Your Guide to Southern Utah's Year-Round Outdoor Living
Every Season Brings New Adventures in Washington County
One of the best-kept secrets about Southern Utah? The outdoor activities don't stop when the calendar changes. While other retirement destinations offer maybe two good seasons for getting outside, we enjoy four distinct seasons—each with its own opportunities for adventure.
Let's take a journey through the year and show you what outdoor living really looks like in Washington County.
Spring - Wildflowers and Perfect Temperatures
(March through May)
Spring in Southern Utah is nothing short of magical. Temperatures hover in the comfortable 70s and 80s, wildflowers carpet the desert floor, and the hiking trails are at their absolute best.
This is prime time for exploring Zion National Park before the summer crowds arrive. The iconic Angels Landing hike, The Narrows, and countless other trails offer perfect conditions. Closer to home, Snow Canyon State Park bursts with color, and the red rocks seem to glow in the spring light.
For golfers, spring is heaven. Course conditions are immaculate, temperatures are ideal, and you can play 18 holes without breaking a sweat. Many residents consider March through May the best time of year.
Summer - Early Mornings and Desert Evenings
(June-August)
Yes, summers are hot. There's no point pretending otherwise. But here's what the locals know: summer in Southern Utah is all about timing.
Early mornings are spectacular. Many golfers tee off at dawn, finishing their round before the heat peaks. Hikers hit the trails at sunrise, returning home by mid-morning. The hours between 10 AM and 4 PM? That's pool time, indoor time, or siesta time.
Then comes the evening. As the sun drops, temperatures become pleasant again. This is when patios come alive, when neighborhood walks happen, when outdoor dining is at its best. Summer evenings in the desert have a special quality—warm but comfortable, with sunsets that stop you in your tracks.
Fall - The Return of Peak Season
(September-November)
Ask any long-time resident their favorite season, and many will say fall. The summer heat fades, the crowds thin out, and the outdoor possibilities feel endless.
September and October offer ideal conditions for just about everything. Golf courses are in perfect shape. Hiking trails welcome you back. The cottonwoods along the Virgin River turn golden, and Zion's famous fall colors draw photographers from around the world.
This is also harvest season for Utah's wine country. Yes, we have wineries here, and fall is the perfect time to explore them. Pack a picnic, take a scenic drive, and discover another side of Southern Utah.
Winter - Mild Days and Cozy Nights
(December-February)
While much of the country bundles up and stays inside, Southern Utah's winters offer something different. Daytime temperatures typically reach the 50s and 60s—cool enough for a light jacket, warm enough for outdoor activity.
Golf courses stay open year-round. Hiking trails are peaceful and uncrowded. And on those occasional mornings when snow dusts the red rocks? The photos are spectacular.
Winter is also when the community truly shines. Holiday events, indoor activities, and cozy evenings with neighbors make the season special. Many residents say they feel more connected to their community in winter than any other time of year.
Your Year - Round Basecamp
Living at SunRiver means having all of this at your doorstep. Our community is positioned perfectly for year-round outdoor living, with trails, parks, and natural areas minutes away in every direction.
Ready to start your year-round adventure? Call Now: (435) 688-1000 to schedule a tour.
