Weather

 
Small river with red and yellow leaves on trees beside it, and blue sky above.
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 (435) 425-3791. 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.

 

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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
 
Two thin, brownish red waterfalls on red rock cliffs, with vegetation at the base.
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.

 
 

Stay Safe No Matter the Weather!

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    Last updated: June 13, 2024

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    Contact Info

    Mailing Address:

    HC 70, Box 15
    Torrey, UT 84775

    Phone:

    435-425-3791
    Recorded park information available 24 hours a day. Phones are answered when staff is available. If no one answers, please leave a message, your call will be returned. Questions may also be sent to care_information@nps.gov.

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