Summer Activities in St. George, Utah

Beat the heat by hitting the trails before 8 AM. Snow Canyon State Park, Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, and Pioneer Park offer stunning sunrise views when temperatures are still comfortable. Carry extra water and wear sun protection.

Cool off at Sand Hollow Reservoir with kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Quail Creek Reservoir offers warm water swimming and boating. The Virgin River provides tubing from LaVerkin to Hurricane during peak flow months.

St. George has multiple splash pads perfect for families with young children. The Sand Hollow Aquatic Center and community pools across Washington County offer lap swimming, slides, and recreational areas.

Drive 30-45 minutes to Pine Valley or Cedar Mountain for temperatures 20-30 degrees cooler. Brian Head Resort offers summer mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides. Duck Creek Village has fishing and forest trails.

Fiesta Fun offers bowling, laser tag, and arcade games in air-conditioned comfort. The Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm features real dinosaur tracks. St. George Art Museum, Heritage Museum, and escape rooms provide culture and fun.

World-class Broadway productions under the stars at Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins. The red rock canyon setting creates an unforgettable experience. Shows typically run June through October with pre-show dining available.

Summer evenings in St. George are perfect for patio dining. George's Corner, Wood Ash Rye, and Xetava Gardens in Ivins offer al fresco dining as temperatures drop into the comfortable 80s after sunset.

Southern Utah's dark skies make summer camping magical. Red Cliffs Campground, Snow Canyon campgrounds, and dispersed BLM camping offer incredible Milky Way views. Kolob Reservoir at 8,000 feet provides cool-weather camping.

How hot does it get in St. George Utah in summer?

St. George summer temperatures typically range from 100-115°F (38-46°C) from June through August. Overnight lows are usually 75-85°F. The heat is dry with low humidity, making shade and hydration essential. September begins cooling to the 90s.

What are the best summer activities in St. George Utah?

Top summer activities include early morning hikes at Snow Canyon or Red Cliffs before 8 AM, water recreation at Sand Hollow Reservoir and Quail Creek, splash pads and pools for families, Tuacahn outdoor musicals in the evening, indoor entertainment at Fiesta Fun, and escaping to Pine Valley or Brian Head for cooler mountain temperatures.

Where can you swim in St. George Utah?

Popular swimming spots include Sand Hollow Reservoir (beach-like experience with warm water), Quail Creek Reservoir, Sand Hollow Aquatic Center, community pools in St. George and Washington, and the Virgin River for wading. Gunlock Reservoir and Kolob Reservoir offer cooler mountain water options.

Is it worth visiting St. George in summer?

Yes! While hot, summer offers unique advantages: lower hotel rates, smaller crowds at national parks, world-class Tuacahn musicals under the stars, excellent water recreation, stunning sunset photography, and activities available from dawn to late evening. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening hours.

What is there to do near St. George to escape the heat?

Pine Valley (45 min drive) sits at 6,600 feet with temperatures 20-25°F cooler. Brian Head Resort (90 min) offers summer mountain biking at 9,600 feet. Cedar Breaks National Monument, Duck Creek Village, and Kolob Canyon in Zion National Park all provide cool mountain escapes within 60-90 minutes of St. George.

Planning a summer trip to St. George, Utah? While temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September, savvy locals and visitors know how to beat the heat and enjoy everything Southern Utah offers. The key is timing—early morning hikes before 8 AM at Snow Canyon State Park, Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, or Pioneer Park deliver stunning red rock scenery in comfortable temperatures. Water recreation at Sand Hollow Reservoir and Quail Creek provides all-day relief with swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding on warm desert water.

Summer is also prime time for Tuacahn Amphitheatre's Broadway-quality musicals performed under the stars in a natural red rock canyon—one of Utah's most unique entertainment experiences. Families love Fiesta Fun's bowling and laser tag, the Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm, and community splash pads scattered throughout Washington County. For those who want to escape the heat entirely, Pine Valley sits just 45 minutes away at 6,600 feet elevation, offering temperatures 20-25°F cooler with forest trails, fishing, and camping. Brian Head Resort transforms into a mountain biking and hiking destination in summer months. Evening hours from 6-10 PM are golden in St. George—patio dining at George's Corner or Wood Ash Rye, sunset photography on red rock formations, and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the American West.