Weather & Forecast
Real-time conditions and trip-planning data for Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Hourly Forecast
Hour-by-hour outlook for the next 48 hours
Extended Forecast
16-day outlook for Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
NWS Detailed Forecast
Official narrative forecast from the National Weather Service
Mostly clear, with a low around 57. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunny, with a high near 81. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9pm and midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. South southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunny, with a high near 72. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Mostly clear, with a low around 48. West northwest wind 0 to 10 mph.
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.
Source: weather.gov
Sunrise & Sunset
Plan your hikes and photography around the light
This Week's Sun Times
What to Pack Right Now
Personalized recommendations based on the current forecast
Clothing
- Shorts and breathable hiking pants
- Multiple layers for big temperature swings
- Comfortable hiking socks (wool blend)
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (sun reflecting off the water is intense)
- Wide-brim hat for sun protection
- Polarized sunglasses
- UV-protective lip balm
- Cooling neck gaiter or bandana
Hydration & Nutrition
- At least 3 liters of water per person per day
- Electrolyte packets
- Trail snacks (salty + sweet for energy)
Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support (for trails and overlooks)
- Water shoes for wading and launching boats
- Quick-dry socks as backup
Safety & Gear
- Headlamp (for early starts or if trips run long)
- Rain jacket (packable, waterproof)
- Life jacket / PFD for every passenger on the boat
- Check wind and small-craft advisories before launching
- First aid kit with blister care
- Trail map or downloaded offline maps
Seasonal Guide
What to expect each season at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Spring
Spring is a transition season at Flaming Gorge. Snow lingers into March at higher elevations, and the reservoir itself stays cold from winter runoff well into May even as air temperatures warm up. Marinas begin reopening for the season, but wind is common on the open water during spring storm systems. It's a quieter, less crowded time to fish the Green River below the dam before the summer boating rush begins.
- Layers for big temperature swings
- Windbreaker
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Waterproof footwear
Summer
Summer is peak season on the reservoir. All three marinas run at full capacity, and boating, water skiing, and fishing draw the biggest crowds of the year. Days are warm and dry, but the reservoir water itself stays cold even in August, and afternoon thunderstorms with sudden wind gusts can turn a calm morning on the water dangerous with little warning. Evenings cool off quickly once the sun drops behind the canyon walls.
- Life jacket / PFD for every passenger
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reapply often)
- Wide-brim hat
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
Fall
NowFall is many locals' favorite season at Flaming Gorge. Crowds thin dramatically after Labor Day, marina traffic drops off, and the Green River below the dam fishes exceptionally well as water temperatures cool. Days stay pleasant into October, but nights turn cold fast, and the first snow can dust the higher terrain by November. Most marina services and some visitor facilities begin scaling back for the season.
- Layers (warm days, cold nights)
- Insulated jacket for evenings
- Waterproof footwear
- Hat and gloves for late fall
Winter
Winter transforms Flaming Gorge from a boating destination into an ice fishing one. The reservoir freezes over in the calmer coves most years, drawing anglers for the annual Burbot Bash tournament. Snow closes some higher-elevation roads and scales back services in Manila and Dutch John, and most marina facilities close for the season. Days are short and cold, but the scenery is dramatic — snow against the red rock canyons with almost no other visitors around.
- Insulated, waterproof winter layers
- Ice cleats/traction devices
- Gloves and warm hat
- Hand/toe warmers
Historical Monthly Averages
Typical conditions by month at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
🌡️ Average Temperature (°F)
🌧️ Average Precipitation (inches)
Canyon Floor vs. Rim: Why It Feels Like Two Parks
Same day, same park — very different weather depending on elevation
| Zone | Elevation | Vs. Canyon Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Reservoir & Marinas | 6,040 ft | baseline |
| Dutch John / Red Canyon Rim | 7,700 ft | -6°F |
| Sheep Creek Canyon & Uinta Foothills | 8,500 ft | -12°F |
Reservoir & Marinas
6,040 ft elevationBuckboard, Cedar Springs, and Lucerne marinas, plus most boat launches, sit at the reservoir's water level. Open water means more wind exposure than the surrounding land, and the water itself stays cold well into summer regardless of the air temperature.
Dutch John / Red Canyon Rim
7,700 ft elevationThe Red Canyon Visitor Center sits about 1,700 feet above the lake, roughly 6°F cooler than the water below with far more wind exposure. Dutch John itself and the dam area run slightly warmer than the rim but still noticeably cooler than the reservoir surface on hot afternoons.
Sheep Creek Canyon & Uinta Foothills
8,500 ft elevationThe Sheep Creek Canyon Geological Loop climbs into the forested foothills of the Uinta Mountains, running noticeably cooler than the reservoir and holding snow well into spring. A good escape from summer heat, but the loop road can close entirely in winter.
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month ratings for planning your trip
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Activities | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Feb | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mar | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Apr | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| May | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Jun | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Jul | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Aug | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| SepNow | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Oct | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Nov | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Dec | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Trail Weather Considerations
Essential safety information for Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area trails
The Water Stays Cold Year-Round
Flaming Gorge Reservoir and the Green River below the dam stay cold even when summer air temperatures are in the 80s. Cold-water shock is a real risk for anyone who falls in unexpectedly. Wear a life jacket at all times while boating, and never assume the water feels as warm as the air.
Wind Can Turn a Calm Lake Dangerous
Afternoon winds can pick up quickly on the open reservoir, turning flat water choppy within minutes, especially along the exposed northern stretches near the Wyoming border. Check the wind forecast before launching, and head for a marina or sheltered cove at the first sign of building wind or darkening skies.
Summer Thunderstorms Over Open Water
Summer afternoons can bring sudden thunderstorms with lightning — there's no shelter on an open boat or exposed shoreline. If you hear thunder, get off the water and away from high points immediately. Storms here can build with little warning, so keep an eye on the sky even on a clear morning.
Ice Conditions Vary Across the Reservoir
Ice thickness on Flaming Gorge is inconsistent — calmer coves freeze solid while areas near the dam or moving water may stay open or thin all winter. Always check current ice conditions with local outfitters before heading out for ice fishing, and carry basic ice safety gear (ice picks, a spud bar, a rope).
High-Desert Sun and Wind on the Water
At roughly 6,000 feet, UV exposure is stronger than at sea level, and sunlight reflecting off the water intensifies it further. Sunburn happens faster on the reservoir than it would on shore. Reapply sunscreen often and cover up during long days on the boat.
Elevation Swings Across the Recreation Area
Temperatures can run 10–15°F cooler at the Red Canyon rim or along the Sheep Creek Canyon Geological Loop than down at the reservoir. If you're combining a day on the water with a scenic drive, pack a layer for the higher, cooler, windier overlooks.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area Weather FAQ
Common questions about Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area weather, seasons, and forecast
What is the weather like at Flaming Gorge?
Flaming Gorge has a high-desert mountain climate with large day-to-night temperature swings. Summers are warm and dry — typically 80–87°F — while winters are cold and snowy, often dropping into the teens or single digits. The reservoir itself stays cold well into summer regardless of the air temperature.
What is the best time to visit Flaming Gorge for good weather?
June through August offers the warmest, driest weather for boating and fishing, though it's also the busiest season on the water. September offers excellent fly fishing with fewer crowds and still-comfortable days. Winter is cold but draws ice anglers for the Burbot Bash tournament.
How warm does the water get at Flaming Gorge?
The reservoir and the Green River below the dam stay cold even during the hottest summer days — cold-water shock is a real risk for anyone who falls in unexpectedly. Always wear a life jacket while boating and don't assume the water feels as warm as the air.
Does it snow at Flaming Gorge?
Yes. The area around Manila and Dutch John sees regular snow from November through March, and higher terrain like the Sheep Creek Canyon Geological Loop holds snow even longer. The reservoir itself typically freezes over in calmer coves by winter, drawing ice anglers to the area.
How windy does it get on Flaming Gorge Reservoir?
Wind can pick up quickly on the open water, especially along the exposed northern stretches near the Wyoming border, turning calm conditions choppy within minutes. Always check the wind forecast and small-craft advisories before launching a boat.
What is the current weather forecast for Flaming Gorge?
This page shows a live 16-day forecast, an hourly outlook, and the official National Weather Service narrative for the Flaming Gorge area, updated continuously. Conditions can differ noticeably between the reservoir and higher terrain like the Red Canyon rim, so check both before heading out.
What is the current temperature at Flaming Gorge?
The live reading at the top of this page is measured near the reservoir (about 6,040 ft elevation, at full pool). Higher terrain runs cooler — expect roughly 6°F less at the Red Canyon rim and up to 12°F less along the Sheep Creek Canyon Geological Loop.
Is there a 10-day weather forecast for Flaming Gorge?
Yes — the daily forecast section on this page covers 16 days out, sourced from Open-Meteo and cross-checked against the National Weather Service's own forecast discussion. Beyond about 10 days, treat the numbers as a general trend rather than an exact prediction.