Climate and monthly weather forecastCapitol Reef National Park, UT
Climate and monthly weather forecast
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 »Updated: Jul 24, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
With an average high-temperature of 37.4°F (3°C) and an average low-temperature of 8.6°F (-13°C), January is the coldest month.
In Capitol Reef National Park, during the entire year, the rain falls for 79 days and collects up to 7.99" (203mm) of precipitation.
The months with the least sunshine are January and December, with an average of 6h of sunshine.
The months with the lowest UV index in Capitol Reef National Park are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
The months with the least rainfall are February and April Rain falls for 6 days and accumulates 0.39" (10mm) of rain.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, 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.
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 48min of daylight.
June has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 12h of sunshine.
June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 11, are months with the highest UV index.
July, having an average high-temperature of 86°F (30°C) and an average low-temperature of 51.8°F (11°C), is the warmest month.
August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 8 days and accumulates 1.38" (35mm) of precipitation.
With an average of 9h and 30min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Average temperature
Capitol Reef National Park, UT
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (86°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (37°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (52°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (9°F).
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").
Average rainfall days
Capitol Reef National Park, UT
- Average rainfall days in January:
7 days - Average rainfall days in February:
6 days - Average rainfall days in March:
8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
7 days - Average rainfall days in May:
6 days - Average rainfall days in June:
5 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
7 days - Average rainfall days in August:
8 days - Average rainfall days in September:
6 days - Average rainfall days in October:
6 days - Average rainfall days in November:
6 days - Average rainfall days in December:
7 days
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).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Capitol Reef National Park, UT
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 54min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 48min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 12min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 18min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 48min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 30min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 36min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 24min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 12min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 6min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 30min
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).
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).
