The best time to hike Angels Landing in 2026 is April to May or September to October, when daytime highs sit at a comfortable 20 to 28 C, the chains are free of ice, and summer crowds and monsoon storms have eased. Spring and autumn also offer the best light for the exposed final ridge, while a permit from the Recreation.gov lottery is required year-round.
Timing the 8.7 km Angels Landing route in Zion is about three things: heat, ice on the chains, and securing a permit. Here is how the year breaks down for 2026.
When is the best month to hike Angels Landing?
Spring and autumn are ideal. April, May, September and October deliver 20–28 C days, dry rock on the chained section and the most reliable conditions for the 453 m climb. Summer brings dangerous 38 C heat on the fully exposed switchbacks of Walter's Wiggles, where there is no shade. Winter mornings can leave ice and snow on the final chains, occasionally forcing the National Park Service to close the spine entirely. Plan your visit for the shoulder seasons and apply for permits early.
Summer: heat and monsoon risk (June to August)
Summer is the busiest and most hazardous season for the hike. Canyon temperatures regularly hit 38 C, and the exposed ascent offers no cover, raising the risk of heat exhaustion on the climb to the 1,763 m summit. The July to September monsoon also brings sudden afternoon thunderstorms; lightning on the exposed ridge is a genuine danger, and rangers advise descending before storms build. If you must hike in summer, start at first light to beat both the heat and the afternoon storm window. Carry at least 3 L of water in a ventilated pack like the Salomon ADV Skin 12.
Winter: quiet trails but icy chains (December to February)
Winter brings solitude and crisp 5–15 C days, but the north-facing upper sections hold ice and snow, making the chains treacherous. The Park Service closes the final ridge when conditions are unsafe, so a winter trip may end at Scout Lookout below the spine. Hikers who go in winter should carry microspikes and accept that the summit chains may be off-limits. A compact, climbing-oriented pack such as the Patagonia Ascensionist 35L suits the layered winter kit.
How the Angels Landing permit lottery works in 2026
Since April 2022, every hiker on the final chained section needs a permit. There are two ways to win one through Recreation.gov: a seasonal lottery, where you apply months ahead for a date range, and a day-before lottery for last-minute spots. Each application costs USD 6, plus USD 3 per person if awarded. Spring and autumn dates are the most competitive. Build permit timing into your trip — without one, you can only hike to Scout Lookout. Our Angels Landing packing list covers what to carry once your date is set.
Time of day matters as much as season
Beyond the month, the hour you start shapes the experience. Sunrise starts avoid the heat, the crowds and the afternoon storm window all at once. The exposed spine becomes a single-file bottleneck by mid-morning in peak season, so an early permit time and an early arrival give you the chains largely to yourself. Late-afternoon light is dramatic for photos but risks descending in fading light on exposed terrain — not recommended for first-timers.
Pairing Angels Landing with the season's other Zion hikes
The same shoulder-season weather suits The Narrows and Observation Point, so plan a two-to-three-day Zion trip in spring or autumn. Hikers chasing exposed bucket-list climbs often pair Angels Landing with Yosemite's Half Dome, which has its own permit lottery and a similar spring-to-autumn window — see our Angels Landing vs Half Dome comparison. A do-everything daypack like the Osprey Atmos AG 50 covers the longer linked outings.
How crowds shape the best time to visit
Season and crowds are tightly linked on Angels Landing, and the permit lottery introduced in April 2022 changed the calculus. Before the lottery, spring and autumn weekends saw dangerous queues backed up along the exposed spine; now a capped number of permits keeps the chains manageable even in peak months. That makes spring and autumn — already the best for weather — also far safer than they once were, provided you win a permit. Weekdays draw fewer applicants than weekends, so a Tuesday or Wednesday date in April or October is both the most pleasant and the easiest to secure. Holiday weekends and the spring-break period in March see the heaviest demand and the lowest lottery odds. Time of day still matters within your permit window: a morning slot gives cooler rock, softer light and emptier chains than an afternoon one. Photographers favour the late-afternoon light on the red canyon walls, but descending the spine in fading light raises the risk, so first-timers should stick to morning permits. If the seasonal lottery does not award your dates, the day-before lottery often has spots midweek, especially outside the peak months. Hikers combining Angels Landing with the rest of the park should hold their other big day, such as The Narrows or Observation Point, for a non-permit date to keep the schedule flexible. A close-fitting daypack like the Osprey Atmos AG 50 covers both the chained climb and the longer canyon walks. Plan around the lottery, the weekday-weekend split and the morning light, and the shoulder seasons deliver the safest, finest Angels Landing experience of the 2026 calendar.
For permit applications and current trail status, use the official National Park Service Zion site and the Recreation.gov Angels Landing lottery for the 2026 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to hike Angels Landing?
April, May, September and October are the best months, offering 20 to 28 C days, dry chains and the most reliable conditions. Summer brings dangerous 38 C heat with no shade on the exposed switchbacks, while winter can leave ice on the chains that forces a closure. Spring and autumn also have the best light for the exposed ridge.
Do you need a permit for Angels Landing in 2026?
Yes. Since April 2022 every hiker on the final chained section needs a permit from the Recreation.gov lottery. You can apply through a seasonal lottery for a date range or a day-before lottery for last-minute spots, at USD 6 per application plus USD 3 per person if awarded. Without a permit you may only hike to Scout Lookout.
Is it safe to hike Angels Landing in summer?
Summer is the riskiest season because of 38 C heat on the fully exposed climb and frequent afternoon monsoon thunderstorms from July to September. Lightning on the open ridge is a real danger. If hiking in summer, start at sunrise to avoid the heat and storms, and carry at least 3 litres of water.
Can you hike Angels Landing in winter?
You can, but the north-facing upper sections hold ice and snow, making the chains treacherous. The Park Service closes the final ridge when conditions are unsafe, so a winter trip may end at Scout Lookout. Carry microspikes and accept that the summit chains may be off-limits during cold spells.
What time of day is best for Angels Landing?
Sunrise is the best time, avoiding the heat, the crowds and the afternoon storm window all at once. The exposed spine becomes a single-file bottleneck by mid-morning in peak season. An early permit time and early arrival give you the chains largely to yourself and safer, cooler conditions.
