With its gorgeous green spaces and amazing mountain views, Salt Lake City is considered one of the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest. Home to 200,567 people, Utah’s capital city is known for its liberal leanings and diverse population. So what is the weather like in the City of the Saints?
A lot of people think that weather and climate are interchangeable. However, though they are related, they each have different meanings. Climate refers to weather conditions over long periods of time, while weather describes the atmospheric conditions on a day-to-day basis. It’s important to look into both weather and climate when moving to a new area so you know what to expect.
Salt Lake City Seasons
SLC’s climate is significantly affected by the Great Salt Lake after which it’s named. Depending on the lake’s conditions, the city will receive significantly more or less precipitation. The summer months in SLC last from June to September. The winter months last from November to March. Spring is from March to June, and Fall is from September to November. Here’s what kind of weather you should expect from season to season in Salt Lake City:
Winter in Salt Lake City
Winter in SLC is cold and humid with lots of snow. Temperatures can drop to or below freezing. The city receives an average of 56.2” of snow a year, which mostly falls between November and February. During the winter, the city can experience temperature inversions, which can lead to smog and air stagnation that can last for weeks.
Spring in Salt Lake City
Spring is relatively pleasant in Salt Lake City. There is still a chance of snow through mid-April, but temperatures rise to daily highs of 61.5°F in April and a pleasant 72°F in May. The UV index can reach 9 or 10, so take precautions if you’re going to be in the sunlight between 10am and 4pm.
Summer in Salt Lake City
Summer can be quite hot in Salt Lake City. It is estimated that between June and early September, there are 56 days with temperatures above 90°F, five of which can reach 100°F. The good news is that humidity is low, which can make the heat more bearable. Temperature inversions can occur during the summer as well, which cause poor air quality due to increased tropospheric ozone levels.
Autumn in Salt Lake City
Autumn is chilly but enjoyable in SLC. The temperatures are still warm enough for outdoor activities, the humidity drops, and the fall foliage is beautiful. The skiing season may start as early as November, if snow has started to fall.
Monthly Weather in Salt Lake City
Want to know what the weather is like in Salt Lake City from month to month? Let’s find out!
January
January is Salt Lake City’s coldest month with lots of snow and rain. Daily average high temperatures are around 37.4°F and average lows are 21.6°F. The sun shines for about 4 hours a day, and humidity stays around 74% in January. Salt Lake City usually has 8.5 days of snow in January, during which the city receives 12.5” of snow. There are also 10.1 rainy days, during which 1.25” of rain falls.
February
The cold weather continues in February, when temperatures range from 25.2°F to 43.2°F. Salt Lake City receives 10.7” of snow across 6.2 days, and 1.25” of rain across 9.4 days. The good news is you’ll enjoy more sun in February, almost six hours a day!
March
The cold dissipates a bit in Salt Lake City in March, when daily highs average around 53.8°F. The average low temperature is 33.6°F. It rains a bit more in March, bringing 1.79” of rain over 6.5 days. There is less snowfall too – around 6.5” can be expected.
April
April is very pleasant in Salt Lake City. Daily average highs increase to 61.5°F, and average lows stay around 39.6°F. Humidity drops to 53.2%, and you’ll be able to enjoy 9 hours of sunlight. You might still see some snow in April, up to 4” over 2.4 snow days.
May
The beautiful weather continues in May, with average highs of 72°F. You’ll see around 9 rainy days, during which an average of 1.95” of rain falls. You’ll be able to enjoy 10.4 hours of sunlight, but the UV index climbs to 9. Be sure to take extra precautions with sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses if you need to be in the sun.
June
Temperatures rise in June, when the average high temperature is 82.9°F. The average low is a cool 56.3°F. Though the daily highs might not sound extremely hot, the heat index (how the temperature feels), can be up to 15°F warmer than the actual temperature. June sees .98” of rain falling over 5.6 days. Residents of Salt Lake City enjoy 12 hours of sunlight in June, and the UV index stays at 10.
July
July is Salt Lake City’s hottest month, with average temperatures ranging from 64.8°F lows to 92.7°F highs. July is SLC’s hottest month, and its least humid month, with average relative humidity of 35.9%. Don’t expect much rain – the city receives only .61” over 4.4 days in July. The UV index remains at 10, so continue to be cautious in the sun.
August
August is another hot month in SLC, with average daily highs of 90.5°F. Humidity remains low, and only .69” of rain falls over 5.4 days. The days are long in August, with 13.7 hours of daylight. UV index drops to 9, but that can still be dangerous in direct sunlight.
September
Temperatures drop significantly in September in Salt Lake City, with daily highs of 79.2°F. Rainfall increases in September as well; the city receives 1.21” over 5.8 rainy days. The UV index drops to 7, but precautions should still be taken between 10am and 4pm.
October
October is a comfortable fall month in Salt Lake, with daily high temperatures dropping to 64.8°F. About 1.52” of rain falls over 7.1 days in October, and you may even see some snow! On average, the city receives 1.4” of snow over .9 days.
November
Sweater weather officially begins in November in Salt Lake City! Temperatures range from 30.6°F lows to only 49.5°F highs. Humidity is on the rise, reaching an average of 66.3%. The snowy season ramps up as well, with 7.6” of snow accumulating over only 4.2 days.
December
December is a cold month in Salt Lake City, when temperatures fall between 22.6°F and 37.9°F. You can expect a lot of precipitation too, so get out your rain and snow gear! SLC receives about 13.2” of snow over 8.2 days, and 1.41” of rain over 9.9 days.
Annual Climate Statistics for SLC
- Rainy days in Salt Lake City: 95.6 days per year
- Annual rainfall in Salt Lake City: 16.1” of precipitation annually
- Snowy days in Salt Lake City: 34.8 days a year
- Annual snowfall in Salt Lake City: 56.2” per year
Salt Lake City Weather Hazards
The air quality in Salt Lake City is considered poor, especially during the winter. Salt Lake City can experience temperature inversions that cause air stagnation and smog. If you have breathing or lung issues, you may want to discuss your relocation with your physician.
Though rare, Salt Lake City has experienced severe weather as a result of storms moving in from the Pacific Ocean. The effects of these storms are usually heavy rains, but from time to time, tropical cyclones can reach the city.
Salt Lake City Weather Extremes
- Coldest month: January is the coldest month in Salt Lake City, with average highs of 37.4°F, and average lows of 21.6°F
- Warmest month: The hottest month in SLC is July, with average highs temperature of 92.7°F
- Rainiest month: April is the rainiest month in Salt Lake City, with 2.2” of rain falling over 9.9 rainy days
- Snowiest month: December is SLC’s snowiest month, when the city receives 13.2” of snow over 8.2 days
- Driest month: July is the driest month in Salt Lake City, when only .61” of rain falls over 4.4 rainy days
- SLC record high temperature: 107°F
- SLC record low temperature: -30°F
Best time to visit Salt Lake City
If you’re hoping to ski, December through February are ideal. However, if you just want to enjoy the city, the best time to visit is September and October. During these months, the weather is cool but not cold, the humidity is lower, and there are less tourists than in the spring months.
If you’re looking into Salt Lake City’s climate because you’re moving here, make sure you’re working with the best professional moving company in SLC! Wasatch Moving will give you the best service in the Pacific Northwest. Call us today to get started on your free quote!
