Weather in Salt Lake City, Utah
High country wildflowers peak. Day 58 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—70°52°
- SundayMay 17Drizzle28%59°46°
- MondayMay 18Light Rain89%53°41°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast—63°44°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast—72°51°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Drizzle—70°53°
- FridayMay 22Overcast—79°54°
- PM 2.5
- 6.7 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 28.8 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 1.2 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 108.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 1.6 Low
Flowers blooming in late autumn, a sure sign of a bad winter coming.
- Moonrise
- 11:34 AM
- Moonset
- 1:57 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
High country wildflowers peak
Salt Lake City at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 3°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 21 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 16, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Salt Lake City's highest temperatures at around 81°F mean, while January delivers the coldest conditions at approximately 34°F. April sees peak rainfall at 2.5 inches, dropping to just 0.6 inches during July's dry period.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 34° | 1.5″ | 5 |
| February | 39° | 1.4″ | 5 |
| March | 47° | 2.0″ | 5 |
| April | 53° | 2.5″ | 6 |
| May | 62° | 2.1″ | 5 |
| June | 72° | 1.1″ | 3 |
| July | 81° | 0.6″ | 2 |
| August | 79° | 0.6″ | 2 |
| September | 69° | 1.3″ | 3 |
| October | 56° | 1.4″ | 4 |
| November | 44° | 1.6″ | 4 |
| December | 34° | 1.6″ | 5 |
Regional context
Within the cold semi-arid climate region, Salt Lake City shares temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other nearby cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Provo, UT, Ogden, UT, West Valley City, UT, Logan, UT, West Jordan, UT.
Naturalist notes
Gambel oak leaves typically emerge in late April as temperatures stabilize above freezing.
Red-winged blackbirds return to local wetlands by mid-March, their territorial calls marking spring's arrival.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Salt Lake City?
- Spring's final frost usually occurs around mid-April in Salt Lake City, while the first fall frost typically arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Salt Lake City?
- April ranks as the wettest month, bringing approximately 2.5 inches of rain, while the city's annual total reaches roughly 18 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Salt Lake City?
- July typically records the highest temperatures, with averages around 81°F.
- What is the coldest month in Salt Lake City?
- January brings the coldest temperatures, averaging approximately 34°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Salt Lake City?
- Cool-season vegetables like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Salt Lake City get?
- Salt Lake City experiences an average of 48 rainy days annually.
- What hardiness zone is Salt Lake City?
- Check the USDA's online ZIP code lookup tool for Salt Lake City's current hardiness zone, which reflects the area's lowest average winter temperatures.
Climate
Salt Lake City, Utah experiences a cold semi-arid climate zone. Temperatures hover near 34°F in January and rise to an average of 81°F in July, creating a 47°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 18 inches, distributed across roughly 48 rainy days throughout the year.
Location at 40.8°N latitude, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation combine to determine growing conditions, frost timing, and daily weather patterns.