United States, North America

Zion in July

Peak heat, peak crowds, and flash flood risk in The Narrows from monsoon storms. Heat illness is a real danger on exposed trails.

Think twiceVery hot, highs near 100F (38C), monsoon storms

Zion Canyon, United States — ZionPhoto: Michael Gäbler, CC BY 3.0

The straight answer

July is a month to think twice about visiting Zion. Peak heat, peak crowds, and flash flood risk in The Narrows from monsoon storms. Heat illness is a real danger on exposed trails.

Weather: Very hot, highs near 100F (38C), monsoon storms
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What July is like in Zion

July is the month to avoid. Highs reach about 100F (38C), crowds and prices are at their peak, and monsoon storms bring flash flood risk to The Narrows and slot canyons. Heat illness is a real danger on exposed trails like Angels Landing and the Watchman. Afternoon storms can close The Narrows on short notice.

If summer is your only option, come prepared to hike at dawn and rest through the afternoon. Families with young kids will find it especially hard. For a far better trip, choose October, or late April and May.

Make the most of July

What is especially good about Zion this month.

Early-morning Narrows wading

When the flash flood forecast is clear, a dawn walk in the river is the coolest way to see the canyon.

Monsoon skies

Afternoon thunderheads over the red cliffs are dramatic, best watched from a safe spot away from washes.

Kolob Canyons drive

A scenic drive with viewpoints lets you see red rock without long hot hikes.

What to pack for July

A wide-brim hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
A large water supply and electrolyte packets
Lightweight, breathable clothing
A rain jacket for afternoon storms

Our timing tip

Check the daily flash flood forecast at the visitor center before any river or slot canyon hike, and be off exposed trails by late morning.

Book Zion for July.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Zion
Opens a hotel search for Zion in July, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for July
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Zion
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Zion
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Zion for July. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in July

Monsoon season

Roughly July to mid September

Afternoon storms can cause flash floods in The Narrows and slot canyons. Heed the daily flash flood forecast.

Things to do in Zion

Full guide

The Narrows from the bottom

No permit is needed to hike upstream from the Temple of Sinawava. Rent canyoneering shoes and a pole in Springdale; check the flash flood forecast first.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Angels Landing

Permits are required, through seasonal lotteries and a day-before lottery on Recreation.gov. Without one, hike to Scout Lookout for a strong consolation view.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive by shuttle

The free shuttle runs most of the year; get on at the visitor center early to beat the lines.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Canyon Overlook Trail

A short hike off the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway with a big view. Parking is tiny, so go early or late.

Tickets and tours →

Kolob Canyons

The park's quieter northwest section, with its own entrance off Interstate 15 and a scenic drive to red finger canyons.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Emerald Pools

An easy family trail to pools and seasonal waterfalls, best in spring.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Ride the first shuttles of the morning. By mid morning in spring, summer, and fall, lines at the visitor center shuttle stop can run long.
Stay in Springdale and walk or take the town shuttle to the park entrance; the park lots often fill by 8am in busy seasons.
Hike The Narrows at first light and turn around before midday, when the crowds peak.
Head to Kolob Canyons or Kolob Terrace Road for the same red rock with a fraction of the visitors.

Know before you go

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles during shuttle season, which typically runs from about March through late November and briefly over the winter holidays. Outside those periods, you can usually drive it.
The Narrows closes when the Virgin River flow is too high or flash floods threaten; spring snowmelt and summer monsoon storms both cause closures.
Angels Landing requires a permit year-round through seasonal and day-before lotteries. The rules and application windows can change, so check the park's current permit page.
Large vehicles need a paid tunnel escort through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, and some oversized vehicles are not allowed at all. Check size limits before towing or driving an RV.

Zion in July, quick answers

Is July a good time to visit Zion?

July is a month to think twice about visiting Zion. Peak heat, peak crowds, and flash flood risk in The Narrows from monsoon storms. Heat illness is a real danger on exposed trails.

What is the weather like in Zion in July?

Very hot, highs near 100F (38C), monsoon storms.

Is Zion crowded in July?

July is peak crowd season in Zion; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Zion in July?

Monsoon season (roughly july to mid september).