Renting an e-bike is a great way to beat the crowds in Zion on a busy day. No worrying about waiting in line for a shuttle bus or struggling to find parking in Springdale or the park. Instead, hop on your e-bike and ride straight to the trailhead or overlook!
E-bikes from Greater Zion E-Bike Rentals are also great for beating Zion’s famous summer heat. But while you might already know about the park’s triple-digit summer temperatures, do you know what you can expect from the weather the rest of the year? Keep reading to find out.
Summer
Summer is the most popular season for visiting Zion National Park. The months of June, July, and August combined see nearly 40 percent of the park’s annual visitors. Of course, part of this rise in visitor numbers is due to the large number of families that schedule their vacations during school summer breaks. But the warm weather and long days are also a draw. Another perk of visiting Zion during the summer months is that most businesses in and around the park are open, with longer hours than they might have the rest of the year.
The weather in the summer can either be a reason to visit or a reason not to, depending on what you plan to do during your trip and your preferences. In the middle of the summer, it’s not unusual for temperatures to reach the triple digits, and sunny days are the norm. This can make hiking challenging trails like Angels Landing dangerous without the right gear and training. But it can also make hiking more comfortable than it would be in the middle of winter.
Summer is one of the best times of year for renting an e-bike. Riding your motorized bike through the park is a great way to beat the heat. You can use your e-bike to skip the lines at the shuttle stops in the park and still get around from one trailhead or overlook to the next. You’ll enjoy longer days for riding, and more businesses that you can visit in Springdale on your e-bike.
Fall
Another popular season for visiting Zion National Park is fall. Visitor numbers drop off only slightly in September and October each year, when guests flock to the park to see the changing leaves. However, more of these guests visit on the weekends, making the weekdays a great opportunity to enjoy the park with fewer crowds before the weather gets too cold.
Hot days aren’t quite over yet. The average highs in September are in the 90s (Fahrenheit), dropping into the 80s and eventually the 70s in October. Nights are cooler, though, which makes for more comfortable weather outside early and late in the day for those sensitive to the heat.
One downside of fall is that the Zion Canyon Shuttle and Springdale Shuttle reduce their operating hours and the number of shuttle buses in use. But with an e-bike rental, you won’t have to worry about getting stuck in the park after the last bus leaves for the day!
Winter
Like many national parks, Zion sees the fewest visitors during the winter months. But the park actually experiences pretty mild weather this time of year. Daily average highs are typically in the 50s and 60s, though they may dip below freezing overnight. The park does experience the occasional winter storm, which may dump snow and ice on the park and make trails and roads treacherous. However, this is a great time of year to see the park without crowds of other visitors.
During much of the winter, the shuttle buses are not in operation, which means that guests can drive in and park in the Lower Canyon where personal vehicles are usually prohibited.
Spring
Warmer weather often starts returning to Zion sometime in March or April. However, it’s not uncommon for daily highs to only be in the 30s this time of year. If Zion’s upper peaks saw a lot of snow and ice, spring will bring melting, which raises the level of the Virgin River and may cause flooding and wash out on trails.
Spring sees similar visitor numbers in the park as fall. Around 8 percent of visitors come to the park in May, 10 percent in June, and 11 percent in May. If you’re planning to visit for spring break, you can expect to share the park with many other travelers who had the same idea! The Zion Canyon Shuttle returns to operations in the Spring, and the Human History Museum opens following its winter closure, though it’s only open for limited hours during this season.
The Best Season for Renting an E-Bike
There’s truly no bad time of year to visit Zion National Park! Renting an e-bike from Greater Zion E-Bike Rentals is a great way to get around when shuttle bus lines get long in the spring, summer, and fall. But it’s also a great way to explore the park from a whole new angle, one that you won’t get from your car or while on a trail.
Have a fall visit to Zion planned? Now is a great time to think about renting an e-bike during your stay!