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 7.98 inches (20.3 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. Your safety is your responsibility.

For current weather conditions, refer to the recorded message on our automated phone system at [phone]. Press 1 for more information, and 3 for the daily weather 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

The chart below is based on temperature and precipitation records from 1985 through July 2019 and may provide someone planning a visit with an idea of what can be expected from the weather.

 

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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

 

TEMPERATURES (F)
	AVERAGE		RECORDS		PRECIPITATION (in.)		SNOWFALL (in.)
MONTH	HIGH	LOW	HIGH	LOW	AVERAGE	MAX	AVERAGE	MAX
JANUARY	41	20	64	-2	0.49	0.92	3.8	14.0
FEBRUARY	47	26	71	-7	0.53	1.50	1.8	7
MARCH	58	34	80	11	0.51	0.80	2.2	14.0
APRIL	66	40	88	22	0.55	1.30	0.4	4.0
MAY	75	48	97	29	0.66	0.85	0.01	0.4
JUNE	87	59	103	35	0.35	0.75	-	-
JULY	91	65	104	51	1.09	1.39	-	-
AUGUST	88	63	101	50	1.16	1.50	-	-
SEPTEMBER	80	55	96	35	0.97	1.86	-	-
OCTOBER	66	44	88	23	0.87	1.78	-	0.8
NOVEMBER	51	31	74	11	0.46	0.90	1.4	6.0
DECEMBER	41	21	67	-7	0.34	0.90	2.5	8.0

 

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.

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