Weather

The Fremont River cuts through the Waterpocket Fold. In the fall, cottonwood leaves turn yellow, and shrubs and bushes become vibrant reds and yellows.

NPS/Ann Huston

Capitol Reef National Park has an arid climate with precipitation averaging 7.91 inches (20.1 cm) annually at the park visitor center weather station. Much of the precipitation falls during the summer monsoon season, usually from July to September. During monsoon season, summer downpours can create dangerous flash floods, as well as beautiful ephemeral waterfalls. Always check the weather forecast before hiking in canyons during monsoon season. Flash flood watches and warnings for Capitol Reef and surrounding national parks are provided by the National Weather Service. Flash floods can be unpredictable and your safety is your responsibility.

Find a Forecast

Capitol Reef is a long, narrow park encompassing most of the Waterpocket Fold, a monocline. Because of the varied elevations and landscape, weather can vary widely across the park. Check specific forecasts, which include the flash flood potential rating and heat risk:

• Fruita, including the Fruita Historic District, Fruita Campground, Scenic Drive, and Utah State Route 24
• North District, including Cathedral Valley
• South District, including the Burr Trail Road and Halls Creek

Call the park for the most recent Fruita area forecast, recorded each morning on the automated phone system at [phone]. Press 1 for more information, and 3 for the daily weather forecast. The current Fruita forecast is also available below.

Regional Weather

Check the forecast, heat risk, and flash flood potential rating for other parts of southern Utah.

• Regional Flash Flood Potential Rating
• Regional HeatRisk

 

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Weather Forecast for Capitol Reef National Park

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Lat: 38.291481018066406 Long: -111.2613296508789

Last updated:

Extended Graphical Forecast for This Location

Extended Text Forecast for This Location

 

Weather Averages

The following chart shows temperature and precipiation averages from 1991 through 2020. Record temperatures and maximum precipitation are from weather data collected between 1938 and 2020.

Month	Average Temperature (°F)		Record Temperature (°F)		Precipitation (in.)		Snowfall (in.)
	High	Low	High	Low	Average	Maximum	Average	Maximum
January	41	20	69	-9	0.52	2.32	3.9	23.3
February	47	26	72	-7	0.54	2.92	1.9	17.0
March	58	34	80	10	0.48	2.25	1.5	16.5
April	65	39	91	18	0.51	2.84	0.5	12.5
May	74	48	97	28	0.63	2.23	-	2.5
June	87	58	104	35	0.35	2.29	-	-
July	91	65	104	44	1.05	3.54	-	-
August	88	63	102	42	1.14	4.42	-	-
September	80	55	99	30	0.97	5.18	-	-
October	66	43	91	12	0.85	5.22	-	10.1
November	51	31	77	5	0.51	2.84	1.5	18.0
December	40	21	69	-8	0.35	2.15	2.9	21.5

 

Look for ephemeral waterfalls along Utah Highway 24 during the summer monsoon season. Summer rains can offer a break from the heat, but also can cause dangerous flash floods.

NPS/ Emily Van Ness

High Temperatures

Except for July and August, daily high temperatures usually range about 10° F on either side of the average monthly high temperature shown. July and August highs range about 5° F on either side of the average monthly high shown.

Low Temperatures

Low temperatures usually range about 10° F on either side of the average low temperatures shown for the months January through April and November through December. Low temperatures for May through October will range about 5° F on either side of the average monthly low shown.

The environment of Capitol Reef presents many weather-related safety concerns--be prepared by learning more about how to protect Your Safety.