Zion in October: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 62/100 · #7 of 12 months
October is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Zion National Park: crowds run 82% of the June peak (491,057 average visits). Weather: highs average 78°F and lows 49°F, with 1.2″ of precipitation and 11.3 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Crowds in October
Zion averages 491,057 recreation visits in October — 82% of what June, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Days are mild (highs average 78°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 49°F). It is typically dry (1.2″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 11.3 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station ZION NP, UT US (1 mi from park coordinates, 4,038 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of October.
What to pack for Zion in October
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker) — a 29°F swing between the average low of 49°F and high of 78°F
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Zion are January and February.
Also at their best in October
Other parks whose computed October verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Badlands in October — 27% of peak crowds, highs 63°F, score 81/100
- Isle Royale in October — 2% of peak crowds, highs 51°F, score 81/100
- Wind Cave in October — 25% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 81/100
- Gateway Arch in October — 26% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 80/100
Common questions
Is Zion crowded in October?
Yes — October runs 82% of Zion's peak, averaging 491,057 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Zion in October?
Average highs of 78°F, lows of 49°F, 1.2″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, ZION NP, UT US station).
What should I pack for Zion in October?
A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker); Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in October · Last verified 2026-09-24