Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park
The best months to visit Capitol Reef National Park are February, March and April — computed from official NPS visitation (2021–2025 average), NOAA weather normals and daylight. May is the crowd peak (213,386 monthly visits); January is quietest at 8% of peak.
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Monthly crowd curve
Average monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). Amber bar = current month.
Capitol Reef month by month
| Month | Verdict | Avg visits | % of peak | High / Low | Precip | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Shoulder | 17,858 | 8% | 41°F / 21°F | 0.6″ | 9.8h |
| February | Best window | 22,047 | 10% | 47°F / 26°F | 0.5″ | 10.8h |
| March | Best window | 94,788 | 44% | 57°F / 34°F | 0.5″ | 11.9h |
| April | Best window | 149,112 | 70% | 65°F / 39°F | 0.5″ | 13.2h |
| May | Peak crowds | 213,386 | 100% | 74°F / 48°F | 0.7″ | 14.2h |
| June | Peak crowds | 174,897 | 82% | 86°F / 58°F | 0.3″ | 14.8h |
| July | Shoulder | 124,380 | 58% | 91°F / 65°F | 1.0″ | 14.6h |
| August | Shoulder | 108,049 | 51% | 88°F / 63°F | 1.1″ | 13.7h |
| September | Peak crowds | 170,635 | 80% | 80°F / 55°F | 0.9″ | 12.5h |
| October | Peak crowds | 170,843 | 80% | 66°F / 43°F | 0.9″ | 11.3h |
| November | Shoulder | 64,075 | 30% | 51°F / 30°F | 0.5″ | 10.1h |
| December | Shoulder | 32,488 | 15% | 40°F / 21°F | 0.4″ | 9.5h |
Crowds: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, mean of 2021–2025 (2020 excluded as a COVID-19 anomaly). Weather: NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CAPITOL REEF NP, UT US (8 mi from park coordinates). Daylight: computed for the 15th of each month at the park's location. Methodology.
How many people visit Capitol Reef each year
Capitol Reef National Park had 1,388,476 recreation visits in 2025, 2% fewer than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2024, with 1,422,490. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 1,342,558 visits a year, which makes it the 22nd most-visited of the 63 national parks.
| Year | Recreation visits | vs. year before |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,388,476 | −2% |
| 2024 | 1,422,490 | +12% |
| 2023 | 1,268,861 | +3% |
| 2022 | 1,227,608 | −13% |
| 2021 | 1,405,353 | +43% |
| 2020 | 981,038 | −20% |
| 2019 | 1,226,519 | 0% |
| 2018 | 1,227,627 | +7% |
| 2017 | 1,150,165 | +8% |
| 2016 | 1,064,904 | +13% |
| 2015 | 941,029 | — |
Calendar-year recreation visits as published by NPS Visitor Use Statistics. 2020 is shown here but left out of the monthly averages above, because the COVID-19 pandemic makes it unrepresentative. See how every park compares: all 63 parks ranked by visits.
What to pack for Capitol Reef in February
Computed from February's weather normals — Capitol Reef's best month above. Visiting another month? Each month page has its own weather-computed list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 26°F, below freezing
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Capitol Reef?
February, March and April rank best for Capitol Reef on VisitWhen's computed score — the strongest balance of low crowds (NPS data), comfortable weather (NOAA normals) and daylight.
What is the most crowded month at Capitol Reef?
May: an average of 213,386 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). The quietest is January, at 8% of the May peak.
When is Capitol Reef least crowded with decent conditions?
January. It is the park's quietest month (8% of the May peak, 17,858 average visits) without harsh-season weather.
How many people visit Capitol Reef per year?
Capitol Reef National Park had 1,388,476 recreation visits in 2025, 2% fewer than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2024, with 1,422,490. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 1,342,558 visits a year.
What is the weather like at Capitol Reef through the year?
The warmest month is July, with average highs of 91°F. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 21°F. The wettest month is August, with 1.1″ of precipitation. (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, CAPITOL REEF NP, UT US station.)
Dive into a month
Comparing parks for the same trip? See how Capitol Reef ranks against all 63 parks in February, March and April.
Last verified 2026-09-24 · all parks