Great Salt Lake, UT
Today’s Forecast:
Today’s Report:
Paddling
Not Recommended for paddling. High near 58°F. Low rain risk (9%). Breezy winds (16 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (58°F).
- Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Marginal weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Hiking
Excellent for hiking. High near 58°F. Low rain risk (9%). Light wind (16 mph).
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Outdoor Events / Activities
Good for outdoor events / activities. High near 58°F. Low rain risk (9%). Breezy winds (16 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Marginal weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
About Great Salt Lake
Weather shapes every part of a visit to Great Salt Lake, from the first access check to the final exposed mile. Conditions may differ between Saltair and Salt Lake Valley, so use the forecast for the exact part of the destination you plan to visit.
Planning an Outing at Great Salt Lake
Check the specific trailhead, road, launch, campground, lift, or facility before departure, then keep a shorter alternative available. For this page, the main planning focus is paddling, hiking, outdoor events; verify the approach toward Great Salt Lake State Park rather than assuming the entire region is operating normally.
Weather Tips for Great Salt Lake
- 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.
- Treat cold water, algae or water-quality notices, seasonal ice, and remote shoreline access as separate checks from the air forecast.
- At Great Salt Lake, 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:
- Saltair
- Great Salt Lake State Park
- Farmington Bay
- Bear River Bay
- Stansbury Island
- Willard Spur
- Salt Lake Valley
Adjust the Day to the Forecast
Shorten, relocate, or postpone the plan when observed conditions differ materially from the forecast.
7-Day Forecast for Great Salt Lake
Great Salt Lake 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 Stansbury Island, 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 Willard Spur, 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 Salt Lake 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 Saltair, 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.