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Sun Valley

Sun Valley travel guide

Ski resort in Idaho, United States

Best time to visitJune to September
Nearest airportSUN · 12 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−6
Population1,783

About Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a resort town and alpine ski resort in the western United States, in Blaine County, Idaho, adjacent to the city of Ketchum in the Wood River valley. The population was 1,783 at the 2020 census. The elevation of Sun Valley is 5,920 feet (1,805 m) above sea level.

Places to visit in Sun Valley

  1. Sun Valley Resort

    Landmark

    A classic mountain resort with a historic lodge, ice rink and pedestrian village, offering skiing in winter and golf, biking and outdoor concerts in summer.

  2. Bald Mountain

    Nature

    Known as Baldy, the main ski mountain for Sun Valley rises above Ketchum with long groomed runs in winter and a gondola and hiking and biking trails in summer.

  3. Ketchum

    Ketchum

    Neighborhood

    The neighboring town of Ketchum has a walkable downtown full of art galleries, outdoor outfitters, bookstores and restaurants, serving as the lively everyday base for visitors to the Sun Valley area.

  4. Ernest Hemingway Memorial

    Landmark

    A simple bust of Hemingway along Trail Creek honors the writer who lived and died in the area; his grave is in the nearby Ketchum Cemetery.

  5. Sawtooth National Recreation Area

    Sawtooth National Recreation Area

    Nature · 28 mi from centre

    North of Ketchum, this vast protected area offers jagged granite peaks, alpine lakes, natural hot springs and an extensive trail network for hiking, fishing and camping during the summer months.

Where to stay in Sun Valley

Popular hotels in Sun Valley, out of 10 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Sun Valley

Best time to visit Sun Valley

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sun Valley is June to September, when average daytime highs are around 71–83°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 9° – 32° 10
Feb 9° – 33° 15
Mar 15° – 40° 12
Apr 23° – 49° 7
May 31° – 59° 9
Jun 41° – 73° 4
Jul 50° – 83° 4
Aug 47° – 79° 5
Sep 42° – 71° 6
Oct 32° – 56° 6
Nov 23° – 42° 8
Dec 20° – 39° 13

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Sun Valley weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 60° 43° 19%
  • Thu 22 Oct 59° 44° 88%
  • Fri 23 Oct 51° 37° 88%
  • Sat 24 Oct 52° 33° 5%
  • Sun 25 Oct 54° 34° 12%
  • Mon 26 Oct 56° 36° 15%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/BoiseUTC−6
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Sun Valley

These are the airports closest to central Sun Valley. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • SUN Friedman Memorial Airport12 mi (20 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Sun Valley

Sun Valley travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Sun Valley?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sun Valley is June to September, when average daytime highs are around 71–83°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

What is the weather like in Sun Valley?

July is usually the warmest month in Sun Valley, with average highs of 83°F (28°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 9°F (-13°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 124 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Sun Valley?

Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) is the closest airport, about 12 miles (20 km) from the centre of Sun Valley.

What time zone is Sun Valley in?

Sun Valley uses the America/Boise time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

What are the best places to visit in Sun Valley?

Top sights in Sun Valley include Sun Valley Resort, Bald Mountain, Ketchum and Ernest Hemingway Memorial. A classic mountain resort with a historic lodge, ice rink and pedestrian village, offering skiing in winter and golf, biking and outdoor concerts in summer.

Where should I stay in Sun Valley?

Popular areas for hotels in Sun Valley include Ketchum, Hailey and Sun Valley. Well-reviewed options include Sun Valley Resort and Best Western Tyrolean Lodge.

How many hotels can I book in Sun Valley?

Destina Holidays currently lists 10 properties in and around Sun Valley, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.