Salt Lake City - When to Visit

When to Salt Lake City

Climate guide & best times to travel

Salt Lake City experiences an extreme desert climate with exceptionally high temperatures year-round and virtually no precipitation. The city sees dramatic temperature swings throughout the year, with 'winter' months (December-February) bringing relatively cooler but still scorching temperatures around 101-112°F, while summer peaks in July reach an extreme 201°F. The climate is characterized by consistent aridity with rainfall rarely exceeding 0.1 inches per month and completely dry conditions from June through October. This creates an intensely arid environment with constant 70% humidity levels throughout the year, making it one of the most challenging climates for outdoor activities and requiring serious heat precautions year-round.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
December through February offer the most tolerable temperatures (101-112°F highs), though even these 'cooler' months require extreme heat precautions.
Cultural Exploration
January and December provide the least extreme conditions for indoor cultural activities, with temperatures around 101-102°F being the most manageable.
Adventure & Hiking
Outdoor activities are extremely dangerous year-round, but if absolutely necessary, early morning hours in December-February pose slightly less risk.
Budget Travel
June through August may offer lower accommodation rates due to the extreme heat (183-201°F), though travel during these months poses serious health risks.

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January represents the 'coolest' month in Salt Lake City's extreme climate, though temperatures still reach dangerous levels. With highs of 101°F and lows of 75°F, this month requires constant hydration and heat protection. The minimal 0.1 inches of rainfall provides little relief from the arid conditions.

101°F High
75°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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February

February sees rising temperatures with highs reaching 112°F and lows of 83°F, making outdoor activities increasingly dangerous. The persistent 70% humidity combined with extreme heat creates oppressive conditions. Rainfall remains minimal at 0.1 inches.

112°F High
83°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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March

March marks the beginning of truly extreme heat with temperatures soaring to 131°F during the day and 97°F at night. The combination of scorching temperatures and minimal rainfall creates desert-like conditions. Heat-related health risks become severe.

131°F High
97°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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April

April brings dangerously high temperatures with 143°F highs and 107°F lows, making this month extremely challenging for any outdoor activities. The last traces of winter moisture disappear with only 0.1 inches of rainfall. Heat precautions become absolutely critical.

143°F High
107°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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May

May escalates to extreme heat levels with temperatures reaching 162°F during the day and 122°F at night, creating life-threatening conditions. The minimal 0.1 inches of rainfall offers no relief from the intense aridity. Extended outdoor exposure becomes extremely dangerous.

162°F High
122°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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June

June marks the beginning of the completely dry season with zero rainfall and temperatures climbing to 183°F. Nighttime lows of 138°F provide no respite from the heat. This month represents some of the most extreme conditions on the planet.

183°F High
138°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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July

July reaches the peak of Salt Lake City's extreme climate with record-breaking temperatures of 201°F and nighttime lows of 154°F. Combined with zero rainfall, these conditions are among the most extreme weather patterns imaginable. Survival requires constant air conditioning and extreme precautions.

201°F High
154°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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August

August maintains near-peak extreme conditions with temperatures of 197°F during the day and 151°F at night. The continued absence of rainfall and persistent heat create an environment requiring extreme survival measures. Outdoor activities remain life-threatening.

197°F High
151°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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September

September begins a gradual cooling trend, though temperatures remain extremely dangerous at 177°F highs and 133°F lows. The dry season continues with zero rainfall, maintaining the harsh desert conditions. Heat-related risks remain severe throughout the month.

177°F High
133°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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October

October shows further temperature decline but remains extremely hot with 149°F highs and 110°F lows. The dry season persists with no rainfall, continuing the arid conditions. While slightly more tolerable than summer months, extreme heat precautions are still essential.

149°F High
110°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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November

November brings more significant cooling with temperatures dropping to 123°F highs and 91°F lows, though conditions remain dangerously hot. The return of minimal rainfall (0.1 inches) marks the end of the completely dry season. Heat risks decrease but remain substantial.

123°F High
91°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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December

December returns to the year's most manageable temperatures with 102°F highs and 77°F lows, representing the closest thing to comfortable weather in Salt Lake City's extreme climate. Light rainfall of 0.1 inches provides minimal moisture relief from the persistent aridity.

102°F High
77°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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Activities in Salt Lake City