We Can’t Wait!
Southern Utah’s Most Underrated Season Is Almost Here
We all know summer in Southern Utah: triple-digit afternoons, steering wheels that double as frying pans, and the daily calculation of whether that parking spot is worth it just because it has three feet of shade.
But we’re getting close to one of the best times of the year in Southern Utah.
Late summer and early fall.
No, the heat doesn’t magically disappear after Labor Day. But the next couple of months give Southern Utah residents something we’ve been waiting for since June — options.
The Mountains Are Still Waiting
One of the best things about living in Southern Utah is that you can completely change the temperature without driving very far.
When it’s still hot in St. George, places like Pine Valley, Cedar Mountain, Duck Creek and Brian Head can feel like another world.
It’s a great time for a day trip, hike, picnic or just an excuse to roll down the windows and escape the valley heat for a few hours.
And before long, those same areas will begin their annual transformation as fall colors start showing up.
It’s Almost Patio Season Again
Southern Utah summers can make eating outside at 5 p.m. feel like a competitive sport.
But those cooler evenings are coming.
September and October are some of the best months for enjoying patios, backyard barbecues, evening walks and community events without feeling like you’ve been placed under a heat lamp.
Don’t Forget: It’s Monsoon Season
Late summer also brings one of Southern Utah’s most dramatic weather patterns.
Monsoon thunderstorms can seemingly appear out of nowhere, and they’re especially important to pay attention to if you’re hiking or exploring canyons.
Zion National Park recently reminded visitors that Southern Utah’s monsoon season generally runs from July through September, and storms many miles away can potentially create dangerous flash flooding downstream. (National Park Service)
So before heading into a slot canyon, wash or other flood-prone area, check current weather and flash-flood conditions.
Southern Utah Isn’t Slowing Down
The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of things to do.
Cedar City continues to live up to its “Festival City” reputation with performances, markets and community events, while Brian Head’s summer activities continue into late August. (Duck Creek Village Inn)
Then September arrives and Southern Utah’s fall event calendar really starts filling up.
The Best Part? We Live Here.
Millions of people travel from around the world to see the red cliffs, mountains, canyons and national parks that surround us.
For us, they’re practically in the backyard.
So before summer officially disappears, take advantage of it.
Drive up the mountain.
Catch a sunset.
Take an evening walk.
Explore someplace you’ve driven past 100 times but never stopped to see.
Because we’re about to enter one of the very best stretches of the entire year in Southern Utah.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Southern Utah when the weather finally starts cooling down?
That last question should also work nicely as the Facebook tease when you share the article.