Recently, many people around me have been asking about the weather in Salt Lake City.

At first, I thought, "It must be really cold since it's Utah," but looking at the actual climate, it turns out to be a city with distinct four seasons.

The annual temperature generally ranges from 23°F to 93°F. In January, the average high temperature is around 34°F, and the low can drop to about 21°F.

In contrast, there are many days in July when temperatures exceed 90°F. However, it's not a humid heat; the air is dry, so when you step into the shade, the perceived temperature is much more comfortable. Therefore, first-time visitors often say, "It's not as hot as I expected."

Surprisingly, it doesn't rain much. The annual precipitation is about 15 inches, which is lower than the U.S. average, and the month with the most rain is April, with about 2 inches. Conversely, July is extremely dry, with less than an inch of rain. Thanks to this, you can often see clear skies in the summer, and there aren't many sticky days due to humidity.

However, in winter, the atmosphere changes completely. The annual snowfall reaches about 55 inches, making it an excellent environment for snow lovers.

Especially, just a short drive from Salt Lake City, there are world-class ski resorts, including Park City, making it a great location for winter sports. The first snowfall usually starts in October, with significant snow falling after November. However, the difference in snowfall between the urban area and the mountainous regions can be quite large, so just because there is little snow in the city doesn't mean there is none at the ski resorts.

The biggest downside to Salt Lake City's weather, in my opinion, is the winter temperature inversion. Surrounded by mountains, the basin topography can trap cold air below, leading to days when car exhaust and fine dust cannot escape. During this time, even if it looks clear, the air quality can worsen, so those with respiratory issues should make it a habit to check in advance.

In summary, Salt Lake City is a place where you can enjoy all four seasons. Summers are dry and sunny, while winters are rich in snow, allowing for plenty of skiing and snowboarding. However, if you understand and adapt to the winter temperature inversion, it can be considered one of the cities with high climate satisfaction in the western United States. It's also helpful to remember that it has a similar vibe to Idaho but with a slightly warmer and drier climate.