights and extreme temperature variations. Frequent snowfall leads to substantial accumulation in the highlands, with 1 to 3 feet of snow depth being standard. Arctic air escapes through the mountain passes to bring sub-zero temperatures in the state. High-speed winds often exacerbate the effect of the cold. The light, fluffy, and deep powdery snow makes skiing popular in Utah in the winter season. Many visitors vie for experiencing 'The Greatest Snow on Earth' on the mountain slopes of Utah.

Spring in Utah is a transitional season with temperatures steadily rising. During this time, Utah experiences average high temperatures ranging from 60°F (15.6°C) to 75°F (23.9°C). Rainfall, while sporadic, breathes life into the state's flora, especially in the northern and eastern regions. The combination of blooming flowers and gradually warming temperatures makes it an appealing period for outdoor activities. Visitors during this season will also notice the diminishing snowpack in mountainous areas.

Summers in Utah are defined by intense heat. July, the hottest month, sees average high temperatures from 85°F (29.4°C) to 100°F (37.8°C). The state's inherent dryness translates to low humidity levels. However, the significant temperature variations between day and night are notable, especially in the mountains where evenings remain relatively cool. The summer season is also punctuated by occasional thunderstorms, especially in the southern regions.

Autumn in Utah is a visual treat. As temperatures moderate from 70°F (21.1°C) to 50°F (10°C), the high mountain areas transform with hues of orange, red, and yellow. While daytime conditions are comfortable, nights begin to get colder, hinting at the approaching winter. Rainfall is minimal, making it an ideal time for outdoor explorations. The diurnal temperature variations continue, making layered clothing a wise choice for travelers.

Winters in Utah are cold and snowy. The state sees January high temperatures between 30°F (-1.1°C) to 55°F (12.8°C), but many regions experience temperatures dropping below 0°F (-17.8°C). The northern and eastern mountainous areas shield Utah from the harshest Arctic conditions. However, temperature inversions often occur in the lowlands, causing extended periods of fog and haze. Snowfall varies, with Salt Lake City receiving an average of 60" (1524mm), while the Wasatch Range, due to lake-effect snow, can accumulate up to 500" (12700mm) in certain areas.

January is typically the coldest month of the year in Utah. During this month, Utah experiences average high temperatures ranging from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 55°F (12.8°C), with many regions, particularly the northern and central parts, seeing temperatures drop below 0°F (-17.8°C). Weather in January »

February in Utah is still firmly entrenched in the winter season, closely following January in terms of cold temperatures. The state typically sees average high temperatures that oscillate between 32°F (0°C) and 58°F (14.4°C). Weather in February »

March ushers in the first hints of spring for Utah, although the vestiges of winter often remain, especially in the northern and mountainous regions. The state experiences a broader temperature range during this month, with average high temperatures fluctuating between 40°F (4.4°C) and 65°F (18.3°C). Weather in March »

April in Utah marks a clearer transition into spring, with the land coming alive as temperatures consistently rise. During this month, the state sees average high temperatures ranging between 50°F (10°C) and 75°F (23.9°C). The chilling bite of winter starts to retreat, especially from the southern and lower valley regions, but higher elevations can still occasionally experience a dusting of snow. In regions such as Salt Lake City, the frequency of rain showers increases, replacing the prevalent snowfall of the preceding months. Weather in April »

May in Utah is a celebration of spring in its full glory. Throughout the month, the state witnesses average high temperatures that span from 60°F (15.6°C) to 85°F (29.4°C). With the rise in temperatures, snow becomes a distant memory in most parts of the state, barring some lingering patches in the highest mountain areas. Salt Lake City sees increased rainfall during May, nourishing the emerging flora and contributing to the lush green landscapes synonymous with the season. Weather in May »

June is the prelude to the intense summer heat in Utah. The state sees a significant rise in average high temperatures, which generally range from 70°F (21.1°C) to 95°F (35°C). With the increasing warmth, snow is virtually non-existent, even in the high-altitude regions, and summer activities start taking precedence. Salt Lake City, along with other central regions, typically experiences drier conditions, with occasional thunderstorms becoming the main source of precipitation. Weather in June »

July is the zenith of summer in Utah, bringing with it the highest temperatures of the year. The state grapples with average high temperatures that can vary from 80°F (26.7°C) to a sweltering 100°F (37.8°C). The intensity of the heat can be felt throughout Utah, from the northern regions to the southernmost points. Salt Lake City, while being hot, can sometimes benefit from breezy conditions that offer slight reprieve from the heat. Weather in July »

August in Utah, while continuing the summer narrative, starts hinting at the approaching autumn. Throughout the state, average high temperatures usually fluctuate between 75°F (23.9°C) and 95°F (35°C). As the month progresses, a subtle but discernible drop in temperatures, especially towards the end, begins to be felt. Salt Lake City, and other central areas, might see a spike in rainfall due to monsoonal patterns pushing up from the south. Weather in August »

September in Utah marks the delightful onset of autumn. The state, moving away from the intense heat of summer, experiences average high temperatures that range from 65°F (18.3°C) to 85°F (29.4°C). As the month unfolds, the crispness of fall becomes more palpable, especially in the northern and higher-altitude regions. Salt Lake City, along with its neighboring regions, begins to witness the transformation of foliage, with hues of red, orange, and gold adorning the trees. Weather in September »

October in Utah deepens the embrace of autumn. As the month progresses, temperatures across the state generally span from 50°F (10°C) to 75°F (23.9°C), though colder conditions begin to emerge towards the end of the month, especially in the northern regions and at higher elevations. In Salt Lake City, the spectacle of fall foliage reaches its climax, painting the surroundings in rich shades of amber, gold, and deep red. Weather in October »

November in Utah is a harbinger of winter's chill. As fall concludes and winter gradually begins its takeover, temperatures across the state typically vary from 35°F (1.7°C) to 55°F (12.8°C). The cooler days and increasingly frosty nights become more pronounced, especially in the northern and elevated terrains. Salt Lake City experiences a marked decrease in temperatures from October, with the first snowfall often gracing the city and its nearby mountainous regions. Weather in November »

December in Utah is synonymous with the full onset of winter. Throughout the state, temperatures predominantly linger between 20°F (-6.7°C) and 45°F (7.2°C). The cold envelops both the southern and northern regions, with the latter experiencing more profound effects of the season. Salt Lake City, along with other northern regions, often finds itself blanketed under snow, transforming into a winter wonderland. Weather in December »