Figuring out the best time to visit Arches National Park doesn’t need to be a mystery, nor hard.
Depending on the time of year you visit Utah, you can have a different experience. So how can you be sure the month you visit Arches National Park is right for you?
We’ll take the guesswork out of the planning for you so that you know what to expect for your upcoming trip to one of the most visited National Parks in the USA.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the weather in the park by season and month.
Don’t leave home without your own: Lonely Planet USA’s National Parks (Travel Guide)
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park
Spring in Arches National Park
As the ice and snow begin to melt in Arches National Park, travelers are free to explore all of the trails, arches, and mountains of the park with virtually no tourists.
From April to May backpackers can hike all of the park in relatively cool weather. With temperatures topping out at around the low 80s, you’ll be able to enjoy the desert without sweating bullets.
The only downside of spring is unpredictable weather. With sudden rainstorms and even ice, make sure to check the weather before you book your flight.
A great adventure to do during this time of the year is Moab’s Best Kept Secret Tour: Mini Narrows Cool Summer Hike today.
Are you into hiking? If so you need to check out: Best Hikes in the USA: 15 Stunning Trails You Cannot Miss
March in Arches National Park
If you decide to travel to Arches National Park in March, you’re in for a treat. March is one of the best months out of the year to hike the desert trails and view the arches up close.
The weather in March is relatively cool, making it the perfect month to visit Utah.
The temperature in March rises to about 70 degrees Fahrenheit and drops down to 42 degrees overnight.
A great adventure to do during this time of the year is the Hell’s Revenge UTV 4×4 adventure.
Do you have the right hiking gear? We have put together 40 Hiking Essentials that every hiker should have when out on the trails in Arches National Park.
April in Arches National Park
In the last week of April, the snow finally begins to melt, revealing the hundreds of miles of trails that lay untrodden during the winter.
Although there are still many high passes that remain blocked until summer, this month marks the beginning of the transition to peak season.
If you’re planning on traveling to Arches National Park in April you should expect temperatures topping out at around 53 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of about 30.
Did you know that the Moab area is world-famous for rock climbing? If this is something you want to do you should join the Moab Full-Day Rock Climbing Tour.
Are you into hiking? If so, here are a few more epic hikes in the world that need to be added on to your hiking bucket list.
May in Arches National Park
As soon as May arrives, the services in Arches National Park get into full swing. With ranger-led hikes and loads of other programs, May is one of the best months to travel to Arches National Park.
In May the crowds start to pick up in the park. With temperatures still not reaching the peaks of summer, May is a cool month to experience the park without being drenched in sweat.
The highs reach 81 and the lows drop down to about 51 degrees.
Looking to explore a few places in Arches National Park without the crowds? It’s possible on this tour Arches National Park Backcountry 4×4 Half-Day Tour.
Are you planning a road trip to Arches National Park or one of the many great National parks in the USA? We’ve put together everything you need to know when planning a road trip adventure.
Summer in Arches National Park
Summertime is one of the most popular seasons to visit Arches National Park. With all the park services in full swing, you can attend ranger-led tours, as well as exploring on your own.
The only drawback about traveling to Arches National Park during the summer is the massive crowds and the sweltering hot temperatures.
Rising into the 100’s, you’ll want to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.
The most popular hike in the park is the Delicate Arch Trail. Be sure to add it to your itinerary!
Not happy with your photos from your last adventure? Here’s what we use to capture all of the photos in this blog post.
June in Arches National Park
As soon as June rolls in, summer has officially arrived in Arches National Park. Schools are letting out now so families will start pouring into the park.
On the other hand, all of the ranger services are available so you can have guided hikes through some of the best parts of the park.
To avoid the heat and the crowds be sure to arrive early to start your hike. In June the highs climb to about 93 degrees and drop to 60 overnight.
Take advantage of those hot days and the Fisher Towers Half-Day Rafting Day Trip from Moab.
Do you have a good travel day pack? Here’s our advice on how to choose the best travel daypack.
July in Arches National Park
If you plan on visiting Utah and Arches National Park in July, get ready to put up with scorching hot temperatures and loads of crowds.
Despite the obvious drawbacks of visiting the park during July, this is still one of the most popular months to visit.
Being in the middle of the desert, you can expect the temperature to rise to 100 degrees during the day. The lows in July fall to 67 degrees.
A great summer adventure is the Moab Scenic Off-Road Petroglyph Tour.
It is always smart to carry a reusable water bottle! Here are the best travel water bottles on the market.
August in Arches National Park
Although the heat starts to ease a little, August still has you hiking under the blazing hot sun with loads of tourists shoulder-to-shoulder. You should plan on entering the park before 7 am to ensure you don’t have to wait.
Even with all the crowds, travelers still love visiting Arches National Park during August. In August the temperature hugs 97 degrees and falls to around 66 degrees.
If you are visiting during this time of the year you simply must take a Canyonlands & Arches National Park Airplane Tour.
One key item to have while hiking any of the amazing trails in Arches National Park is a good set of hiking poles. Here are our tips for finding the Best Hiking Poles: Top 5 + How to Choose the Right Ones.
Fall in Arches National Park
Most hikers and tourists forget about visiting Arches National Park during summer and wait for things to cool down in the fall. Like we did!
With cooler temperatures and far fewer tourists, this is a great time of year to explore the trails and arches.
When compared with the spring, the fall makes for a slightly better season to visit the park. Without having to worry about ice on some of the more slippery paths, you’ll be free to hike and explore with ease.
If you’re looking for a challenging yet rewarding hike, be sure to check out the Devils Garden Trail.
You’ll need to get up early if you want to see some of the iconic spots in Arches National Park: How to Choose the Best Headlamp
September in Arches National Park
In September you’ll still have to share the trails with loads of tourists. On the upside, the temperatures start to cool down to a more bearable level.
With all roads open and perfect weather, there is no better time to explore Arches National Park.
During September, tourists explore the park with highs of 88 and lows of 55 degrees.
Those visiting during this time of the year should also check out the Moab Dinner Cruise with Sound and Light Show.
Having a good pair of socks are a must while hiking! Here’s everything you need to know about finding the best pair of hiking socks for your adventure.
October in Arches National Park
If you want to make sure you avoid the heat altogether and the bite of winter, October lies in that sweet spot. We visited in mid-October and enjoyed mild hot daytime weather and cool nights for comfortable camping.
You may still have to fight your way through the tourists, but at least you won’t have to worry about burning under the desert sun.
In October you’ll be hiking in temperatures as hot as 74 degrees and as cold as 42 degrees, making this month the perfect time to visit Arches National Park.
Sunset chasers might want to join this Sunset ATV Tour and Trail Experience in Hell’s Revenge.
Winter in Arches National Park
Hiking through Arches National Park during the winter gives you an experience unlike any other. Although you’re still in the Utah desert, you’ll have to trek through snow and look out for ice while on the trails.
It may be dangerous, but you’ll see a side of the Arches seldom witnessed by other travelers.
Although some of the roads and ranger services are closed, you won’t have to worry about reservations for camping.
As long as you’re willing to bundle up against the cold, you’re sure to have the trip of a lifetime.
If you’re looking for an easy and short hike to take on during your visit, we highly recommend the Landscape Arch hike.
If your exploring Arches National Park during this time of the year we suggest having a good packable down jacket.
November in Arches National Park
The cold starts arriving in November. Although you won’t be dealing with freezing temperatures, you’ll still want to bundle up before you head out into the desert to explore the trails.
There are still some crowds to deal with in November, but much more manageable when compared to the summer months.
As long as you wear a few layers, the November highs of 56 degrees and lows of 30 will be nothing to worry about.
Are you into photography? If so you need to join the Sunset and Night Photography in Arches National Park.
We love our vests for those days that are cool in the morning. Here is our guide to the Top 12 Best Down Vests for Men and Women.
December in Arches National Park
The upside of traveling to Arches National Park during December is that you won’t have any heat to worry about at all.
You’ll have to deal with the complete opposite. With chilly temperatures, you’ll want to be sure to bundle up well before hitting the trails.
During December the temperatures rise to about 45 degrees and drop to 23 degrees. Be sure to look out for ice on the trails.
Why drive when someone else can! We suggest that if you just want to take in the sights that you join this Arches National Park 4×4 Guided Tour.
Do you plan on camping while visiting Arches National Park? If so you need a good sleeping bag and here’s how to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag.
January in Arches National Park
The coldest month out of the year in Arches National Park is January. Some of the roads and trails may be closed during the middle of the winter, but at least you’ll have most of the park all to yourself with hardly any other tourists.
You’ll want to make sure to bring along a heavy jacket for exploring Arches National Park in January. The highs top out at 44 degrees and get as cold as 22 degrees.
Maybe you want to stay in your car while visiting during this time of the year? No worries, you’ll still see many of the iconic sights on this Arches National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour.
There’s so much that goes into planning a trip to Arches National Park, here’s a step-by-step guide where we give our insider tips on how to plan a trip.
February in Arches National Park
You may be over the hump in February when it comes to the cold of winter, but you’ll find tons of snow and ice on the trail.
With a contrast of the orange rock and white snow, you’ll be entering a winter wonderland while exploring Arches National Park. Even though you’ll be hiking in the dead of winter, all the campgrounds will still be open.
In February the highs reach about 52 degrees and drop to 28 degrees.
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