Utah Weather

Change Is The Constant

Utahns know there is one constant about Utah weather.  Change.  If you don’t like the weather today, be patient.  It’ll be different tomorrow.

Or, just take a drive.  It’ll be different up the road.  It's been that way ever since I moved here years ago.

When it comes to discussions about Utah weather, variety is a keyword.  The state’s weather is made up of micro-climates.

There are micro-climates within the Salt Lake Valley!  You can have a full-fledged blizzard or downpour in one part of the valley.  The sun may be shining in another.

You can get just about any kind of weather and climate you want in Utah.  On any given day, the temperature can vary 50 degrees depending on which part of the state you’re in.

The Second Driest State In The U.S.?

Most of Utah is a desert.  In fact, Utah is the second driest state in the nation!  Only Nevada has less water.

It doesn’t matter if water is running down the middle of State Street in Salt Lake City (I saw it in 1983), we’re pounded over the head about conserving water.

Because we have some of the most incredible mountain terrain anywhere, we get amazing winter snowstorms and often frightening summer thunderstorms.

These storms fill our lakes, rivers and reservoirs.  Allowing Utahns and visitors to live, work and play here.  And even clear out our not-so-pleasant temperature inversions in mid-winter.

Temperatures range from well over 100 degrees F (38 C) in the summer to below zero F (-18 C) in the winter.

Four Seasons

Utah boasts four distinct seasons that paint its landscapes with vivid colors.  As someone who grew up in western Canada where there are seemingly two seasons ... winter and summer … I've grown to relish the beauty of Utah's seasonal ballet.

Spring unveils an abundance of rain casting the state in lush greens that extend even to parts of the desert.  This transformation happens unless a drought tightens its grip as it did for a couple of years recently.  However, this past winter (2023) lifted that pall of drought and ushered in new hope.

Summer, usually hot and dry, transforms the mountains into a haven of cool respite.  Fall paints the landscape with hues of gold and crimson creating a symphony of changing colors.  Then winter arrives blanketing the mountains and state in the greatest snow on earth – a spectacle that kicks off the cycle anew.

A couple facts about Utah weather.

• The average annual temperature in Salt Lake City is 52 degrees F (11 degrees C).
• The highest temperature ever recorded in Salt Lake City is 107 degrees F (41.6 C) in 1960 and matched again in 2002, 2021, and 2022.
• West Jordan ... a suburb of Salt Lake City ... recorded a record high of 111 F (44 degrees C) in 1998.
• The lowest temperature ever recorded in Salt Lake City is - 30 degrees F (-34 degrees C) in 1933.
• The all-time highest temperature ever recorded in Utah was 117 degrees F (47.22 degrees C) in St. George on July 5, 1985.  
• The coldest temperature ever recorded in Utah was -69 degrees F (-56.11 C) at Peter Sinks on February 1, 1985.
• The average annual temperature in Salt Lake City is 52 degrees F (11.1 C).
• An unbelievable record total of 800 inches of snow fell at Alta Ski Resort this past winter of 2022-2023.
• If you want to see the all-time record high temperatures for all of the major towns and cities in Utah, go to Utah Record Temperatures.  You’ll be interested to see that very few of them occurred in the last few years as some people want you to believe.

So, what does this weather-related mosaic mean for you?  Depending on the time of year, Utah's unique geography and varied climate allow you to enjoy a wide variety of varied experiences.

Whether you're carving through fresh powder, basking in the warmth of spring rain or marveling at the splendor of fall foliage, Utah's weather canvas is a palette that invites you to paint your own unforgettable memories.

In a state where change is the only constant, every season, every day, and every journey can bring something new.  So, pack your umbrella, shades, snow boots, skis, hiking shoes and fishing rod.  And expect the unexpected from the ever-evolving backdrop of Utah weather.

• Hiking
• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Golf
• Biking
• Fishing
• Running
• Kayaking
• Climbing
• Some of the best outdoor and wildlife photography anywhere
• Sailing
• Hunting

For a Utah weather forecast, go to:
Utah weather forecast

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