Zion in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

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January is one of the best months of the year to visit Zion National Park: crowds run 23% of the June peak (139,474 average visits), days average 54°F with 9.9 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in January

Zion averages 139,474 recreation visits in January — 23% of what June, the peak month, draws — the quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Weather & daylight

Days are cool (highs average 54°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 30°F). It is typically dry (2.0″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.9 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 January.

What to pack for Zion in January

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 30°F, below freezing
• Headlamp — only 9.9 hours of daylight in mid-January
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-07-16