Zion in February: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Best window · VisitWhen score 80/100 · #1 of 12 months

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Zion National Park: crowds run 25% of the June peak (153,173 average visits). Weather: highs average 58°F and lows 34°F, with 2.1″ of precipitation and 10.8 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data. February ranks #1 of 12 months here.

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Zion in February: what the park service says

February is usually one of the few months you can drive your own car up Zion Canyon. The park service says private vehicles are allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive only in the non-shuttle season, usually December through February, while daily shuttle service runs from March through November. That freedom has a cost: the park's own lots often fill early in the day, so arrive early or park in Springdale and ride the free Springdale Line in. Check the shuttle schedule before you go, because the exact start date can move.

Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.

Crowds in February

Zion averages 153,173 recreation visits in February — 25% of what June, the peak month, draws — this is the second-quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — crowds are thin by this park's standards.

Weather & daylight

Expect cool days (highs average 58°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 34°F). Average precipitation is 2.1″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 10.8 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station ZION NP, UT US (1 mi from park coordinates, 4,038 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of February.

What to pack for Zion in February

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 34°F
• Packable rain jacket — 2.1″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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Also at their best in February

Other parks whose computed February verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

• Shenandoah in February — 9% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 77/100
• Capitol Reef in February — 10% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 76/100
• Carlsbad Caverns in February — 39% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 76/100
• Canyonlands in February — 14% of peak crowds, highs 49°F, score 75/100

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in February · Last verified 2026-09-24