Salt Lake City in December

September through October delivers perfect weather. Temperatures hit the 70s during the day, drop to the 40s at night, and the aspen trees turn golden in the nearby canyons. Hotel rates drop after summer crowds leave. Winter brings world-class skiing from December through March. Powder Mountain, Snowbird, and Alta sit within an hour's drive. But downtown stays walkable — the city handles snow removal efficiently. Spring arrives early, with hiking weather starting in April. The Great Salt Lake smells terrible during spring runoff, though, so avoid Antelope Island State Park until June. Summer gets hot and dry, with temperatures pushing 100°F in July and August. Morning hikes work, but afternoons require air conditioning. This is peak tourist season, so book accommodations early. Avoid major Mormon conferences in April and October when hotel prices spike and downtown crowds triple. The city essentially shuts down during these weekends.