Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, UT

Today’s Forecast:

Today’s Report:

About Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Outdoor plans at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area work best when timing follows the destination’s wind, precipitation, temperature, and seasonal access. Conditions may differ between Dutch John and Flaming Gorge Dam, so use the forecast for the exact part of the destination you plan to visit.

Planning an Outing at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

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 boating, paddling, fishing; verify the approach toward Manila rather than assuming the entire region is operating normally.

Weather Tips for Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

• Carry a land-based alternative when ramps, ice, lightning, smoke, or rough water make the original plan unsuitable.
• Check water temperature, wind, waves, launch or marina status, and current water level before committing to open water.
• Afternoon gusts and thunderstorms can erase a calm small-craft window quickly; an early launch usually preserves more options.
• At Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, verify the specific ramp, marina, shoreline, river reach, or ice condition needed for the selected activity.

Nearby Towns and Areas

Use this forecast as practical context for outdoor plans near:

• Dutch John
• Manila
• Red Canyon
• Lucerne Valley
• Sheep Creek
• Green River
• Flaming Gorge Dam

Adjust the Day to the Forecast

Keep the objective flexible and choose the version of the day that preserves a comfortable margin for access, weather, and daylight.

7-Day Forecast for Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area Weather by Season

Winter

Cold water, wind, limited services, and possible ice narrow the margin for water recreation. Verify ice independently wherever approved winter use occurs. Around Manila, confirm local roads and facilities before committing to the day.

Spring

Runoff and changing levels alter ramps, currents, shoreline access, and water temperature before warm recreation fully returns. Around Red Canyon, confirm local roads and facilities before committing to the day.

Summer

Heat, afternoon gusts, lightning, crowds, and exposed shorelines make morning the most dependable boating or paddling window. Around Lucerne Valley, confirm local roads and facilities before committing to the day.

Fall

Cooling air can improve camping and fishing, while colder water, stronger fronts, lower levels, and shorter daylight require added caution. Around Sheep Creek, 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.