Arches National Park Weather

It’s all about the weather when deciding the best time to visit Arches National Park. This article details the Arches National Park weather you can expect each season and month of the year.

Do your research to know what it’s like visiting Arches National Park at various times of year so you can decide which season and month is best for you to plan your vacation to this stunning park!

Arches National Park sees a variety of weather conditions year-round, each offering its own unique way to experience the park’s natural beauty. Use this Arches National Park travel guide to know the expected temperatures and weather, services available, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay during the year.

We live only a few hours away from Arches and have visited the park many times during all four seasons. This article about Arches National Park weather is based on our experiences over the years!

One tip for visiting Arches is to plan for the temperatures and weather for the time you’ll be at the park. Use our Arches National Park Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting any time of year. Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!

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A Photo Tour of Arches National Park

Take a visual tour through Arches National Park to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!

What To Pack for Arches National Park

To get the most out of visiting this park, you must be prepared with the right clothing and gear.

Hiking Shoes – Injuries from improper footwear is a common problem that casual visitors and hikers encounter. To make your trip as safe and enjoyable as possible, avoid smooth-soled shoes and only wear sturdy shoes with ample tread. We always recommend Merrell Moab hiking shoes of course!

Hydration and Food – Due to the high desert and altitude in Southeastern Utah, you should drink at least one gallon of water per day, and always carry water with you during all hiking activities (water is also available at the Arches National Park Visitor Center and at the Devils Garden trailhead and Campground). Accordingly, be sure to eat plenty of healthy snacks and food. We use Camelbak hydration packs or carry Hydroflask bottles in our packs.

Lip Balm and Lotion – Utah’s high elevation and dry air can be hard on your skin. You’ll want to carry lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion to apply as needed when you’re out exploring the trails.

Clothing – Summers in the park mean soaring temperatures, unrelenting sunlight, and low humidity. To keep cool, wear light colored, loose fitting UV clothing that does not absorb sunlight. Also avoid sun burn by wearing a wide brimmed hat and by generously applying sunscreen to any parts of your body that are exposed to the sun.

For the winter months, wear winter clothing to stay dry and warm. Take note that snow and ice can accumulate and make popular trails quite slippery. That’s why trekking poles and traction devices for your shoes are essential. It’s also just as easy to become dehydrated in the cold as it is in the heat. It’s important to carry plenty of water during the winter, and not just during the summer.

During spring and fall, it’s all about layers! The mornings and evenings will be cool so have a fleece jacket handy!

National Parks Pass – Before you visit Arches National Park be sure to pack your The America the Beautiful Annual Pass.

Other items we recommend

• Darn Tough socks
• Fleece jacket
• Buff headbands
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitizer
• Maps
• Sunglasses
• First aid kit
• Travel photography gear – FREE CHECKLIST DOWNLOAD

Visiting Arches National Park

Most of the year you’ll enjoy fun outdoor things to Do at Arches National Park like scenic drives, hiking, biking, and photography. During the winter, the activities may be a bit more limited due to cold or snowy conditions!

When planning a Utah National Park vacation it’s important to be up-to-date with current weather and road conditions!

It’s also important to know that Arches is one of the nine US National Parks requiring reservations. You must have a timed entry reservation to enter the park from April 1 to October 31. You can enter Arches National Park before 7am and after 4pm without an advance reservation.

Arches National Park Weather

If you’re wondering the best time to visit Arches National Park, below you’ll find specific information about what it’s like at different seasons and months of the year to help you decide.

You’ll also find links to different articles we’ve written about each season or month specifically: weather, services, and things to do that time of year.

Spring Weather at Arches National Park

Springtime at Arches varies quite a bit from month to month. When visiting Arches National Park in the spring, it’s important to pack for all types of weather because you never know when the weather will change.

• Arches National Park in March: Highs 64 | Lows 35 degrees F
• Arches National Park in April: Highs 71 | Lows 42 degrees F 
• Arches National Park in May: Highs 82 | Lows 51 degrees F

It is not unusual to get rain or even snowfall in March. We recommend you watch the weather and pack a winter coat, winter hat, and winter gloves when going to Arches in early spring. A fleece jacket, hat, and gloves should be fine later in the spring.

Spring is a busy time so we recommend you get in the park early to see and photograph sunrise at Arches National Park!

Summer Weather at Arches National Park

When planning your Arches National Park summer vacation expect HOT temperatures! Since the temperatures are brutal this time of year, plan your outdoor activities for the cooler mornings and evenings!

• Arches National Park in June: Highs 93 | Lows 60 degrees F
• Arches National Park in July: Highs 100 | Lows 67 degrees F
• Arches National Park in August: Highs 97 | Lows 66 degrees F

With the hot summer temperatures, you’ll want to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. It’s important to stay hydrated and carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack.

Summer is a great time to enjoy the AC as you explore the Arches National Park scenic drive.

Enjoy the cooler evenings by stargazing at Arches in the summer. Arches National Park is a popular location for milky way photography!

Fall Weather at Arches National Park

The weather at Arches National Park in the fall starts to cool down making it a great time to explore the park because it will be cooler in the mornings and evenings, and the daytime temperatures aren’t too hot compared to the summer.

• Arches National Park in September: Highs 85 | Lows 54 degrees F
• Arches National Park in October: Highs 71 | Lows 40 degrees F
• Arches National Park in November: Highs 55 | Lows 30 degrees F 

With the cooler temperatures at night, you will definitely want to bring a fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves for the nights and early mornings. 

Fall is a nice time to be in the park on a sunny day when the air isn’t stifling! It’s a perfect time to explore the Arches National Park fall hikes! The fall months are still busy so hit the trails in the morning or late afternoon.

Winter Weather at Arches National Park

The temperatures really drop at Arches National Park in the winter so it’s the least busy season. We don’t mind the colder weather for enjoying outdoor activities, which makes the winter the best time for us to visit to escape the crowds!

BUT the cold winter weather may not be for everyone.

• Arches National Park in December: Highs 45 | Lows 23 degrees F
• Arches National Park in January: Highs 44 | Lows 22 degrees F
• Arches National Park in February: Highs 52 | Lows 28 degrees F

During the winter it is especially important to dress in layers. We recommend an insulted winter jacket, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves if you’ll be doing any outside activities. Here’s the full list of the outdoor winter clothing we use!

We enjoy Arches National Park photography in the winter – check out these awesome photographer gloves and rechargeable hand warmers we use!

BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps

Where to Stay Near Arches National Park:

There are no hotels in Arches so most people stay in the nearby town of Moab. There are all types of lodging in and near Moab from budget-friendly hotels to higher-prices resorts. You’ll also find vacation rentals, a hostel, campgrounds and RV parks.

• Places to Stay Near Arches National Park
• Hotels Near Arches National Park
• Places to Stay Near Arches National Park with Kids
• Arches National Park Camping

Here are a few of our favorite places to stay near Arches:

• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab – we enjoyed our stay and highly recommend this hotel due to its location close to Arches.
• Purple Sage – our all-time favorite place to stay in Moab – walking distance to shopping, full kitchen, and only 8 units so you don’t feel lost in a large hotel. 
• Red Cliffs Lodge – rooms up to 6 people – located 17 miles from Moab, this lodge is known for its beautiful location, winery and actiities like horseback riding, fishing and more!
• Vacation Rentals Near Arches – we really like rentals with a kitchen, washer and dryer and amenities like a swimming pool and hot tub.

Arches National Park Itineraries

We’ve created some done-for-you itineraries for visiting Arches depending on the time you have to spend at the park. Click the graphic below to get a free travel bundle that includes printable daily itineraries. Or click the links below to see detailed itineraries of the best things to do at Arches!

• Arches National Park in One Day
• Two Days in Arches National Park
• Three Days in Arches National Park
• Arches National Park and Canyonlands in One Day