The climate of Cedar Breaks National Monument
Lying in the Maritime west coast region and classified as Cfb in Köppen climate classification,
Cedar Breaks National Monument experiences a warm summer climate. The general yearly weather transitions from bitter cold winters marked by high snowfall to moderately warm summers. The weather parameters point towards a significant temperature disparity, recording lower values in winter months and reaching moderate heights as the year progresses towards the summertime.
An interesting pattern emerges from the yearly rainfall distribution, showing a consistent rain behavior barring two exceptions,
May and
June, where the park receives the least amount of rainfall, only 0.8" (20mm) and 1.7" (43mm), respectively. Snowfall shows a reciprocating trend, seeming to shy away during those two months but makes a comeback from
September, peaking in the early winter months. Daylight hours show a continuous increase from 9.9 hours in
January to 14.7 hours in June, before gradually reducing again towards the end of the year.
The best time to visit Cedar Breaks National Monument
Encased in the warm summer maritime climate, the most comfortable time to explore the scenic beauty of
Cedar Breaks National Monument lies between late
June and early
September. During these months, the weather is at its most pleasant, with temperatures hovering around 46.8°F (8.2°C) to 63.8°F (17.7°C). Moreover, rainfall remains in the lower bracket, particularly in June, ensuring a more enjoyable time outdoors. More daylight hours (from 14.2 hours to 14.7 hours) during these months further provide ample time for exploration and adventure.
The worst time to visit Cedar Breaks National Monument
The winter months from
December to
February can be supremely challenging for visitors due to the harsh climatic conditions. With temperatures plunging to the lowest values, from 28.4°F (-2°C) to 32°F (0°C) and precipitous snowfall levels ascending to between 37" (940mm) to 45.6" (1158mm), venturing outside can become quite a task. Coupled with the decrease in daylight hours to below 10.8 hours, it limits outdoor activities greatly, thereby earning this phase the title of least advisable time to visit.
Spring weather in Cedar Breaks National Monument
Spring comes with a gradual thaw in
Cedar Breaks National Monument. As mid-
March to
May rolls in, temperatures start to rise from a lower 32°F (0°C) to a higher 46.8°F (8.2°C), bringing relief from the freezing winter. Rainfall during this period sees a gradual increase from 3.1" (79mm) to 1.7" (43mm), while the snowfall decreases significantly from 31.7" (805mm) to 13.1" (333mm). The lengthening daylight hours, from 13.2 hours to 14.2 hours, make nature walks and hikes more pleasurable.
Summer weather in Cedar Breaks National Monument
Summers, spanning from
June to
August, usher in the warmest period. Temperatures reaching up to 57.2°F (14°C) in June and peaking to 63.8°F (17.7°C) in
July create ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Drastic reduction in snowfall is observed, hitting a nil through these months, whereas rainfall also drops to lower values, from 0.8" (20mm) to 2.8" (71mm). Longer daylight hours, ranging between 14.2 hours to 14.7 hours, allow for extended visitation schedules.
Autumn weather in Cedar Breaks National Monument
Autumn enters in
September and stays till
November, recording a gradual drop in temperatures from a warmer 54.9°F (12.7°C) to a cooler 34.5°F (1.4°C). A sharp rise is noted in snowfall levels, building up from 1.7" (43mm) in September to 27.4" (696mm) in November, while rainfall oscillates between 1.7" (43mm) to 2.4" (61mm). Diminishing daylight hours from 12.4 hours to 10.2 hours, mark the onset of shorter days, heralding the arrival of winter.
Winter weather in Cedar Breaks National Monument
Winter sets in during
December and extends to
February, bringing the year’s lowest temperatures, from 29°F (-1.7°C) to 32°F (0°C). This phase experiences the highest levels of snowfall, ranging from 34.1" (866mm) to 45.6" (1158mm), making the landscape a snowy wonderland. This season also sees shorter days, with daylight hours reducing from 10.2 hours to 9.9 hours. Despite the harsh weather, the winter landscape provides a unique, tranquil beauty, attracting those who are fond of colder climates.
Weather in January
Weather in February
February ushers in slightly softer conditions than the rigid cold of
January in
Cedar Breaks National Monument. The weather remains quite chilly, although there are signs of eventual thawing towards the end of the month. Snowfall continues relatively unabated, painting a beautiful wintry landscape throughout February.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March marks the onset of some improvements in the weather in
Cedar Breaks National Monument. With daylight hours gradually increasing, those craving sunlight start to encounter more favourable conditions. March remains snow-laden, although there is a notable transition from the extreme wintry conditions of the previous months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April introduces more reasonable weather in
Cedar Breaks National Monument compared to the harshness of the previous months. The snowfall begins to recede, finally paving the way to the colorful display of Spring. April is a transitional month, balancing the receding chill of winter with an anticipation for the warmth soon to come.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May at
Cedar Breaks National Monument is when the weather clearly shifts towards warmer conditions. An increase in temperatures and clear skies accentuate the serene beauty of nature, highlighted by the budding flora, thus designating May as a spring season mascot.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The arrival of
June marks the beginning of summer in
Cedar Breaks National Monument, promising warmer, longer days. The weather in this month encourages outdoor activities and exploration of the region's famous landscapes, concluding the spring transition with a relatively small amount of rainfall.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the heart of summer in
Cedar Breaks National Monument, brings even warmer weather to the region. This month is noted as the peak of the hiking season, due to the absence of snowfall and inviting weather conditions. July temperatures peak from 47.9°F (8.8°C) to a comfortable 63.8°F (17.7°C), representing the warmest month of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The warm summer period continues its course in
August in
Cedar Breaks National Monument. Despite being somewhat cooler than
July, the weather remains pleasant and suitable for most activities. Occasional rainfall showers add vibrancy to the natural palette, contributing to the lush and radiant landscape.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Weather in October
October in
Cedar Breaks National Monument ushers in cooler weather, with the fall setting into full swing. The month sees a significant decline in temperature compared to
September, marking the transition towards winter. Snowfall makes a reappearance, however, comparatively minor at 12.8" (325mm), and does not yet hinder outdoor activities.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Weather in December
December in
Cedar Breaks National Monument is typified by wintery weather, with the year ending on a snowy note. The temperatures drop further following
November, reinforcing winter's full-fledged arrival. Snow-covered outdoors and colder temperatures dominate the weather, making it the perfect playground for winter sports aficionados.
Weather in December »