St George Travel Guide

City Southern Utah city near red-rock landscapes and Zion.

Red sandstone cliffs and desert mesas frame St. George, whose golf courses and historic downtown sit below Zion and Snow Canyon state parks. Hikers and road-trippers use it as a base for slot canyons and sandstone trails.

Costs
About $90-140 per day
Midrange regional hub for outdoor activities.
Safety
Very safe and family-friendly
Low crime and well-policed tourist areas.
Best Time
March-May and September-November
Best temperatures for hiking and red-rock views.
Local Time
11:43 AM
GMT-6
Weather
Overcast 60°F
Overcast
Population
72,897
Infrastructure & Convenience
Regional airport, shuttle services, walkable downtown and visitor centers.
Popularity
Attracts hikers, families and golf tourists en route to Zion.
Known For
Red rock landscapes, proximity to Zion National Park, hiking trails, golf courses, coral-pink sand, Mormon pioneer history, snowbird wintering, mountain biking, scenic drives
St. George sits on ancient petrified sand dunes; its red sandstone predates the Colorado Plateau uplift.

Why Visit St George? #

St. George sits at the edge of red‑rock country and serves as a convenient base for Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park, where hiking, climbing and scenic drives are the main attractions. The compact historic downtown and Main Street galleries offer a pleasant contrast to outdoor adventure, while golf courses and canyon trails cater to active visitors. Local pioneer history and Mormon heritage appear in small museums and preserved homes. Expect dramatic landscapes and outdoor-focused hospitality.

Best Things to Do in St George

All Attractions ›

St George Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • Snow Canyon State Park - Dramatic red and white sandstone dunes with hiking, climbing, and scenic viewpoints.
  • St. George Utah Temple - Iconic LDS temple and surrounding gardens central to the city's heritage and skyline.
  • Pioneer Park - Short trails, red-rock fins, and overlooks popular for sunset photos and hikes.
Hidden Gems
  • St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm - Exceptional trackways and fossils displayed where dinosaur footprints were found.
  • Sand Hollow State Park - Reservoir and dunes offering boating, ATV recreation, and warm-water swimming.
  • Red Hills Desert Garden - Botanical garden showcasing native desert plants with walking paths and interpretive signage.
Day Trips
  • Zion National Park - World-class canyon hiking including Angels Landing, The Narrows, and shuttle-access trails.
  • Bryce Canyon National Park - Unique hoodoos and amphitheater vistas reachable in about two-and-a-half-hour drive.

Best Time to Visit St George #

St. George shines in spring and fall when temperatures are warm and ideal for hiking the red rocks. Summers are very hot; winter brings cool nights and occasional snow at higher elevations.

Winter
December - February · -5 - 10°C (23 - 50°F)
Cool to cold nights with occasional snow; trails quieter and rates lower, but some higher-elevation routes can be icy or closed-pack layers.
Spring
March - May · 8 - 22°C (46 - 72°F)
Warm days, cooler nights, perfect hiking weather; wildflowers and canyon views are spectacular, expect busy trails on weekends and pleasant early mornings.
Summer
June - August · 25 - 38°C (77 - 100°F)
Very hot and dry-early mornings fine for hikes, but midday heat can be dangerous; swim spots and shaded canyons become popular refuges.

Best Time to Visit St George #

Climate

St George's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 39°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.

Air Quality: AQI 26 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneSeptemberMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
45°
Warmest Month
-11°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with 31 mm of rain.

67 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 12°
51%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
16°
48%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).

78 Very Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
20°
41%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall.

92 Ideal

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
25°
34%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
13.0h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

94 Ideal

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
12° 30°
28%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
14.0h daylight

June

June is warm with highs of 36°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 5 mm and clear sunny skies.

98 Ideal

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
17° 36°
18%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
14.5h daylight

July

July is the hottest month with highs of 39°C and lows of 21°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

86 Excellent

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
30°C
Temperature
21° 39°
28%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
14.3h daylight

August

August is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

88 Excellent

Comfort

29°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
20° 38°
31%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
13.4h daylight

September

September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
15° 33°
28%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 27°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

91 Ideal

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
27°
34%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
11.1h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 18°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

81 Excellent

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
18°
41%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.0h daylight

December

December is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 12°
51%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

How to Get to St George

St. George is most conveniently reached via St. George Regional Airport (SGU) with short ground transfers into town. Surface connections from Las Vegas are possible but take significantly longer.

By Air

St. George Regional Airport (SGU): The closest airport, about 10-15 minutes’ drive from many parts of St. George. Taxis and ride‑shares are readily available; a short ride typically costs US$15-30. Rental cars are available on site.

McCarran International Airport (LAS): Las Vegas is roughly a 2-2.5 hour drive from St. George and is an alternative if you need more flight options; expect higher transfer time and cost by car or shuttle.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no direct passenger rail service to St. George; nearest Amtrak service is far away and not practical for typical visitors.

Bus: Greyhound and regional coach services operate routes into St. George; local SunTran buses serve the city and provide links to neighbourhoods and the transit centre. Intercity shuttles and private transfers also connect St. George to nearby resorts and trailheads.

How to Get Around St George #

St. George’s core and Historic Downtown are easy to explore on foot, with many shops and restaurants within walking distance. The area is also served by a local bus system (SunTran) for broader city coverage. Driving is helpful for accessing regional parks and nearby attractions; rideshare and local taxis operate but can be sparse after late hours, especially outside town.

Where to Stay in St George #

Budget
Near I-15 / Downtown outskirts - $60-120/night
Budget options are mainly motels and economy chains along the highway; inexpensive rooms are easy to find outside the historic core.
Mid-Range
Downtown / Riverwalk - $120-220/night
Strong mid-range scene - comfortable resorts and well-known chains close to Zion access and downtown attractions.
Luxury
Ivins / St. George outskirts - $220+/night
St. George and nearby Ivins host several upscale resorts and wellness retreats; luxury options are good for outdoor-focused travelers.

Where to Eat in St George #

Local & Southwestern
Local restaurants highlight Southwestern flavors, Navajo and pioneer influences, plus hearty steaks and wood-fired pizzas - dining often comes with desert-view patios and sunset seating.
  • Painted Pony - Upscale American with regional Southwestern touches
  • Cliffside Restaurant - Tables with red-rock views and steakhouse fare
  • Centro Woodfired Pizzeria - Neapolitan-style pizzas and seasonal toppings
Cafés & Scenic Views
Pleasant cafés and bakeries are scattered near scenic overlooks; many spots pair simple breakfasts and pastries with canyon or downtown views.
  • Xetava Gardens Cafe - Coffee, espresso and light meals with canyon outlooks
  • Black Bear Diner - Hearty breakfasts and classic American comfort dishes
  • The Chocolate Giraffe - Desserts, coffee and casual lunch options
Casual & Local Favorites
Downtown and suburban joints serve crowd-pleasing comfort food, international takeout, and family-oriented mains - good for casual evenings and quick stops.
  • Capparelli's (local pizzeria) - Neighborhood pizza and family-friendly menu
  • Benja's Thai - Popular spot for Thai entrees and curries
  • Anasazi Grill - Casual grill with salads and sandwiches

Breakdown of cuisine types found across St George's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Burger
Mexican
Pizza
Sandwich
American
Chicken
Thai
Chinese
Ice Cream
Italian
Tex Mex
Juice
Barbecue
Hawaiian
Donut
Seafood
Breakfast
Steak House
Crepe
Salad

Nightlife in St George #

Evenings in St. George are low-key; downtown eateries, pubs and a handful of breweries provide the main after-dark options. Tuacahn and local theaters host seasonal shows and concerts that draw nighttime crowds. Outdoor nightlife is pleasant in warm months; otherwise the scene leans toward comfortable bars and family-friendly restaurants.

Shopping in St George #

Shopping in St. George centers on downtown boutiques, local galleries and strip-mall retailers around major roads. You’ll find a mix of tourist shops, outdoor stores and small art galleries. For larger mall shopping and big-box stores, suburban shopping centers on the city outskirts offer more options.

Nearby Cities #