When to Visit Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City at its coldest, with highs around 3°C (38°F) and lows dropping to about -4°C (24°F). Expect roughly nine days of precipitation through the month, often falling as snow in the valley and heavier snow in the mountains. Humidity sits near 66%, and UV is negligible at a peak of 2. The city feels quiet in a good way, ski traffic heads straight for the canyons, downtown has a subdued, locals-first energy, and the inversion can settle in for days at a time, blanketing the valley in cold haze.

Brings a slight uptick in temperature, highs near 7°C (44°F), lows around -1°C (28°F), and the days start stretching noticeably. Precipitation eases to about seven days, humidity hovers at 65%, and UV climbs to 4. The Sundance Film Festival crowd has typically cleared out by now, and the ski season is still in full swing. It is still firmly winter. But there are afternoons where the sun feels almost warm if you find a south-facing bench out of the wind.

When Salt Lake City starts its slow, fitful turn toward spring. Highs reach about 12°C (55°F) with lows near 2°C (36°F), and precipitation ticks up to around eight days as Pacific storms push through. Humidity drops to 60% and UV reaches 5. The weather is unpredictable, you might get a 18°C afternoon followed by a snowstorm two days later. The mountains still have excellent snow. But the valley is starting to green up.

Wetter than you might expect, with about eight days of precipitation and the highest monthly rainfall total on the calendar. Highs climb to 16°C (61°F) and lows sit around 5°C (41°C). Humidity falls to 49% and UV hits 7, strong enough to catch you off guard. The Wasatch foothills turn properly green, the fruit trees in the Avenues neighborhood bloom, and there is a sense of the city waking up. Lower-elevation trails start drying out, though anything above about 2,100 meters is likely still snowbound.

Salt Lake City finally feels warm. Highs reach 22°C (72°F), lows settle around 10°C (50°F), and precipitation drops to about seven days. Humidity falls to 42% and UV hits 8. Sunscreen is essential. The outdoor dining scene opens fully, farmers markets return, and the hiking trails in the foothills above the university hit prime condition. Evenings stay cool enough for a light jacket. That crisp high-desert air is one of spring's real pleasures.

Summer arrives in earnest. Highs push to 28°C (84°F) with lows around 15°C (59°F), and rain mostly stops. About five days of precipitation. Humidity plummets to 24%. UV peaks at 10, the strongest all year. The sun at this altitude and latitude is brutal. The Great Salt Lake shoreline becomes accessible for the curious. Evening events at the Gallivan Center and Liberty Park draw locals out. The dryness defines everything. Your lips will crack before you notice how little moisture hangs in the air.

The hottest month here. Highs around 34°C (93°F) and lows near 20°C (68°F). Precipitation hits its annual minimum at about three days. Humidity sits at just 20%. UV stays at 10. The heat is serious but dry. Shade and water matter enormously. Afternoon thunderstorms build over the mountains, occasionally drifting into the valley with dramatic lightning. Outdoor concert series and Pioneer Day celebrations on July 24th give downtown energy. Many locals still head for the mountains on weekends.

Nearly as hot as July. Highs around 33°C (91°F) and lows near 19°C (66°F). Precipitation stays minimal at about three days, though humidity creeps to 30%. UV eases to 9. The light shifts late in the month. Sunsets come earlier, shadows lengthen, and the Wasatch peaks look less bleached. The food scene peaks. Summer produce still flows and restaurant patios stay busy. Wildfire smoke from the broader West can drift into the valley. Watch for it.

Salt Lake City's most pleasant month. Highs ease to 27°C (80°F), lows drop to a comfortable 13°C (56°F), and precipitation picks up slightly to about five days. Humidity sits at 34% and UV drops to 7. The heat has broken. Morning runs along City Creek Canyon feel crisp. Cottonwoods and maples along the Wasatch front begin turning toward month's end. Excellent for city exploring and mountain hiking.

Proper autumn arrives. Highs near 18°C (65°F) and lows around 6°C (43°F). Precipitation stays moderate at about five days, humidity rises to 52%, and UV settles to 5. Fall color in Big Cottonwood and Millcreek canyons peaks in the first two weeks. Locals turn out in force. First snowfall hits the upper peaks, though the valley stays mild. Nights get cold enough for a proper jacket.

Winter approaches. Highs drop to 10°C (50°F) with lows at freezing, 0°C (32°F). Six days of precipitation return, humidity climbs to 61%, and UV drops to 3. Ski resorts run snowmaking operations. Early-season openings appear toward Thanksgiving. The city quiets down. Holiday lights go up along Temple Square and Main Street. Restaurants shift to colder-weather mode. Richer food. Warmer rooms.

The year closes much as January begins. Cold, dry in the valley, snow-focused in the mountains. Highs near 3°C (39°F), lows around -3°C (25°F), with about seven days of precipitation. Humidity peaks at 70% and UV hits its minimum of 2. Ski season is underway. Holiday events downtown give the city winter energy. The Nutcracker at Capitol Theatre. Christmas markets. Temple Square lights. Inversions grow increasingly likely as the month progresses.