Best Month to Visit Moab Utah: Weather + Activities
Moab, Utah’s diverse landscape ranges from rugged red rocks to towering sandstone cliffs. It can be hard to decide the best time to visit Moab.
Moab has plenty to offer year-round. The best month to visit Moab depends on what you’re looking for in your trip. Do you want the best weather, avoid crowds, or attend certain events?
Whether you visit during springtime with its blooming cactus flowers or winter when snow dusts the desert floor, there’s always something to do in this small town oasis.
From canyoneering and mountain biking to camping and off-roading on 4×4 trails, there are plenty of activities no matter what time of year you plan to visit Moab.
Keep reading to know what it’s like each month of the year in Moab so you can determine the best time for you to go!
Use our Moab, Utah packing list to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for your vacation any time of year! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
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A Photo Tour of Moab, Utah
Take a visual tour through the Moab, Utah area to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Visiting Moab, Utah
Moab is one of the more popular places to visit in Utah ANY time of year, but there are pros and cons to visiting at during different seasons and months of the year.
Remember to stay hydrated and use sun protection during your Moab vacation, even in the winter months. If you’ll be doing any outdoor activities, we recommend the following:
- WATER: Drink plenty of water (this isn’t just for the summer months) – we use hydration packs or carry refillable bottles in our backpack.
- FOOD: Pack and eat healthy snacks.
- SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen – use lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion if you’re not used to Utah’s dry heat.
Best Month to Visit Moab
Depending on your interests and preferences, any month could be the perfect time for a Moab, Utah vacation! Here’s a list of what to expect and things to do when visiting Moab each month of the year.
Visiting Moab in January
The off season rates you’ll find in Moab in January make it much more affordable than the other times of the year. The town slows down a bit in the winter, but most of the stores and eateries are still open.
The weather at Moab in January is cold and can be unpredictable if a storm rolls through. The average highs are near 40 degrees with the lows near 20 degrees. Remember that Moab is about 4,000 feet above sea level so it does get cold in the winter, even if the sun is out.
Take warm winter clothing so you’ll actually want to get out of the car and enjoy the outdoor activities! Your hiking boots should be warm and waterproof. No one wants soggy feet!
There are a few negatives for going to Moab in January. The hiking trails at Arches, Canyonlands and around the Moab area remain open year-round. But… many of the trails can be slippery from packed snow and ice and may require traction devices and trekking poles.
And for anyone who wants to do off-roading in their Jeep or ATV, some roads may be impassible due to weather and road conditions.
Snow may not be the best for hiking or jeeping, but it makes for amazing Moab photography! The landscape of red rocks with white snow creates a stunning contrast in the landscape.
Visiting Moab in February
February is still the off-season so you avoid the crowds and the hot temperatures of the other seasons.
The Moab weather in February is cold and can be unpredictable if a storm rolls through. The average highs are near 50 degrees with the lows in the mid 20s.
After a snow storm, the roads in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks might be closed for plowing for a few hours. Keep in mind that the roads, parking lots, and pullouts in the parks can still be icy, especially in shaded areas.
You can see Arches National Park current weather conditions on the NPS website and updated photographs of trail conditions at the Arches visitor center.
We recommend you check the current conditions at Canyonlands Island in the Sky before making the drive! Due to the higher elevation at Island in the Sky and Dead Horse Point, the roads could be snow-covered and icy!
Visiting Moab in March
The weather in Moab in March is perfect to explore the national parks and surrounding areas! It will be cool to cold in the mornings and evenings, but it’s just right during the day when the sun in shining. The average highs are near 60 degrees with the lows in the mid 30s.
BUT Moab is a popular destination for spring break in Utah so expect crowds! The town, trails and points of interest will be packed with people.
And definitely avoid the weekend of the Moab Easter Jeep Safari unless you are going there to specifically attend this event. The small town will be very crowded which means higher prices for accommodations and long lines at the restaurants!
Visiting Moab in April
The weather at Moab in April is pretty much perfect with highs near 73 and lows near 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
April is a terrific time to explore all the Moab spring hikes – there’s a trail to suit any level of hiker! Check out the Faux Falls Trail that takes you to a waterfall created by the piping diverting water from Mill Creek to fill the reservoir, Ken’s Lake.
In the spring the waterfall is full and rushing due to the spring rains and snow runoff from the nearby mountains.
We recommend taking along your photography gear for hiking to capture the arches, rock features, and landscape you’ll find in the area!
Visiting Moab in May
The weather in Moab in May is just about perfect with highs around 82 and lows around 51 degrees F. The mornings and evenings cool off to a nice temperature and the daytime highs don’t get too hot, which is nice because there’s not much shade to be found around Moab.
But, Moab WILL be crowded in May. The town will be busy which means higher prices for accommodations and long lines at the restaurants! The national parks, state parks, overlooks, hiking trails and points of interest will also be packed with people.
If you’re willing to get up early, then you’ll be surprised at how much you can see, do and photograph before the crowds start!
With the warmer daytime temperatures, you’ll want to stay hydrated and use sun protection: use hydration packs or carry refillable water bottles in your backpack. Utah’s high elevation and dry air can be hard on your skin so use lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion in addition to sunscreen!
Visiting Moab in June
There are all sorts of fun outdoor Moab adventures to do in June. Keep in mind there’s not much shade in the Moab area so you’ll want to do hiking and biking in the mornings when it’s cooler and the sun isn’t blazing.
The weather in Moab in June means highs around 95 and lows around 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
When visiting Moab, you must take one evening to go outside and LOOK UP! In June you can see or photograph the Milky Way from 10:30 pm to 3:30 am.
Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point are internationally recognized as one of the best places for stargazing because of the remote location, accessibility, altitude and clear skies.
Be sure to use a headlamp with red light to navigate in the dark!
Visiting Moab in July
Even though Moab in July is the hottest month of the year to visit, highs around 100 and lows around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, there are ways to avoid the heat by doing outdoor activities in the cooler mornings and late afternoon.
Plan to enjoy the AC as you explore the beautiful drives in the Moab the area.
Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway – the 34-mile round-trip drive is a terrific half-day excursion from the Moab area to see great views of the Colorado River, ancient rock art, and dinosaur tracks. Potash Road or the Lower Colorado Scenic Byway runs along the Colorado River and ends at the border of Canyonlands National Park. We recommend this drive in the late afternoon when the red rocks glow and reflect in the river!
Arches National Park Scenic Drive – the full 43-mile scenic drive, including the spur roads, takes 2 to 3 hours. Add more time if you plan to walk around and take photos or do any hiking at any of the stops.
Canyonlands Island in the Sky Scenic Drive – you’ll definitely want to have your camera ready to capture the beauty you’ll see at all 10 overlooks along this drive!
Located near Needles Canyonlands you’ll find two stunning places to see views of Needles, Island in the Sky, Dead Horse Point, and the Moab area!
- Scenic Drive to Needles Overlook
- Scenic Drive to Anticline Overlook
We recommend the Arches & Canyonlands GuideAlong App to hear fun behind-the-scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.
Visiting Moab in August
HOT temperatures are what to expect at Moab in August: highs around 100 and lows around 65 degrees Fahrenheit
August is a great time for river rafting and kayaking in Moab! There are half-day, full-day, and even multi-day Moab rafting trips. This is a fun adventure to go on with your family or even a group of your friends.
Or try a Moab Stand Up Paddleboarding Tour on the Colorado River for a different way to explore the river. All guests receive complimentary instructions and river safety briefings.
Visiting Moab in September
Temperatures in Moab in September: highs around 88 and lows around 54 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a great month to explore the the off-road trails in the area!
Local tour companies offer 4×4 rentals for you to tackle the trails on your own. If you’re an inexperienced driver, we recommend you book a tour or have a guide ride along with you to navigate and teach. We have used and recommend Outlaw Jeep Tours.
You can also book a Moab 4WD guided tour where you sit back and let the driver navigate the trails! One of the most popular tours is Hell’s Revenge at sunset!
Visiting Moab in October
October is still a busy time of year so you’ll still need to navigate the crowds. Temperatures in Moab in October are highs 74 and lows 41 degrees F.
This time of year is perfect for Moab camping. You’ll find RV Parks and Campgrounds, National Park Campgrounds, State Park Campgrounds, and BLM camping.
- RV Parks in Moab
- Arches National Park Camping
- Island in the Sky Campgrounds
- Needles Canyonlands Camping
- Dead Horse Point State Park Camping
If you want to do any Moab winter camping, you’ll need to check the various websites to know which campgrounds, RV Parks, or BLM sites are open during the winter months.
Visiting Moab in November
The weather in Moab in November is moderate with highs 58 and lows 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s still important to stay hydrated and use sun protection.
Fall is the perfect time to see all the dinosaur sites in Moab! There are also lots of places to see dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs in the area.
The Moab Giants Museum is a MUST for anyone who loves dinosaurs! In November you’ll enjoy being outside walking along a trail of life-sized dinosaurs!
Visiting Moab in December
Mountain biking is a great Moab winter activity even if there’s been a recent snow storm. The landscape is filled with “petrified” sand dunes and slick rock that have become famous for bike rides.
During the summer the parking lots are full and the trails are lined with riders, but not when you visit Moab in February! You could have the lot and trail to yourself, or there may only be a handful of other bikers!
Multiple bike shops stay open in the winter to rent gear, tune a bike, or recommend a trail.
Utah Bucket List
Check out our Utah Bucket List that includes ideas for things to see, do and taste all around the state! Grab the free download by clicking the graphic below!
