Climate and monthly weather forecast
Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Share
Natural sandstone formation in the Cathedral Wash, within the Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Natural sandstone formation in the Cathedral Wash, within the Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

The climate of Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park, situated in Utah, USA, boasts a mid-latitude steppe climate, classified as BSk under the Köppen climate classification. This climate type typically exhibits cold winters and hot, dry summers, largely influenced by the park's geographical position inland and away from moderating oceanic influences.

Across the year, temperatures in Capitol Reef National Park manifest a significant disparity, fluctuating from a chilly low of 9°F (-12.8°C) in the cold months to a scorching high of 86°F (30°C) in the height of summer. Rainfall maintains a relatively constant pattern throughout the year, with an average of 6 to 8 days of precipitation per month, leading to monthly rainfall totals varying from 0.4" (10mm) to a peak of 1.4" (36mm).

Daylight duration adjusts in accordance with the changing seasons, varying between the shortest days of 9.5 hours in winter to the longest days reaching up to 14.8 hours in the midst of summer. Correspondingly, sunlight hours adjust from a minimum of 6 hours per day during the shortest days of winter up to a maximum of 12 hours in sun-drenched summer. Capitol Reef National Park experiences a UV index that peaks at 11 in the summer months, necessitating effective sun protection measures during this period.

The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park

Ideal visiting times for Capitol Reef National Park align with the moderate temperatures and lesser rainfall witnessed during May, June, and September. During May, temperatures reach a comfortable high of 70°F (21.1°C), while the rainfall averages a modest 0.6" (15mm). Additionally, this period promotes extended daylight hours, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Capitol Reef National Park

The least favorable period for a visit to Capitol Reef National Park arises during July and August, when temperatures surge notably, reaching highs from 86°F (30°C) to 82°F (27.8°C) respectively. Coupled with the highest rainfall level of the year around 1.4" (36mm) in August, it creates somewhat uncomfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Moreover, the UV index elevates to a harsh 11, indicating the necessity for robust sun-protection strategies.

Spring weather in Capitol Reef National Park

Between March and May, Capitol Reef National Park welcomes spring with increasing temperatures from initial highs of 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21.1°C) by May. Corresponding lows rise from 21°F (-6.1°C) to 37°F (2.8°C). Rainfall during this period holds somewhat constant, ranging from 0.5" (13mm) to 0.6" (15mm). Noticeable are the daylight hours, which stretch from an initial 12 hours in March to 14.3 hours by the arrival of May.

Summer weather in Capitol Reef National Park

Summer season in Capitol Reef National Park, stretching from June to August, reveals significantly hot conditions with temperatures spiking to 86°F (30°C) in July, and maintaining highs above 80°F (26.7°C) through August. Night time temperatures also remain relatively high, capped at 52°F (11.1°C) in July. Rainfall peaks at 1.4" (36mm) in August, contributing to humid conditions. The duration of daylight exceeds 14 hours in this period, while the UV index reaches a critical level, indicating severe exposure risk.

Autumn weather in Capitol Reef National Park

Autumn sets in Capitol Reef National Park from September to November, with temperatures beginning to decrease. Highs are witnessed from 75°F (23.9°C) in September to 50°F (10°C) in November, while lows settle between 41°F (5°C) and 19°F (-7.2°C). Rainfall in autumn is steady, fluctuating from 0.9" (23mm) to 0.5" (13mm) by November. The daylight period gradually reduces in autumn, from 12.4 hours in September to 10.1 hours in November.

Winter weather in Capitol Reef National Park

Winter, set between December and February, exhibits characteristically cold conditions in Capitol Reef National Park. High temperatures fall to a chilly 39°F (3.9°C) in December and remain in the range up to 45°F (7.2°C) in February. Corresponding lows reflects a stark winter chill, sliding down to 10°F (-12.2°C) in December and exhibiting a gradual rise to 16°F (-8.9°C) until February. Winter's precipitation level averages around 0.5" (13mm) per month, with a consistent count of rainfall days. Daylight hours are at minimum during winter, hovering around 9.5 to 10.8 hours during this period.

Weather in January

Kicking off the year, frosty times dominate Capitol Reef National Park with the temperature swinging between 9°F (-12.8°C) and 37°F (2.8°C). This substantial contrast makes the month bracing, yet invigorating for those who relish the colder side of the weather spectrum. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Transitioning from the icy grip of January, February in Capitol Reef National Park returns with a subtle touch of warmth. The pleasantly cool temperatures range from 16°F (-8.9°C) to 45°F (7.2°C) which is a palpable increase from the previous month. Weather in February »

Weather in March

In March, Capitol Reef National Park embraces the advent of spring, bidding goodbye to the biting cold of winter. Upward spikes in both temperature and daylight hours are apparent, as this month registers a UV index of 6, indicating an increase in the sun's intensity. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings a noticeable climatological shift to Capitol Reef National Park. A welcome relief from the preceding chilly weather, the temperature ranges from 28°F (-2.2°C) to 59°F (15°C). April's weather benefits from extended daylight hours and increased sunshine, making it an ideal month to explore the park's extraordinary geological features. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May reveals another leap in temperature at Capitol Reef National Park, with a temperature ranging from 37°F (2.8°C) to 70°F (21.1°C). Embracing a higher UV index of 9, this month witnesses sunnier skies, resulting in a spike in the number of daylight hours for outdoor activities. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June introduces a bright atmosphere at Capitol Reef National Park with longer daylight hours and warmer climates that soar between 45°F (7.2°C) and 81°F (27.2°C). With a UV index peaking at 11, sun protection is a must. This month signifies the cusp of summer, blooming under the caress of the sun's rays and the gentle lull of summer winds. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July welcomes the zenith of summer heat at Capitol Reef National Park with temperatures ascending from 52°F (11.1°C) to 86°F (30°C). There is a considerable increase in rainfall with an average of 1 inch over seven days. Still, the rainfall doesn't dampen the sunny spirits of July, which ties with June for the highest UV index of 11. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August perpetuates the summer weather pattern at Capitol Reef National Park, with the mercury hovering between 50°F (10°C) and 82°F (27.8°C). Even though the temperature dips slightly from its July peaks, the trails and amenities of the park remain fully accessible to visitors. Weather in August »

Weather in September

As September rolls in, Capitol Reef National Park undergoes an atmospheric change. The retreat of summer is most evident in temperatures, which fall between 41°F (5°C) and 75°F (23.9°C). This marks the start of the cooler season and a decline in the UV index to 8. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October's cool weather at Capitol Reef National Park is a seasonal signature, highlighted by the temperature lowering from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 64°F (17.8°C). As days grow shorter, and the UV index drops to 5, a sense of tranquility washes over the park. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November at Capitol Reef National Park is the onset of winter with temperature fluctuations from 19°F (-7.2°C) to 50°F (10°C). A decrease in daylight hours, a fall in the UV index to 3, and a drop in temperature signal the advent of the cold season. Weather in November »

Weather in December

To round off the year, December at Capitol Reef National Park brings the return of substantial cold, with temperatures oscillating between 10°F (-12.2°C) to 39°F (3.9°C). As the winter solstice approaches, daylight hours dwindle to about 9.5 hours a day. Weather in December »
[Resources]

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest in Capitol Reef National Park?

Capitol Reef National Park's coldest weather arrives in January, when temperatures average a high of 37.4°F (3°C) and a low of 8.6°F (-13°C).

How many days does it rain in Capitol Reef National Park?

Throughout the year, in Capitol Reef National Park, there are 79 rainfall days, and 7.99" (203mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Capitol Reef National Park?

January and December, with an average of 6h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Capitol Reef National Park.

When is the lowest UV index in Capitol Reef National Park?

January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the driest month in Capitol Reef National Park?

The months with the least rainfall in Capitol Reef National Park are February and April Rain falls for 6 days and accumulates 0.39" (10mm) of rain.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Capitol Reef National Park?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Capitol Reef National Park, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.

When are the longest days in Capitol Reef National Park?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 14h and 48min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine in Capitol Reef National Park?

June has the most sunshine of the year in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, with an average of 12h of sunshine.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Capitol Reef National Park?

June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 11, are months with the highest UV index.

What is the warmest month in Capitol Reef National Park?

July stands out as Capitol Reef National Park's warmest month, with temperatures ranging between an average high of 86°F (30°C) and a low of 51.8°F (11°C).

What is the wettest month in Capitol Reef National Park?

August is the month with the most rainfall in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah. Rain falls for 8 days and accumulates 1.38" (35mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days in Capitol Reef National Park?

December has the shortest days of the year in Capitol Reef National Park, with an average of 9h and 30min of daylight.

Average rainfall
Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Average rainfall - Capitol Reef National Park, UT

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (1.4").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are February and April (0.4").

[Resources]

Average rainfall days
Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Average rainfall days - Capitol Reef National Park, UT

The months with the highest number of rainy days are March and August (8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is June (5 days).

[Resources]

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Capitol Reef National Park, UT

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 30min).

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 12h).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 6h).

[Resources]

Average UV index
Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Average UV index - Capitol Reef National Park, UT

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 11).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 2).

[Resources]

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA

Weather forecast for your location

1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location