Salt Lake City Weather

Salt Lake City has four distinct seasons with widely varying weather. Summers can be hot and dry, although the monsoon produces severe thunderstorms which can be damaging. Winters are cold and snowfalls can be heavy, particularly in the mountains.

Summer

Summer is the most popular time to visit the city as there are long dry periods and hot weather. Temperatures regularly climb above 30C, although humidity is usually low so it is a pleasant heat for most. June, July and August see the most visitors and many hikers crowd the trails in the backcountry. The monsoon originates from the Gulf of California from approximately the end of July into September. Afternoon thunderstorms with heavy rain are common and lightning can lead to bush fires.

Winter

Rain and snow is frequent both in the mountains and the valley areas. It is exaggerated by what is known as the lake-effect from the nearby Great Salt Lake. Cold winds move across the long expanse of warmer lake water, picking up water vapour which freezes and is then deposited on the surrounding areas. This occurs six to eight times every year and can lead to intense bands of precipitation and heavy snowfall. The city also suffers from thick smog in the winter caused by strong areas of high pressure and temperature inversions. This causes air stagnation and pollutants can become trapped, leading to health problems. In the valleys, snow usually falls from November to March and in the mountains from October to May.

Spring and autumn
The weather in spring and autumn can be enjoyable but very unpredictable. The crowds are non-existent and the hotel rates are often lower. Spring is not the best time to visit as rainfall is frequent and snow blocks many of the high country roads. Autumn sees the mountainsides come alive with colour and wildlife is abundant. Heavy thunderstorms and the occasional tropical cyclone can be a problem.

Average Temperature (°C)

20 15 10 5 0

Jan -8.0

Feb -4.0

Mar -1.0

Apr 3.0

May 7.0

Jun 11.0

Jul 16.0

Aug 16.0

Sep 9.0

Oct 4.0

Nov -2.0

Dec -6.0

Rainfall (mm)

60 45 30 15 0

Jan 33.0

Feb 38.0

Mar 51.0

Apr 51.0

May 51.0

Jun 20.0

Jul 15.0

Aug 20.0

Sep 25.0

Oct 38.0

Nov 36.0

Dec 36.0