Memorial Day in Utah usually brings a mix of spring warmth and a bit of lingering cool air from the mountains. You’ll often get mild or warm afternoons in the lower valleys, but higher elevations might wake up to chilly mornings or even a dusting of late-season snow.
Most years, Memorial Day in Utah brings comfortable temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Still, conditions can flip pretty quickly, depending on where you end up.
If you’re planning to spend the holiday outside, the weather often works in your favor. In places like Salt Lake City, daytime highs usually land in the 70s.
Southern Utah runs warmer and drier. Mountain towns, though, stay cooler and sometimes deal with passing showers or even a snow flurry at the highest peaks.
This variety makes Memorial Day a great time to explore both city events and outdoor activities. You get a taste of early summer in the valleys, while the mountains still hang onto spring.
Typical Memorial Day Weather in Utah
Memorial Day in Utah usually brings mild to warm conditions. Sunshine is common in many areas, and there’s only a limited chance for rain.
The exact weather depends on where you are. Northern valleys, mountain towns, and southern deserts all have their own patterns.
Average Temperatures Across Regions
Utah’s elevation changes and regional climates make for a wide range of temperatures. In northern valleys like Salt Lake City, you’ll typically see daytime highs in the mid-70s °F.
Nights cool down into the 50s.
In southern Utah, including St. George, temperatures often climb into the upper 80s or low 90s °F. Nights there stay much warmer, usually in the 60s.
Mountain communities like Park City or Brian Head stay cooler. Highs tend to stick in the 60s, and evenings can drop into the 40s.
If you’re heading for higher elevations, you’ll want to pack layers.
| Region | Typical Highs °F | Typical Lows °F |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | 72–77 | 50–55 |
| St. George | 87–92 | 62–67 |
| Park City | 62–67 | 42–47 |
Sunshine and Cloud Cover Trends
Late May in Utah usually means long daylight hours and a lot of sun. Most years, skies are mostly sunny or partly cloudy, which makes it a pretty reliable weekend for outdoor events.
In the Wasatch Front, you’ll sometimes notice afternoon clouds, but they don’t usually block the sun for long. Southern Utah is even sunnier, with clearer skies and bright afternoons.
Higher elevations and northern valleys can see passing clouds from spring systems. Even so, the general trend is toward dry, bright skies.
That’s good news if you’re thinking about hiking, parades, or other outdoor gatherings.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Rainfall around Memorial Day is usually on the light side across Utah. The average precipitation for late May is low, though you might still get the occasional shower.
In northern Utah, brief rain or an isolated thunderstorm can pop up, especially in the afternoons. These are usually short and sometimes bring gusty winds or small hail.
Southern Utah mostly stays dry, but higher terrain can still trigger a storm. In the mountains, leftover snowmelt and rain can make trails a bit muddy.
Salt Lake City usually gets less than half an inch of rain in the last week of May. St. George often sees almost none.
Rain doesn’t show up often, but it’s not impossible, so packing a light rain jacket isn’t a bad idea if you’ll be outside.
Regional Weather Highlights
Utah’s Memorial Day weather depends a lot on your location. Lower valleys often feel warm and dry.
Higher elevations can still get cool air, rain, or even snow.
Salt Lake City Memorial Day Conditions
In Salt Lake City, late May usually brings mild to warm afternoons. Highs often reach the upper 70s to low 80s °F, which is a bit above the yearly average for this time.
Nights cool into the 50s, so you might want a light jacket if you’ll be outside after dark.
Skies are mostly sunny, but a passing cloud or quick shower can still show up. Winds near the canyons sometimes pick up in the morning, with gusts between 15–25 mph.
Air quality is usually fair, and the dry air helps make outdoor events comfortable.
If you’re heading to parades, barbecues, or visiting cemeteries, the weather is generally calm. Rain isn’t common, but it’s not unheard of, so check the local forecast before heading out.
Southern Utah and Zion National Park
Southern Utah warms up faster than the north. Around St. George and Zion National Park, daytime highs often climb into the upper 80s or low 90s °F by Memorial Day.
Nights are much milder, usually in the upper 50s or low 60s.
Skies are often clear, but sometimes clouds or a stray shower drift in from the southwest. The dry desert air means rain doesn’t stick around long.
Sun protection is a must—UV levels run high, even on partly cloudy days.
In Zion National Park, hiking conditions can get hot by late morning. Trails in shaded canyons stay cooler, but exposed routes like Angels Landing can feel intense.
Carrying water and starting early helps you avoid the peak heat.
Mountain and High Elevation Areas
In the Wasatch Mountains, the Uintas, and other high spots, Memorial Day often feels more like spring than summer. Daytime highs usually stay in the 50s and 60s °F.
Nights can dip into the 30s. At elevations above 9,000 feet, snow can still fall.
Rain showers and thunderstorms show up more often in the mountains. Conditions can shift fast—sunshine one minute, hail or snow the next.
Trails may still hold patches of snow, especially in shady areas.
If you’re camping or hiking, bring warm clothes, waterproof layers, and something for traction on icy spots. It’ll make things a lot safer and more comfortable.
Temperature Ranges and Extremes
In Utah, late May usually brings warmer days and cool nights. You’ll notice steady warmth in the valleys, but higher elevations can drop pretty sharply at night.
These shifts can affect how comfortable you feel and even your travel plans.
Daytime Highs and Lows
Around Memorial Day, highs in much of Utah—including Salt Lake City—usually reach the 70s to low 80s °F. In southern places like St. George, it often climbs into the upper 80s or even low 90s °F.
At night, temperatures drop quickly thanks to Utah’s dry air. Lows often fall into the 40s and 50s °F in northern valleys.
Mountain towns like Park City can dip into the 30s °F, so you’ll want a light jacket.
Plan for big temperature swings. Even after a hot afternoon, evenings can feel crisp, especially if you’re outdoors.
Packing layers is honestly the best way to stay comfortable all day.
Potential for Unseasonal Weather
While late May is usually warm, you can still run into surprises. Cold fronts sometimes sweep through northern Utah, dropping highs into the 50s or 60s °F for a day or two.
In rare cases, mountain areas even get late-season snow.
Storms can bring quick changes. Thunderstorms may cool the air fast, especially in the afternoons.
These storms happen more in the mountains but can show up in the valleys too.
Heat is another possibility, especially in southern Utah. Temperatures there can shoot above 95 °F, making things a lot hotter than usual for the season.
If you’re traveling across the state, be ready for both extremes—unexpected chill in the north, and early summer heat in the south.
Precipitation and Rainfall Variability
Late May in Utah often brings unsettled weather patterns. Some areas stay dry, while others get brief rain showers or even snow at higher elevations.
Conditions can change a lot depending on the region, elevation, and the path of storms.
Chance of Rain or Showers
Rainfall around Memorial Day in Utah is usually light to moderate, but it doesn’t fall evenly across the state. In valleys and desert spots like St. George or Moab, precipitation is limited—often less than 0.5 inches for the month.
Rain usually comes in short bursts from passing thunderstorms, not long, soaking storms.
Northern Utah, including Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front, gets a slightly higher chance of rain. You might see 5 to 8 wet days in May, with late spring storms adding some unpredictability.
These storms can bring brief downpours, lightning, and gusty winds.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, remember the weather can shift fast. Afternoon showers are more common than morning rain.
Packing a light rain jacket makes sense, especially if you’ll be in the mountains or near canyons where storms can build up quickly.
Snowfall Possibilities at Higher Elevations
Snow doesn’t show up much in late May, but higher elevations can still get a bit. Mountain areas above 8,000 to 9,000 feet—like the Wasatch Range and the Uinta Mountains—sometimes see late-season snow.
Accumulations are usually light, but a fresh layer can cover trails and passes overnight.
Alta and other ski spots in northern Utah often hold snow late into spring. Even if it doesn’t snow again, lingering snowpack is common at high elevations.
This can affect hiking, camping, and travel across mountain passes.
If you’re heading for higher ground, prep for cold nights and the chance of slick or muddy trails. Lower valleys will stay snow-free, but the mountains often remind you that winter hangs on longer in Utah.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Outdoor Conditions
Late May in Utah gives you long days, lots of sun, and mild comfort levels. It’s a good time for outdoor plans.
Daylight and humidity both shape how enjoyable your time outside will feel.
Hours of Daylight
By Memorial Day, you get some of the longest days of the year in Utah. In Salt Lake City, daylight lasts about 14 hours and 30 minutes, with sunrise around 6:00 AM and sunset near 8:30 PM.
Southern Utah, including St. George, sees almost the same amount of daylight. That gives you a lot of time for outdoor activities.
Actual sunshine hours average 10 to 11 hours per day in late May, since skies are often clear or partly cloudy. Utah gets about 70% of daylight hours as sun in May—which is more than many states.
These long daylight periods let you fit in hiking, sightseeing, or family gatherings without rushing. The higher sun angle also means stronger midday light, so plan for shade breaks and sun protection if you’ll be outside for a while.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in Utah during late May usually stays low, somewhere between 20% and 40% depending on where you are and what time it is. The dry air makes the warmth feel much more comfortable than it would in humid places, even when afternoon highs climb into the upper 70s or mid-80s °F.
In higher elevations like Park City or the southern mountains, cooler evenings and mornings offset that daytime warmth. You might want a light jacket early or late, but afternoons? They’re usually just dry and pleasant.
Low humidity keeps away that sticky, muggy feeling most people dread. Still, it can dry you out fast. Make sure you bring water and use sunscreen if you’ll be outside a lot for Memorial Day.
Travel and Outdoor Planning Tips
Utah’s Memorial Day weekend can throw a mix of warm afternoons, cool nights, and the occasional sudden storm your way. If you prepare for changing conditions, you’ll stay comfortable whether you’re camping in the mountains, hiking in Zion, or just driving around.
What to Pack for Memorial Day Weekend
Pack layers so you can handle big temperature swings. Days might hit the 80s in the valleys, but nights up high can drop into the 40s. A lightweight jacket, breathable shirts, and quick-dry pants should do the trick.
Don’t skip the rain gear—a compact poncho or waterproof jacket is handy. Afternoon showers and isolated thunderstorms pop up pretty often, especially in northern and central Utah. Good footwear matters too, since trails can get slick after rain.
If you’re camping, get ready for both heat and chill. Bring a sleeping bag that works for cooler nights, and something like a sunshade or canopy for the daytime.
Make sure you have sun protection. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brim hat are smart, especially in places like Zion where there’s not much shade. Carry extra water and maybe some electrolyte packets, since the dry air and higher elevations can dehydrate you faster than you’d expect.
Weather Considerations for Popular Destinations
Utah’s weather really depends on where you go. In Zion National Park, you’ll probably run into hot afternoons, with temperatures often climbing into the 80s or higher.
Trails get pretty exposed out there, so it’s smart to start your hikes early before the sun gets too intense.
If you’re along the Wasatch Front—think Salt Lake City and nearby towns—Memorial Day usually brings mild or warm days, with highs in the 70s or 80s.
But don’t get too comfortable; scattered thunderstorms can pop up in the afternoon and might briefly mess with your outdoor plans or travel.
In the mountains and higher plateaus, things cool down and honestly, the weather can get pretty unpredictable. Afternoon storms might roll in with rain, gusty winds, or even a bit of late-season snow if you’re above 8,000 feet.
So, if you’re heading out to hike or camp there, pack for just about anything.
Further south, past Zion—places like St. George—usually feel hotter and drier.
Strong winds can kick up, which raises the fire danger, so keep an eye on fire restrictions if you want to camp or cook outside.