San Rafael Swell, UT

Today’s Forecast:

Today’s Report:

About San Rafael Swell

Outdoor plans at San Rafael Swell work best when timing follows the destination’s wind, precipitation, temperature, and seasonal access. Conditions may differ between Green River and Interstate 70, so use the forecast for the exact part of the destination you plan to visit.

Planning an Outing at San Rafael Swell

Choose the activity window with the best combination of safe access, manageable wind, comfortable temperatures, and enough daylight. For this page, the main planning focus is hiking, biking, camping; verify the approach toward Castle Dale rather than assuming the entire region is operating normally.

Weather Tips for San Rafael Swell

• Plan for limited shade, weak cell service, dust, smoke, lightning, and longer-than-expected emergency travel.
• Use an early start to limit heat and sun exposure, and carry more water than a shaded mountain outing would require.
• Check flash-flood potential, upstream storms, recent rainfall, and wash crossings before entering narrow or low terrain.
• For San Rafael Swell, compare upstream rainfall and flash-flood guidance with the condition of local washes and access roads before entering confined terrain.

Nearby Towns and Areas

Use this forecast as practical context for outdoor plans near:

• Green River
• Castle Dale
• Ferron
• Buckhorn Wash
• Wedge Overlook
• Temple Mountain
• Interstate 70

Adjust the Day to the Forecast

A lower, earlier, calmer, or more sheltered alternative can preserve the outing without forcing the original itinerary.

7-Day Forecast for San Rafael Swell

San Rafael Swell Weather by Season

Winter

Cool days can favor exposed routes, but freezing nights, snow, ice, wind, and short daylight still affect roads and shaded trails. Around Green River, confirm local roads and facilities before committing to the day.

Spring

Spring alternates between comfortable hiking weather, strong wind, mud, runoff, and sudden cold fronts. Around Castle Dale, confirm local roads and facilities before committing to the day.

Summer

Summer demands early starts, aggressive hydration, shade planning, and close attention to monsoon lightning and flash-flood forecasts. Around Ferron, confirm local roads and facilities before committing to the day.

Fall

Fall often brings the best daytime temperatures before cold fronts, smoke, and rapidly shortening daylight reduce the planning margin. Around Buckhorn Wash, confirm local roads and facilities before committing to the day.

Key Climate Data Points

• Annual average temperature: roughly 55–65°F in Utah’s lower desert and canyon country; local elevation and aspect create substantial variation.
• Annual snowfall: usually light at low elevations, while nearby mountains receive much more.
• Warmest months: July is generally warmest, moderated strongly by elevation.
• Coolest months: December and January are usually coolest.
• Wettest season: Winter and early spring bring much of the mountain precipitation, while southern and eastern Utah also receive summer monsoon moisture.
• Driest season: Late spring into early summer is commonly driest before monsoon influence develops.
• Best outdoor window: Spring and fall for exposed terrain; use early hours for summer activity.