Best Month to Visit Arches National Park

Arches National Park in Utah is an incredible place to visit and explore. With its thousands of natural sandstone arches, breathtaking views and unique rock formations, this park has something for everyone.

Generally speaking, the best month to visit Arches National Park is April or May when temperatures are milder. But the spring months are a busy time of year so expect crowds!

This Arches National Park travel guide will help you determine the month that’s best for you to visit for the things you want to see, do, and photograph.

Visiting Arches National Park by Month

To help you plan your Arches vacation, we’ve listed activities, things to pack, travel tips, and weather information for each month at the park.

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Arches National Park Travel Bundle
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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!

Best Month to Visit Arches National Park

Arches National Park in Utah is a stunning landscape filled with beautiful sandstone arches, breathtaking views and unique rock formations. Located just outside of Moab, Utah, it’s one of the most popular parks in the United States and draws millions of visitors every year.

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

It’s important to be up-to-date with the current Arches National Park weather and road conditions, especially in the winter.

You’ll need an Arches Timed Entry Ticket from April 1 through October 31. If you don’t have a ticket, you can still enter the park BEFORE 6am or AFTER 5pm.

Here’s our list of tips for visiting Arches National Park every month of the year: general travel information, list of things to do, items to pack, and weather information!

Arches National Park in the spring

Spring Months at Arches National Park

When visiting Arches National Park in the spring you’ll find the weather is “just right” to enjoy the outdoors. Check out the fun things you can do during the spring months of March, April, and May:

But Arches gets crowded during the peak spring season. The first part of March is your best bet to avoid the crowds when it’s spring break in Utah.

Now for the breakdown of what to expect at Arches each month in the spring.

March Vacation to Arches

When visiting Arches National Park in March, the highs are near 60 and the lows in the 30s degrees F. The weather can be unpredictable if a storm rolls through with rain, and even snow.

Check the forecast and be prepared for winter weather just in case: insulated jacket, fleece jacket, waterproof hiking boots, gloves, winter hat.

April Vacation to Arches

Arches National Park in April is an ideal time to visit as temperatures are mild to enjoy all the fun outdoor activities. Average highs are near 70 degrees with the lows around 40 degrees F.

The scenic drive at Arches is a must! We recommend the Arches GuideAlong App to hear fun behind-the-scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.

May Vacation to Arches

You can expect highs near 80 and lows near 50 degrees F at Arches National Park in May.

There are Arches National Park hiking trails for all hiking abilities: easy, moderate and strenuous. If you can, try to explore The Windows Area or Devil’s Garden Trail in the morning. They are both popular hiking areas so morning or late afternoon are the best times to avoid the crowds.

Delicate Arch is a bucket list location for sunset at Arches National Park, and it might be hard to get a parking spot at the trailhead! You may want to plan the hike in the morning to avoid the crowds.

All the other shorter hikes like Sand Dune Arch, Skyline Arch and Balanced Rock can be fit in at any time during the day when parking spots open up more frequently.

Arches National Park in the summer

Summer Months at Arches National Park

If you’re planning an Arches National Park summer vacation, there are things you need to know before going since it’s a HOT time of year there! Check out the fun things you can do during the fall months of June, July, and August at Arches:

The summer months are not our favorite time because it will be hot and crowded. Be sure to stay hydrated by carrying refillable water bottles, wear UV wicking clothing, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, and you’ll want lip balm and lotion since Arches is in a dry desert environment!

Now for the breakdown of what to expect at Arches each month in the summer.

June Vacation to Arches

The temperatures at Arches National Park in June aren’t too bad yet with highs in the 90s and lows around 60 degrees F.

Arches Ranger-led programs are a great way to learn about the park and it’s attractions. Check out what activities are available during your stay in June. If you’re visiting Arches National Park with kids, be sure to grab the Junior Ranger booklet so they can earn their Junior Ranger Badge!

July Vacation to Arches

Expect highs in the 100s and lows in the high 60s degrees F at Arches National Park in July! You won’t find many shady spots at Arches National Park. We suggest you plan your outdoor activities like hiking in the cooler mornings and evenings.

You can enjoy the scenic drives in your car with the AC running, or the hotel swimming pool during the heat of the day.

August Vacation to Arches

It’s still hot at Arches National Park in August with highs near 100 and lows in the high 60s degrees F.

You can’t beat stargazing at Arches National Park! The slogan “Half the Park is After Dark” invites you to take one evening to enjoy a star-filled sky! In August you can see the milky way from 9:30 pm to 1:30 am.

Arches National Park is a popular destination for astrophotographers so you won’t be alone in the park at night. Be sure to use a headlamp with a red light!

Arches National Park in the Fall

Fall Months at Arches National Park

Fall is a very busy season so be prepared for crowds. Check out the fun things you can do during the fall months of September, October, and November at Arches:

With the cooler temperatures at night and the early mornings, especially late fall, be sure to dress in layers and carry a fleece jacket, winter hat, and winter gloves.

Early fall is a terrific time for Arches National Park camping when it’s not too hot, too cold, or rainy!

Now for the breakdown of what to expect at Arches each month in the fall.

September Vacation to Arches

The fall season begins at Arches National Park in September. Expect highs around 88 and lows around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remember, if you don’t have an entry ticket, you can still visit the park as long as you enter before 6 am. In September we highly recommend getting to the park EARLY anyway so you can see and photograph the sunrise at Arches National Park!

October Vacation to Arches

The temperatures at Arches National Park in October are just right with highs about 71 degrees with the lows falling into the low 40s. It’s also usually a dry month. 

Arches National Park hiking trails in October are the best – not too hot and not too cold! Because it’s the perfect weather for hiking, the park and trails will be busy. We always recommend getting up early to hit the trails, or venture out in the late afternoon.  

November Vacation to Arches

You’ll enjoy highs around 55 and lows around 29 degrees at Arches National Park in November. It’s usually a dry month, but there may be rain storm here and there.

You can’t beat November for Arches National Park photography. The park is transitioning to the off-season so there aren’t as many visitors which is so nice! With temperatures cooling off, we like to carry rechargeable hand warmers for the cold early mornings and late evenings.

visiting Arches National Park in the winter

Winter Months at Arches National Park

Check out the fun things you can do during the winter months of December, January, and February at Arches:

Remember that Arches National Park is located at 5,653 feet above sea level so it does get cold in the winter, even if the sun is out. Pack winter hiking gear and dress in layers when visiting Arches in the winter.

During the winter months you can enjoy Arches National Park winter camping.

You’ll also find great off season rates at the hotels near Arches National Park!

Now for the breakdown of what to expect at Arches each month in the winter.

December Vacation to Arches

Arches National Park in December is a quiet time – EXCEPT for the week between Christmas and New Years. Many times you have the parking lot to yourself! We LOVE visiting Arches National Park in the winter without the crowds!

But the weather in December can be unpredictable with snow and cold temperatures so it’s not for everyone. The average highs are near 40 degrees with the lows near 20 degrees.

January Vacation to Arches

The weather at Arches National Park in January is cold and can be unpredictable. The average highs are near 40 degrees with the lows near 20 degrees.

Usually Arches National Park doesn’t see large amounts of snow in January. But it’s common to get a dusting of snow, or even a few inches of snow, when storms roll through the area. If you plan to do any winter hiking, you might need traction devices!

February Vacation to Arches

The February weather will be cold, and you may encounter snow, but it’s so amazing to see the contrast of white snow against the red rocks. The average highs at Arches National Park in February are near 52 degrees with the lows near 28 degrees.

After a snow storm, the Arches National Park scenic drive might be closed for several hours for plowing. Park roads, parking lots, and pullouts can still remain icy, especially in shaded areas. Check at the visitor center for the latest information on road conditions.

Arches Canyonlands guides and maps

BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps

Where to Stay Near Arches National Park

Arches National Park Packing List

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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