Information & Facts
Utah has plenty of sunshine and low humidity. The Utah climate
is semiarid to arid, depending on the region, and most of the state
is at a high elevation. Snowfall is common statewide, except in the
Great Salt Lake Desert and at the southern border. The lower
altitudes usually experience snow from November to March, while the
higher altitudes experience snow from October to May, with snow
cover on the mountains sometimes continuing until July. The Wasatch
Mountains usually experience good snow, making the area's ski
resorts popular with winter outdoor sport enthusiasts. Summer
temperatures in Utah are usually about 79°F (26°C), with winter
temperatures around 30°F (-1°C). In the north, spring is usually
the wettest season, while summer and fall are the wettest further
south. Most of the mountainous areas experience more rain in
winter. Sporadic thunderstorms, caused by monsoons, can occur
during summer and fall, creating flash floods and wildfires.
English is the most common language but Spanish is often
spoken in south-western states.
The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into
100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are
widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid
hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
GMT -7 (GMT -6 from March to November).