The Truth About Southern Utah’s Monsoon Season

Does Southern Utah Have a Monsoon Season? 

The likeliness of storms producing rain increases from mid-July through mid-September in Southern Utah. The number of storms has a lot to do with the high pressure over the four corners area and storms moving up from the Gulf of California.  

That high pressure can push the storms away or straight into Southern Utah. It is not uncommon during the monsoon season to see dark clouds build up and lightning on the horizon in the afternoons. Sometimes these will turn into drenchers but mostly they blow by leaving rain in the higher areas. 

Danger When the Desert Drains 

This is why there are so many flash flood warnings during this part of the year. Rain will drop in the mountains and rush down the slot canyons bringing dirt and debris with it. What seems like a cloudy, cooler day, perfect for a hike, can turn into something dangerous. 

When a cyclone develops in the Pacific Ocean and moves through Mexico and into California and Arizona, sometimes the top edge will impact the St. George area. These can bring a lot of rain. It is good to be mindful about what is happening around Baja and the Gulf of California. 

Read More: Snowy Outlook: This Phenomenon Could Bring More Powder To Utah

The monsoon season in the southwest is impacted by El Niño and La Niña patterns in the pacific. These impact the intensity of the storms produced. In 2024 La Niña has been slow to develop but has brought some storms. 

The rain during this time is important for the area's water storage. It isn’t that the water is retained, but water use in the area goes down when it rains, and this preserves the water in reservoirs. Be sure to turn off your sprinklers during storms. Monsoon season is an important time in Southern Utah.