When's the Best Time to Visit Arches National Park?
Deciding when to visit Arches National Park depends on three things: your availability, your budget, and your tolerances. Here, we'll break down what it's like to visit Arches National Park in summer, fall, winter and spring.
Arches National Park in Summer
by, LunaMarina Canva
Families descend on Arches in the summer due to summer break. This makes sense since children are out of school. But, remember that Arches National Park is in the desert, in southern Utah. June through August finds temperatures regularly in the 90s, sometimes over 100℉, and there’s very little shade in the desert. When the sun does decide to hide behind the clouds, it’s because July through September is monsoon season.
Heavy rainfall can sometimes cause flash flooding and shut down areas of the park. If you can tolerate extreme heat, crowds, and unpredictable weather, then summer is a fine time to visit. Just remember to drink plenty of water, use sunscreen, and wear a hat. Summer also sees the highest number of open businesses, attractions, and activities, so there’ll be plenty to do.
Arches National Park in Fall
Adam Springer from Getty Images
Autumn brings a relief of cooler temperatures. Highs drop into the 80s starting in September and then trend downward from there. The crowds also tend to thin out starting in November.
Late October and early November are a great time to visit as the temperatures are cool (chilly in the morning but comfortable by noon), crowds are diminished, and prices are just starting to go down.
Costs are still going to be closer to the summer prices than winter prices until the cold really sets in. The days are getting shorter which makes for great stargazing, although winter still gives you the longest nights and therefore views. Park rangers lead programs Spring through Fall, so you won’t miss out if you’d like to go on a stargazing hike or a guided hike through Fiery Furnace.
Arches National Park in Winter
by, Theartist312 from Getty Images
Visiting Arches National Park in the winter is a trade-off. A number of restaurants and guided-adventure companies will be closed for the season. Heavy snowfall might close certain roads and trails. Frigid temperatures can make outdoor activities uncomfortable. But what you get back by visiting in the winter is space.
Without the crowds, Moab and the surrounding area becomes a peaceful haven, a respite from the busy outside world. This means you’ll get some truly awesome photos without other people stepping in and ruining your shots! And it’s not like Moab rolls up the sidewalks November through February. The town has over 5,000 permanent residents and they all need somewhere to shop and eat.
Flights into the area are also much cheaper than in the warmer months. Domestic flights into Canyonlands Regional Airport are approximately $300 dollars in January, as opposed to $450 in July. Hotels, too, are cheaper in winter. Budget rooms that go for $90 a night in the summer cost as little as $35 in the winter. As long as you can tolerate 18℉ nights, 40℉ days, and a minor drop in dining options, winter may be the season for you.
Arches National Park in Spring
by, Elizabeth Iris from Pexels
With spring comes the budding of flowers and a swarm of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Seemingly overnight, as soon as the weather turns warm, Moab turns from a sleepy town to a bustling hub of activity.
Hotel and flight prices increase along with the crowds. This is when it becomes important to get to Arches National Park early in the morning, and we do mean early. We’ve gotten there before the sun rose only to find a long line of cars already backed up at the entrance. It’s also important to know that Arches will temporarily close the entrance when they reach capacity. If you arrive midday, don’t be surprised if you have to wait to enter.
Spring is like summer when it comes to prices so be prepared to pay a premium, especially if you book last minute. Or worse, be prepared to find alternative accommodations and activities if what you want is already filled up.
Despite the crowds, spring is still preferable to summer for most people because the temperatures haven’t skyrocketed yet. Days tend to hover around in the 60s (farenheit) and nights rarely dip below freezing.
Weather in Arches National Park
Arches National Park sits at between 4,000 and 5,600 feet above sea level. Combined with its arid climate, this puts the park into what’s called “high desert” and means wild temperature fluctuations between seasons and even hours of the day. The park receives an average of 8.7 inches of rainfall a year, or 221 mm. Most of that falls in the months of July, August, and September, called monsoon season. This is when the risk of flash floods is at its highest and visitors need to be aware of the weather and their surroundings.
Because of the elevation, the park does receive some snow in winter, usually in the coldest months of December and January, but it is generally light snowfall.
Annaul Events in Arches National Park
Moab and the surrounding area hosts a number of exciting annual events. You can plan your trip to coincide with one or more of these events, or simply see what’s happening when you get there. Here are some of the highlights:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
- Rock, Gem, and Mineral Show
November
December
- Holiday Art & Craft Fair
For a complete list of activities, visit www.moabhappenings.com.
Regardless of the season, Arches National Park offers stunning views of unique geological formations. The best time of year to visit truly depends on you! Not sure where to go in the park? Take Shaka Guide along for the ride. We’ve hand-picked the best stops for your trip. Check out our Arches National Park Tour itinerary here.
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