Best time to visit Salt Lake City
Re-score for me — drag the dial — every chart on the page recolours live for your heat limit 27°C
Default 27 °C is the upper edge of the Holiday Climate Index "ideal comfort" band (Scott, Rutty, Amelung & Tang, 2016). Above this, most warm-tourism travellers report measurable discomfort.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
How is this scored? HCI / Steadman / CCI gate — full methodology and citations below.
Compare with another destination
Add as many as you like — stacked below the main strips above. Each row is just the recent-window score strip and (for beach destinations) sea-temperature strip.
Tours in Salt Lake City
30 top-rated tours via Viator. Booking links earn this site a commission at no cost to you. Map locations are approximate (centred on Salt Lake City).
- 1
Private Half-Day tour to Bonneville Salt Flats - 2
Great Salt Lake Wildlife Experience - 3
Antelope Island Wildlife Expedition Great Salt Lake Adventure - 4
Salt Lake City Walking Tour - 5
Antelope Island Sunset Wildlife Expedition Great Salt Lake Tour - 6
4-Day Small Group Tour: Yellowstone and Tetons Camping from Salt Lake City - 7
Salt Lake City Guided Bus Tour - 8
45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour - 9
Salt Lake City Trolley Tour with Characters & Stories - 10
Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square & Salt Lake City Bus Tour - 11
Private Half-Day Scenic Drive Through Salt Lake's Best Canyons - 12
2 Hour Salt Lake Boat Tour with Swimming on the Lake - 13
Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island Day Tour - 14
Great Salt Lake Safari - Discover Antelope Island - 15
Park City & Olympic Heritage Excursion - 16
Bonneville Salt Flats Adventure - 17
Explore Bonneville Salt Flats Journey to the Edge of the World - 18
SLC Bus Tours Hop On Hop Off - 19
Great Salt Lake 2-Hour Guided Minibus Tour from Salt Lake City - 20
Salt Lake UTV Off Road Adventure - 21
Salt Lake City Haunted Old Town Bus Tour - 22
Salt Lake Ghost Tour: Salt, Spooks, & Shadows - 23
Private Tour of the Wasatch Mountains and Park City Main Street - 24
Salt Lake City Driving Tour - 25
Salt Lake Antelope Island Dark Sky Experience - 26
Salt Lake City's Guided Hiking Tour in the Rockies - 27
Local Food Walking Tours in Salt Lake City - 28
eBike City Tour - 29
Salt Lake City Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour - 30
Salt Lake City Food and Drink Walking Tour
Last refreshed 2026-08-16.
Similar climatesÜrgüp91% · Göreme91% · Ankara90%
Other destinations with the most-alike year-round climate to Salt Lake City (apparent temperature, rain hours, sunshine — matched within the same trip-profile). The ±N chip compares each match's typical score for the current month against Salt Lake City's. Based on the 2020-2024 climatology, not this year's actual weather.
Month-by-month
| Month | Temp °C | Feels °C | Rain days | Rain h | Rain h/day | Humidity | Wind km/h | Sun h | UV | Interest | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -5–4 | 0 | 12 | 152 | 12.7 | 60% | 16 | 151 | 2 | Quiet | 4 |
| Feb | -5–5 | 0 | 9 | 116 | 12.9 | 51% | 18 | 172 | 3 | Quiet | 5 |
| Mar | -1–10 | 6 | 13 | 159 | 12.2 | 47% | 21 | 208 | 5 | Quiet | 5 |
| Apr | 2–15 | 11 | 9 | 105 | 11.7 | 36% | 20 | 245 | 6 | Quiet | 7 |
| May | 8–22 | 18 | 7 | 62 | 8.9 | 29% | 21 | 293 | 7 | Quiet | 8 |
| Jun | 14–29 | 26 | 4 | 33 | 8.3 | 23% | 22 | 306 | 9 | Moderate | 9 |
| Jul | 20–35 | 32 | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 17% | 22 | 323 | 10 | Busy | 6 |
| Aug | 18–32 | 30 | 4 | 29 | 7.3 | 24% | 22 | 289 | 9 | Peak | 7 |
| Sep | 13–28 | 24 | 3 | 24 | 8.0 | 24% | 21 | 262 | 7 | Moderate | 9 |
| Oct | 6–19 | 15 | 6 | 69 | 11.5 | 35% | 19 | 216 | 4 | Quiet | 8 |
| Nov | -1–9 | 5 | 8 | 78 | 9.8 | 50% | 17 | 175 | 2 | Quiet | 6 |
| Dec | -5–4 | 0 | 11 | 127 | 11.5 | 61% | 16 | 155 | 2 | Quiet | 4 |
UV Index in Salt Lake City by Month
UV index in Salt Lake City peaks at 10 (very high) in July, dropping to 2 (low) in December. June, July, August reach very high or extreme levels — apply SPF 50+, wear a hat and protective clothing, and limit direct sun between 11:00 and 17:00.
Best months in detail
September
9/1013–28°C (feels 24°C) · 3 rain days (24h) · 262 sun hours · 24% humidity · Moderate crowd · UV 7 (high)
June
9/1014–29°C (feels 26°C) · 4 rain days (33h) · 306 sun hours · 23% humidity · Moderate crowd · UV 9 (very high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 11 (very high)
May
8/108–22°C (feels 18°C) · 7 rain days (62h) · 293 sun hours · 29% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 7 (high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 9 (very high)
Every month
Show the other 9 months in detail
January
4/10-5–4°C (feels 0°C) · 12 rain days (152h) · 151 sun hours · 60% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 2 (low)
February
5/10-5–5°C (feels 0°C) · 9 rain days (116h) · 172 sun hours · 51% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 3 (moderate)
March
5/10-1–10°C (feels 6°C) · 13 rain days (159h) · 208 sun hours · 47% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 5 (moderate) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 7 (high)
April
7/102–15°C (feels 11°C) · 9 rain days (105h) · 245 sun hours · 36% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 6 (high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 8 (high)
July
6/1020–35°C (feels 32°C) · 1 rain days (7h) · 323 sun hours · 17% humidity · Busy crowd · UV 10 (very high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 11 (extreme)
August
7/1018–32°C (feels 30°C) · 4 rain days (29h) · 289 sun hours · 24% humidity · Peak crowd · UV 9 (very high)
October
8/106–19°C (feels 15°C) · 6 rain days (69h) · 216 sun hours · 35% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 4 (moderate)
November
6/10-1–9°C (feels 5°C) · 8 rain days (78h) · 175 sun hours · 50% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 2 (low) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 3 (moderate)
December
4/10-5–4°C (feels 0°C) · 11 rain days (127h) · 155 sun hours · 61% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 2 (low)
The lake it is named for is three feet above its record low
Salt Lake City's defining landmark is in measurable trouble. As of mid-2026 the Great Salt Lake sat at an elevation of about 4,191 feet — roughly three feet above the record low of 4,188 feet set in November 2022 — after a winter in which Utah's snowpack fell to less than half its usual average by early March.
The consequence that reaches visitors is dust. As water recedes, exposed lakebed is picked up by storms and carried across the Wasatch Front, and it carries heavy metals, which is why Utah has expanded a dedicated dust monitoring network rather than treating it as scenery.
Nearly 400,000 acre-feet of water were dedicated to the lake between 2021 and 2025, so this is an actively managed situation rather than a slow decline — but it is a live one, and worth checking air quality alongside the forecast.
Sources: Utah Great Salt Lake Strike Team — lake level and salinity updates , Great Salt Lake Collaborative — current conditions reporting
How many days do you need in Salt Lake City?
Two for the city itself — Temple Square, the Capitol, the Natural History Museum and a brewery or two. Most visitors use it as a base rather than a destination: add days for skiing in the Cottonwood canyons, or for the drive south to Utah's national parks, which start about four hours away.
Is Salt Lake City worth visiting?
As a base, strongly — few cities put world-class skiing within an hour of an international airport, and it is the natural gateway to Utah's five national parks. The city itself is pleasant and cheap rather than spectacular, with Temple Square, good museums and an unexpectedly strong food scene.
What is the best month to visit Salt Lake City?
September, for warm clear days, autumn colour in the canyons and air quality at its best. August is the crowd peak. For skiing, January through March deliver the light dry snow the Wasatch is known for. Avoid deep winter if inversions and air quality are a concern. Air quality is part of the calculation here: winter inversions and summer wildfire smoke both reduce visibility for days.
Can you swim in the Great Salt Lake?
You can float in it — the salinity is high enough that swimming is more like bobbing — but conditions have changed as levels fell, with more exposed lakebed, brine flies and a strong smell in places. Antelope Island State Park is the usual access point and worth visiting for the scenery and bison regardless.
What is the number one attraction in Utah?
By visitor numbers, Zion National Park draws the most, followed by Bryce Canyon and Arches — the southern parks rather than anything in Salt Lake City. From the city they are a four to five hour drive, which is why many trips fly into Salt Lake and immediately head south. Salt Lake City is the usual arrival airport for all five southern parks, which is why so many trips start here.
What is the air quality like in Salt Lake City?
Variable, and worth checking. The valley's geography traps cold air in winter inversions that can hold pollution for days, and receding water on the Great Salt Lake has added dust events carrying heavy metals. Summer wildfire smoke is a third factor. Spring and early autumn are usually clearest.
How far is skiing from Salt Lake City?
Unusually close — the Cottonwood canyon resorts are around 30 to 45 minutes from downtown and roughly an hour from the airport, which is why the city markets itself on it. Park City is about 40 minutes east. Canyon roads can require chains or close in heavy snow, so check conditions.
What not to miss in Salt Lake City?
Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol for the valley view, and Antelope Island for bison and the lake itself. In winter, a day in Little or Big Cottonwood Canyon. The Natural History Museum of Utah has an outstanding palaeontology collection drawn from the state's fossil beds.
Is Salt Lake City expensive?
Moderate by American city standards and cheaper than Denver or Seattle, with reasonable hotel rates outside major conventions and ski holidays. Ski-season lodging in the canyons and Park City is a different matter entirely. Staying in the city and driving up is the standard way to cut costs.
What is the best month for skiing in Salt Lake City?
January through March, with February typically the most reliable for snow depth and quality. December can be thin in a poor year — Utah's 2026 snowpack reached less than half its average by early March, a reminder that conditions vary. Late March offers spring skiing with longer days and lower prices.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Salt Lake City
When is the best time to visit Salt Lake City?
September is the highest-scoring month (9/10 on the Holiday Climate Index). Typical conditions: 13–28°C (3 rainy days). The top three months by score are September, June, May.
What is the worst time to visit Salt Lake City?
January is the lowest-scoring month (4/10). Typical conditions: -5–4°C (12 rainy days).
Is Salt Lake City too hot in summer?
2 months (July, August) trip the heat deal-breaker in our scoring: apparent temperature crosses the comfort cap, so even with clear skies and low rain the score is held down. Plan around it if heat tolerance is low.
When are crowds lowest in Salt Lake City?
Search-interest seasonality (Google Trends 2021-2025) is lowest in May and peaks in August. Interest tracks both in-trip visitors and lead-time planners, so treat it as a "destination is on people's minds" signal rather than literal arrivals.
Which months in Salt Lake City have good weather but fewer tourists?
June (climate 9/10, crowd index 48) and May (climate 8/10, crowd index 0) — shoulder months with above-average climate and below-median search-interest. Often the best value-for-weather trade.
What is the UV index in Salt Lake City by month?
UV peaks at 10 (very high) in July and is lowest in December at 2 (low). Monthly peak values: Jan 2, Feb 3, Mar 5, Apr 6, May 7, Jun 9, Jul 10, Aug 9, Sep 7, Oct 4, Nov 2, Dec 2. June, July, August reach very high or extreme levels — apply SPF 50+, wear a hat and protective clothing, and limit direct sun between 11:00 and 17:00.
What is the UV index in Salt Lake City in July?
July is the peak UV month in Salt Lake City, with a daily-peak UV index of 10 (very high). At this level, sunburn can occur in under 20 minutes on unprotected fair skin. Apply SPF 50+, wear protective clothing and a hat, and avoid direct midday sun (11:00–17:00).
How high can UV get in Salt Lake City on the sunniest days?
Most days look like the monthly average, but on the sunniest ~1 in 10 days UV climbs higher than the mean suggests. July is the worst case: typical days average UV 10 (very high), but the top 10% of days reach UV 11 (extreme) — and even higher. Months where the sunniest days routinely exceed the typical reading: March, April, May, June, July, November. Plan sun protection for the worst case, not the average.
Is air quality in Salt Lake City bad for travelers?
PM2.5 (fine-particle pollution) exceeds the WHO sensitive-group guideline (15 µg/m³) in 7 months: January, February, March, April, May, November, December. The worst month is February with a typical-day mean of 16 µg/m³ (unhealthy for sensitive); on the worst 10% of days PM2.5 reaches 30 µg/m³ (unhealthy) and higher. People with asthma, heart conditions, or sensitive children may want to avoid these months or limit outdoor activity. Source: CAMS via Open-Meteo.