Zion National Park in January
January at Zion National Park averages a daytime high near 54°F and an overnight low around 30°F, with about 2" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes January a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 30°F
- Average high
- 54°F
Range across the year: 29°F to 100°F
- Precipitation
- 2.0 in
- Daylight
- 9.7 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in January: about 120,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at Zion; by contrast June, the busiest, runs about 1.5× the average — so January is the easiest time to have the place largely to yourself.
On our Best Time to Visit score January rates 56/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is April: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 42°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 35% of annual visitors, choosing January instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 9.7 hours of daylight in January to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 4,984,525 recreation visits, up 0.8% from 4,946,592 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 14.6%, so a January visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How January compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 53°F / 29°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 45 Fair |
| January | 54°F / 30°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 56 Fair |
| February | 58°F / 34°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 60 Good |
All twelve months at Zion, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in January 2027
The National Park Service lists these Zion facilities as closed during January 2027. The dates are the park's own, read on October 11, 2026. A facility that is not listed here may still be closed, so confirm on the park's site before you go.
- Zion Nature Center (visitor center): closed all month (September 8, 2026 to May 27, 2027)
- Lava Point Campground (campground): closed all month (October 5, 2026 to May 31, 2027)
- South Campground (campground): closed all month (October 23, 2026 to March 14, 2027)
- Human History Museum (visitor center): closed all month (November 29, 2026 to March 8, 2027)
Things to do at Zion in January
The National Park Service tags 19 Zion activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Climbing in Zion
- Angels Landing · 1-2 hours · reservation required
- Grotto Trail · 15-45 minutes
- Lower Emerald Pool Trail · 1-2 hours
- Pa'rus Trail · 30-120 minutes
- Taylor Creek Trail · 3-4 hours
- Timber Creek Overlook · 30-60 minutes
- Weeping Rock · 15-45 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
January averages a daytime high near 54°F and an overnight low around 30°F at Zion National Park, with about 2 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
January is very quiet at Zion National Park (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 56/100. Our recommended month is April.
The busiest month is June and the quietest is January. January sits at about 0.3× the park's average, or 3% of annual visitation.
A typical January sees about 120,000 recreation visits at Zion National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Zion in January
Booking a January trip to Zion National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live January availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Zion
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in January.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.