Salt Lake City Weather by Month: Temperatures & Rainfall

Quick answer

Salt Lake City experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from -7°C (19°F) in January to 34°C (93°F) in July. The ski season typically runs from late November to mid-April, with the heaviest snowfall occurring in February. For hiking and outdoor festivals, visit between June and September, though be prepared for dry heat exceeding 30°C in July and August.

Salt Lake City monthly weather overview

Monthly breakdown and travel recommendations

January

January is the coldest month, frequently seeing temperatures drop to -10°C at night. Inversion layers can trap cold air and smog in the valley, but the ski resorts like Snowbird and Alta remain clear. Wear thermal base layers, a waterproof parka, and insulated boots. Expect high hotel rates near the TRAX Blue Line stations as skiers transit to the mountain buses.

February

February provides the most consistent snowfall, averaging 25-30cm in the city and significantly more in the Wasatch Range. Humidity remains low, resulting in dry 'powder' snow. Planning should focus on winter sports. Wear wool socks and moisture-wicking layers. The city is busy with visitors attending events at the Vivint Arena or traveling to the nearby Sundance Film Festival in Park City.

March

Temperatures rise to 12°C, leading to slushy conditions on city pavements. This is a shoulder month where you can ski in the morning and walk around Liberty Park in the afternoon. A waterproof shell is necessary. Visit the Red Butte Garden to see early bulb blooms, though higher elevation trails remain inaccessible due to mud.

April

April is the wettest month with roughly 54mm of rainfall. Highs of 16°C make it suitable for city walking tours of Temple Square or the State Capitol. Wear a light rain jacket and water-resistant shoes. Lower-elevation hiking trails like Ensign Peak become hikable, but check trail reports for mud to avoid damaging the paths.

May

With averages of 22°C, May is the prime month for city walking and sightseeing without the summer heat. The Downtown Farmers Market usually begins late in the month. Wear light trousers and long-sleeved shirts. It is a transitional period where the mountain snow melts, making the Jordan River Parkway Trail excellent for cycling.

June

June marks the start of the dry season. Highs reach 28°C, and the snow in Big Cottonwood Canyon has usually melted enough for high-elevation hiking. The Utah Pride Festival takes place in early June. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and breathable fabrics. This is a popular month for camping in the nearby Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

July

July is the hottest month, with temperatures often exceeding 34°C. The Days of '47 Parade and rodeo occur around July 24th, drawing large crowds. The air is very dry. Plan outdoor activities for before 10:00 or after 18:00. Wear lightweight, UV-protective clothing. The 'beaches' at Antelope Island State Park are accessible, but brine flies can be numerous; check official park reports before visiting.

August

Conditions in August mirror July, with consistent heat and minimal rain. The Twilight Concert Series at Gallivan Center is a major draw. For relief from the heat, take the 40-minute drive to the Silver Lake Loop at Brighton, where mountain temperatures are roughly 10°C cooler than the valley. Hydration is critical as humidity levels stay near 30%.

September

September is arguably the best month for hiking and mountain biking. Temperatures drop to a comfortable 27°C. The Utah State Fair runs for 11 days at the State Fairpark (tickets roughly $10-15 USD/£8-12). Wear layers, as evening temperatures can fall quickly once the sun sets behind the Oquirrh Mountains.

October

Autumn colours peak in mid-October. Highs of 19°C are ideal for the Greek Festival or visiting the Hogle Zoo. Crowds are thinner and hotel prices at the Kimpton Shanty or Grand America often dip. Wear a medium-weight jacket. Rainfall increases slightly, so carry a portable umbrella for city walks in the 9th and 9th neighbourhood.

November

Temperatures fall to an average high of 10°C. Ski resorts aim to open by Thanksgiving (late November), depending on early snowfall. The Luminaria display at Thanksgiving Point begins, with tickets priced around $20-25 USD (£16-20). Wear a heavy coat and gloves. This is a low-traffic month for the city until the ski resorts open.

December

December is festive but cold, with highs of 4°C. The Temple Square Christmas lights attract thousands of visitors daily. Expect snow on the ground and icy patches on sidewalks. Wear full winter gear. Indoor attractions like the Natural History Museum of Utah or The Leonardo provide warm alternatives to outdoor sightseeing.

Planning by activity

• Skiing and Snowboarding: December to March offer the best coverage. February is the peak for snow quality. Resorts like Solitude and Brighton are accessible via the UTA Ski Bus (Route 972/994).
• Hiking: June through September. High-altitude trails in the Wasatch are typically snow-free by July.
• City Walking: May, June, and September provide the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the Downtown and Sugar House districts.
• Festivals: July and August have the highest density of outdoor events, including the Utah Arts Festival and various concert series.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring the altitude: Salt Lake City is 1,288m above sea level. You will dehydrate faster and sunburn more easily than at sea level. Drink more water than usual.
• Underestimating the inversion: In mid-winter (Jan/Feb), the valley can suffer from poor air quality due to temperature inversions. If you have respiratory issues, plan to spend more time at higher elevations above the smog.
• Visiting Antelope Island in mid-summer without bug prep: The biting gnats and brine flies in June and July can be intense. Check the 'biting fly' forecast on the official State Park website.
• Dressing for the valley only: If you plan to head into the canyons, temperatures will be 5-15°C cooler than downtown. Always carry an extra layer.
• Forgetting Sunday closures: While not weather-related, many local businesses and some restaurants close on Sundays. Plan your itinerary to ensure your chosen venues are open.

FAQ

When is the best time to see fall colours in Salt Lake City? The best time is typically the first two weeks of October. Drive the Alpine Loop or Big Cottonwood Canyon for the most vibrant maples and aspens.

Does it rain a lot in Salt Lake City? No, SLC is considered semi-arid. April is the wettest month with only 54mm of rain. You are more likely to encounter snow in winter than heavy rain in summer.

What month does it start snowing in Salt Lake City? Significant snow usually begins in late November. While light flurries can occur in October, the ground accumulation typically waits until the Thanksgiving holiday period.

How hot does Salt Lake City get in the summer? July and August regularly see highs of 34°C (93°F) to 37°C (99°F). Due to the low humidity, the heat feels dry rather than muggy.

Plan your trip

Journey Planner turns this guide into a personalised day-by-day itinerary for your dates and group. You get monthly weather for your travel month, estimated flight, hotel and attraction costs in your currency, outfit ideas and a packing list for the season — free, no login required.