WEATHER & FORECAST
Real-time conditions and trip-planning data for Capitol Reef National Park
Red Flag Warning issued June 16 at 8:34AM MDT until June 17 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 482 Western Uintah Basin, Fire Weather Zone 488 Manti National Forest, Fire Weather Zone 489 San Rafael Swell and Fire Weather Zone 493 Central Utah Mountains. * WINDS...West to northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph this afternoon and evening increasing to 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph Wednesday afternoon and evening. Winds will decrease in the overnight period. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Falling into the 6 to 10 percent range this afternoon and Wednesday afternoon across lower elevations, and 8 to 14 percent above 8000 feet. Poor overnight recovery remaining below 30 percent tonight. * IMPACTS...Critical fire weather conditions are expected. Any new fire starts or existing fires may spread rapidly.
Hourly Forecast
Hour-by-hour outlook for the next 48 hours
Extended Forecast
16-day outlook for Capitol Reef National Park
NWS Detailed Forecast
Official narrative forecast from the National Weather Service
Sunny. High near 90, with temperatures falling to around 88 in the afternoon. West wind 8 to 16 mph.
Mostly clear. Low around 63, with temperatures rising to around 65 overnight. West northwest wind 7 to 16 mph.
Sunny. High near 92, with temperatures falling to around 90 in the afternoon. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
Mostly clear, with a low around 63. West wind 7 to 15 mph.
Sunny, with a high near 90. West northwest wind 5 to 9 mph.
Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.
Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
Mostly clear, with a low around 58.
Source: weather.gov
Sunrise & Sunset
Plan your hikes and photography around the light
This Week's Sun Times
What to Pack Right Now
Personalized recommendations based on the current forecast
Clothing
- Lightweight, light-colored moisture-wicking shirts
- Shorts and breathable hiking pants
- Multiple layers for big temperature swings
- Comfortable hiking socks (wool blend)
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (desert sun is intense)
- Wide-brim hat for sun protection
- Polarized sunglasses
- UV-protective lip balm
- Cooling neck gaiter or bandana
Hydration & Nutrition
- Minimum 1 gallon (4L) water per person per day
- Electrolyte powder or tablets
- Insulated water bottle to keep water cool
- Trail snacks (salty + sweet for energy)
Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- Closed-toe water shoes if you plan to wade Sulphur Creek
Safety & Gear
- Headlamp (for early starts or if hikes run long)
- First aid kit with blister care
- Trail map or downloaded offline maps
Seasonal Guide
What to expect each season at Capitol Reef National Park
Spring
Spring is one of the two prime windows at Capitol Reef, with warm, comfortable days and crisp nights perfect for hiking the Scenic Drive, Grand Wash, and Cohab Canyon. The historic Fruita orchards burst into bloom from late March through April, painting the green Fremont River oasis with apple, pear, peach, and cherry blossoms beneath the red Waterpocket Fold cliffs. Snow lingers on 11,000-foot Boulder Mountain into May, so the Highway 12 Scenic Byway approach can stay cold and icy at elevation. Wind and the occasional spring storm are common, and dirt roads into Cathedral Valley can turn to impassable mud after rain.
- Layers for cold mornings and warm afternoons
- Wind-resistant jacket
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Sturdy hiking shoes
Summer
NowSummer brings hot, dry heat to the Fruita area, with July and August highs in the low 90s on the canyon floor (notably cooler than Zion's canyon but still intense in the open sun). The North American monsoon arrives from mid-July through September, sending powerful afternoon thunderstorms that can trigger life-threatening flash floods in Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge, and the narrow slot-like drainages. Those same storms make Cathedral Valley's clay backroads dangerously slick and can render the Fremont River ford impassable. The reward is the start of orchard harvest, with cherries and apricots in June and July giving way to peaches by August.
- Wide-brim sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
- Extra water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Electrolytes
- Rain shell for monsoon storms
Fall
Fall is widely considered the best time to visit Capitol Reef, combining comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and peak Fruita harvest. September and October bring the apple and pear pick, while the Fremont River cottonwoods and orchards glow gold against the red cliffs in mid-to-late October. Monsoon flash-flood risk tapers off through September, opening up safer canyon and Cathedral Valley exploration, though early storms can still muddy the dirt backroads. By November days cool quickly, nights drop below freezing, and the first snow can dust Boulder Mountain and the high country.
- Warm layers and a midweight jacket
- Hat and gloves for cold mornings (November)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Hiking boots
Winter
Winter is the quietest season at Capitol Reef, with daytime highs in the 40s and overnight lows dropping into the teens and 20s on the Fruita canyon floor. Snow is generally light at the visitor center and melts quickly, but it can linger on shaded trails like Cohab Canyon and the Frying Pan, leaving ice that demands traction devices. Boulder Mountain and the Highway 12 Scenic Byway can see heavy snow and winter driving conditions, and Cathedral Valley dirt roads are often impassable. The trade-off is solitude, snow-dusted red rock, and some of the year's best stargazing on clear, cold nights.
- Insulated winter coat, hat, and gloves
- Microspikes/traction for icy trails
- Warm layers and thermals
- Waterproof boots
Historical Monthly Averages
Typical conditions by month at Capitol Reef National Park
🌡️ Average Temperature (°F)
🌧️ Average Precipitation (inches)
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month ratings for planning your trip
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Activities | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Feb | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mar | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Apr | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| May | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| JunNow | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Jul | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Aug | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Sep | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Oct | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Nov | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Dec | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Trail Weather Considerations
Essential safety information for Capitol Reef's trails
Monsoon Flash Floods in Slot Canyons
From mid-July through September, monsoon thunderstorms can send deadly flash floods roaring through Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge, where high narrow walls leave no escape. A storm miles away over the Waterpocket Fold can flood these drainages under clear skies overhead. Always check the NWS flash-flood forecast at the visitor center and never enter a wash when storms are forecast.
Cathedral Valley Backroads & Fremont River Ford
The remote Cathedral Valley loop crosses the Fremont River at an unbridged ford and travels miles of clay-surface dirt roads. After rain or monsoon storms the clay turns to impassable, vehicle-swallowing mud and the river ford can run too high or fast to cross. A high-clearance vehicle, current road conditions from the visitor center, and a fording check on foot are essential before attempting the loop.
Summer Heat & Sun Exposure
July and August highs reach the low 90s on the Fruita canyon floor, and most trails like Cassidy Arch, Chimney Rock, and the Grand Wash offer little shade. Heat exhaustion comes fast in the dry, exposed red rock. Hike early in the morning, carry at least one gallon of water per person per day, and wear a wide-brim hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Winter Ice on Higher Trails
From December through March, snow lingers on shaded, north-facing, and higher-elevation trails such as Cohab Canyon, the Frying Pan, and Cassidy Arch, leaving hard-packed ice long after the canyon floor has dried. Slickrock plus ice is hazardous on the steep sections. Carry microspikes or traction devices and step carefully on shaded slopes.
Snowy Boulder Mountain & Scenic Byway 12
The Highway 12 Scenic Byway over 11,000-foot Boulder Mountain, a gateway to Capitol Reef from the southwest, receives heavy snow and can have winter driving conditions from late fall into spring. Check road and pass conditions before crossing, carry chains in winter, and expect cold temperatures and reduced services at elevation even when Fruita is mild.
Sudden Monsoon Thunderstorms & Lightning
Afternoon monsoon storms build quickly in summer, bringing lightning, gusty winds, and brief heavy downpours. Exposed ridgelines and high points like the Rim Overlook and Navajo Knobs are dangerous during lightning. Plan to be off high, exposed terrain by early afternoon in monsoon season and watch the western sky for building clouds.
Capitol Reef Weather FAQ
Common questions about Capitol Reef's weather, seasons, and forecast
What is the best time of year to visit Capitol Reef National Park?
The best times to visit Capitol Reef are spring (April–May) and fall (September–October), when daytime highs sit in the comfortable 60s to 70s°F and nights are cool. Fall is especially rewarding because it lines up with the Fruita orchard apple and pear harvest and golden cottonwood foliage in mid-to-late October. These shoulder seasons avoid both the low-90s summer heat and the cold, icy conditions of winter.
How hot does Capitol Reef get in summer?
Summer is hot and dry at Capitol Reef, with average July highs around 92°F and August highs near 89°F on the Fruita canyon floor (about 5,400 feet elevation). That is noticeably cooler than the bottom of Zion Canyon, but with little shade on most trails it still feels intense. Overnight lows drop into the low-to-mid 60s, so early-morning hikes are the comfortable strategy.
Does it snow at Capitol Reef National Park?
Yes, Capitol Reef gets light snow in winter, mainly from December through February, with the Fruita area averaging only a few inches per month that usually melts quickly. Snow can linger longer on shaded and higher-elevation trails, creating ice. The nearby Boulder Mountain and Highway 12 Scenic Byway, which top 11,000 feet, receive much heavier snow and can have winter driving conditions.
When is the monsoon season and flash-flood risk at Capitol Reef?
The North American monsoon affects Capitol Reef from roughly mid-July through September, when afternoon thunderstorms can trigger dangerous flash floods in narrow drainages like Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge and turn Cathedral Valley's dirt roads to impassable mud. August is typically the wettest month. Always check the flash-flood forecast at the visitor center before hiking canyons during these months, since storms upstream can flood washes under clear skies.
When can you pick fruit in the Fruita orchards at Capitol Reef?
The historic Fruita orchards open for u-pick harvest from roughly June through October, depending on the fruit. Cherries and apricots ripen in June and July, peaches and pears come in August into early September, and apples run from early September into mid-October. Harvest dates shift each year with the weather, so check the park's fruit hotline (435-425-3791) for current picking conditions.
How cold does Capitol Reef get in winter?
Winter days at Capitol Reef are chilly, with average highs around 41°F in December and January and overnight lows dropping into the teens and low 20s°F on the Fruita canyon floor. It is the quietest season, offering solitude, snow-dusted red rock, and excellent stargazing, but you should pack warm layers and traction devices for icy, shaded trails.