Zion National Park in October
October at Zion National Park averages a daytime high near 78°F and an overnight low around 49°F, with about 1.2" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.2× the park's average month, which makes October a busy month here.
- Average low
- 49°F
- Average high
- 78°F
Range across the year: 29°F to 100°F
- Precipitation
- 1.2 in
- Daylight
- 11.0 hours
Roughly 10% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: about 466,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes October the 6th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the June peak (1.5×) and the January low (0.3×).
On our Best Time to Visit score October rates 52/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is April: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 63°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. 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 October instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 11 hours of daylight in October to explore — between the 9.4-hour midwinter low and the 14.6-hour summer high.
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 October visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How October compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 91°F / 61°F | 1.3× Busy | 36 Poor |
| October | 78°F / 49°F | 1.2× Busy | 52 Fair |
| November | 64°F / 37°F | 0.7× Quiet | 54 Fair |
All twelve months at Zion, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in October 2026
The National Park Service lists these Zion facilities as closed during October 2026. 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 from October 5, 2026 to May 31, 2027
- South Campground (campground): closed from October 23, 2026 to March 14, 2027
Things to do at Zion in October
The National Park Service tags 19 Zion activities for fall. 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
October averages a daytime high near 78°F and an overnight low around 49°F at Zion National Park, with about 1.2 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.
October is busy at Zion National Park (about 1.2× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 52/100. Our recommended month is April.
The busiest month is June and the quietest is January. October sits at about 1.2× the park's average, or 10% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 466,000 recreation visits at Zion National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Zion in October
Booking a October trip to Zion National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October 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 October.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.