Best time to visit
Late March through May and mid-September through October are the best times to visit Arches, with comfortable hiking weather. In summer, plan hikes at sunrise or near sunset; in winter, enjoy quiet trails but watch for ice.
| Best for hiking | March to May and September to October |
|---|---|
| Best for camping | March to May and September to October |
| Best for fewer crowds | November to February |
| Best for photography | Sunrise and sunset year-round; winter snow on red rock |
Arches National Park, just north of Moab in eastern Utah, holds more than 2,000 documented natural stone arches, along with fins, balanced rocks and slickrock bowls. It is a compact park; most highlights sit along a single scenic drive.
Desert weather swings hard between seasons: summer is hot and exposed with little shade, winter brings cold nights and occasional snow, and spring and fall are ideal but busy. The park has also used timed-entry reservations during its busiest months, so timing affects both comfort and access.
Month-by-month weather at Moab
Ten-year averages (2015–2024) at Moab, about 4,101 ft. Higher trails are colder, windier and snowier — temperatures typically drop 3–5°F for every 1,000 ft you climb.
Hiking & camping weather score by month
Average high and low temperature (°F)
Average precipitation (inches per month)
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip | Wet days | Snow | Freezing nights | Sun/day | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42°F | 23°F | 0.8 in | 5 | 1 in | 28 | 8 h | Poor |
| February | 49°F | 28°F | 0.8 in | 5 | 1 in | 21 | 9 h | Fair |
| March | 60°F | 36°F | 1.2 in | 7 | 0 in | 9 | 10 h | Excellent |
| April | 70°F | 44°F | 0.5 in | 3 | 0 in | 2 | 12 h | Excellent |
| May | 80°F | 54°F | 0.5 in | 4 | 0 in | 0 | 13 h | Excellent |
| June | 93°F | 66°F | 0.3 in | 1 | 0 in | 0 | 14 h | Fair |
| July | 98°F | 73°F | 0.2 in | 2 | 0 in | 0 | 14 h | Poor |
| August | 95°F | 69°F | 0.6 in | 3 | 0 in | 0 | 12 h | Poor |
| September | 87°F | 60°F | 0.4 in | 2 | 0 in | 0 | 12 h | Good |
| October | 69°F | 44°F | 1.2 in | 5 | 0 in | 3 | 10 h | Excellent |
| November | 54°F | 32°F | 0.8 in | 4 | 0 in | 16 | 9 h | Excellent |
| December | 42°F | 24°F | 0.9 in | 5 | 2 in | 29 | 8 h | Poor |
Score rates hiking and tent-camping weather only (temperature, rain, snow and heat) — it doesn't account for crowds, road closures or permits, which are covered in the seasonal notes. Data: Open-Meteo historical weather API (ERA5 reanalysis), adjusted to the hub elevation.
7-day forecast and hike score
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Open in the trail forecast tool to check other trailheads.
Season by season
Spring
Spring is peak season, with mild days, cool nights and occasional wind. It is also the busiest time, especially around spring break and Easter weekend in Moab, when lines at the entrance can be long. The park has used timed-entry reservations during this period in recent years.
Desert plants bloom in good years, and Devils Garden Campground is fully booked well ahead.
Summer
Summer is hot, sunny and exposed, with little shade on most trails, including Delicate Arch. Hike at sunrise or in the evening, carry plenty of water and avoid midday exertion. Summer is still busy despite the heat.
Monsoon thunderstorms bring lightning and flash floods from mid to late summer. Washes and dirt roads can flood quickly.
Fall
Fall brings comfortable temperatures and clear skies, making it one of the best seasons for hiking. Weekends remain busy into October, and Moab hosts events that fill lodging and campgrounds.
Nights cool down quickly in late fall, and days shorten, so start long hikes early.
Winter
Winter is the quietest season. Days are often clear and cool, nights drop below freezing, and occasional snow dusts the red rock for striking photos. Trails, especially slickrock routes like Delicate Arch, can be icy; traction devices help.
Devils Garden Campground typically remains open in some form. Some roads may close temporarily after snow.
Hikes worth timing right
| Hike | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delicate Arch Trail | Moderate | Steady slickrock climb with no shade to the park's most famous arch; go at sunrise or late afternoon in summer. |
| Windows and Double Arch | Easy | Short trails to several large arches; good for any season and family groups. |
| Devils Garden to Landscape Arch | Easy | Wide trail to one of the longest natural arches in the world; the primitive loop beyond is much harder. |
| Devils Garden Primitive Loop | Strenuous | Rugged route over fins and slickrock with some scrambling; avoid it when wet or icy. |
| Park Avenue | Easy | Walk between towering sandstone walls; one-way with a shuttle or out-and-back. |
| Fiery Furnace | Strenuous | Maze of narrow sandstone fins; entry requires a self-guided permit or a ranger-led tour. |
Camping at Arches
Devils Garden Campground is the only campground in Arches and books through Recreation.gov; it fills quickly for spring and fall. Moab has many private campgrounds, and the Bureau of Land Management runs numerous campgrounds along the Colorado River and nearby roads.
Dispersed camping on BLM land near Moab is restricted in many popular areas to designated sites; check current BLM rules before setting up. Fire restrictions are common. Don't step on cryptobiotic soil, the dark crust that protects desert ground from erosion.
Know before you go
- Arches has used a timed-entry reservation system during busy months; check nps.gov/arch for current rules.
- Summer heat and lack of shade make midday hiking dangerous; carry plenty of water.
- Stay on trails and slickrock to protect fragile cryptobiotic soil.
- Flash floods can occur in washes during storms, even far from rain.
- Climbing or walking on arches is prohibited, and many arches are fragile.
- Cell service is fair near Moab and the entrance but limited elsewhere in the park.
Official information, alerts and current conditions: www.nps.gov/arch.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Arches National Park?
April and October are the best months for most visitors: comfortable hiking weather and clear skies. Expect crowds, and check whether timed entry applies.
When is Arches most crowded?
Spring break, Easter weekend, summer and fall weekends are the busiest. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid long entrance lines.
Can you camp in Arches in winter?
Yes. Devils Garden Campground typically remains available in winter, and nearby BLM campgrounds offer more options. Nights are cold and often below freezing.
How many days do you need in Arches?
One full day covers Delicate Arch, the Windows and Devils Garden. Two days lets you add the Fiery Furnace or the primitive loop and see the park at sunrise and sunset.