Season guide · Salt Lake City · United States
Salt Lake City in autumn
September–November: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Bobjgalindo, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Warm September days, golden aspens in the canyons in early October and a quiet November before ski season. Expect highs up to 27°C (81°F) and lows around 0°C (32°F), with about 19 rainy days across September–November. September is among the best months of the year to visit.
Key facts
- Months
- September–November
- Temperatures
- 0°C (32°F) to 27°C (81°F)
- Rainy days in the season
- About 19
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in autumn
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 27°C (81°F) | 13°C (55°F) | 5 | 12.4 h | 3/5 |
| October | 18°C (64°F) | 6°C (43°F) | 6 | 11 h | 3/5 |
| November | 10°C (50°F) | 0°C (32°F) | 8 | 9.8 h | 2/5 |
Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 18°C (64°F) against a yearly 18°C (64°F), and 19 of the year's roughly 86 rainy days fall in these 3 months. Crowds rate 3/5 and hotel prices 3/5 on average.
What's on in autumn
Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.
- September: Greek Festival at the Holy Trinity Cathedral (usually September)
- October: General Conference (usually first weekend of October)
- November: Temple Square Christmas lights (usually from late November)
Make the most of the weather
Zoo · University and East Bench
Utah's Hogle Zoo
Visit in the morning in summer, when animals are more active and the hillside is cooler.
- Time needed
- 3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Nature
- Outdoors
Garden · Central City
Gilgal Sculpture Garden
A small, eccentric garden hidden behind houses east of downtown, created by stonemason Thomas Child in the mid-20th century, with a sphinx bearing Joseph Smith's face and stones carved with scripture.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- Off the beaten path
- Outdoors
Nature · Cottonwood Canyons
Little Cottonwood Canyon: Snowbird and Alta
In winter, check road conditions before driving; the canyon road can close for avalanche control and requires suitable tyres in storms. Ski buses run from the valley.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Iconic
- Active
- Views
- Outdoors
- Nature
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Architecture · Capitol Hill and Marmalade
Utah State Capitol
Completed in 1916, the domed Capitol sits on a hill above downtown with views down State Street and across the valley.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
- Views
- Rainy day
Museum · University and East Bench
Natural History Museum of Utah
Combine it with Red Butte Garden next door; both have hillside views.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Nature
- History
Day trips in autumn
- Golden Spike National Historical Park (About 2 hours by car) — At Promontory Summit, the first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869.
- Ogden (About 45 minutes by car or 1 hour by FrontRunner) — A railroad town with Historic 25th Street's restaurants and bars, Union Station's museums and quick access to Snowbasin ski resort and the trails of Ogden Canyon.
What to pack
- Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening
- Shoes with good grip for icy pavements
- A packable rain jacket for showers
- Comfortable walking shoes
Other times of year
Questions travellers ask
+Is autumn a good time to visit Salt Lake City?
Yes: September is among the best months. Warm September days, golden aspens in the canyons in early October and a quiet November before ski season.
+What is the weather like in Salt Lake City in autumn?
Highs of up to 27°C (81°F) and lows around 0°C (32°F), with about 19 rainy days over the season.