Visiting Moab In The Summer
It’s important to know what it’s like when visiting Moab in the summer.
Use this Moab Utah Vacation Guide to plan a summer vacation: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay and more!
June, July and August are HOT months to visit, but we’ve got tips to help you enjoy all the outdoor things to do in Moab during the summer.
The summer temperatures in Moab will be HOT so be sure to stay hydrated and use sun protection.
Keep reading for our tips and recommended activities to enjoy Moab in the summer!
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What To Pack for a Trip to Moab
- Hiking shoes
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- WATER: Hydration packs or carry refillable water bottles in your backpack.
- Healthy snacks – there may be NO services on the trails you’ll hike or drive.
- Lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion – Utah’s high elevation and dry air can be hard on your skin.
- Summer – High temperatures, unrelenting sunlight, and low humidity. To keep cool, wear light colored, loose fitting UV protection clothing that does not absorb sunlight. Also avoid sun burn by wearing a sunhat and by generously applying sunscreen to any parts of your body that are exposed to the sun.
- Winter – Pack winter clothing to stay dry and warm.
- Fleece jacket
- Buff headbands
- Hand sanitizer
- Flashlight or headlamp
- First aid kit
- DOWNLOAD – Camera gear checklist
Where to Stay in Moab
There are many types of accommodations to choose from in Moab: budget-friendly hotels to higher-priced resorts. You’ll also find vacation rentals, a hostel, campgrounds and RV parks in Moab.
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 IN THE SUMMER
Expect HOT temperatures during the day. You’ll want to plan outdoor activities in the mornings and evenings when it’s a bit cooler. We like to spend the hot daytime hours enjoy the hotel AC or pool!
Even with the hot Moab weather, summer is a popular time to go so it WILL be crowded. Expect 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 wondering what it’s like to visit Moab at other times of the year, check out our article: Best time to visit Moab.
MOAB WEATHER IN THE SUMMER
The summer months of June, July and August will be HOT in Moab. We recommend you plan your outdoor activities for the mornings and late afternoons. Take a break during the heat of the day to enjoy your hotel AC and swimming pool!
- Moab in June: high 95 / low 58
- Moab in July: high 100 / low 65
- Moab in August: high 97 / low 64
WATER: Moab is a high desert area so you should drink at least one gallon of water per day, and always carry water with you – hydration packs or refillable water bottles in your backpack.
SNACKS: Pack and eat plenty of healthy snacks and food. There may be NO services on the trails you’ll hike or the drives you take.
SUN PROTECTION: Wear a sunhat and use sunscreen . Carry lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion to apply as needed.
THINGS TO DO IN MOAB IN THE SUMMER
If you love the outdoors, then Moab should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Utah!
Moab History and Geology
There’s some cool history and geology around the Moab area. Moab Giants Museum is a must-visit for anyone who loves dinosaurs!
- Moab Giants Museum
- Moab Museum
- Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage
- Amazing Petroglyphs in Moab
- Dinosaur Sites Near Moab
National and State Parks Near Moab
The Moab area has two National Parks and one State Park to explore: scenic drives, hiking and camping. Here’s what you can expect at these Utah National Parks in the summer:
- Arches National Park Summer Vacation
- Canyonlands National Park in the Summer
- Dead Horse Point State Park
Summer River Rafting, Paddleboarding and Kayaking in Moab
River rafting and kayaking are great summer activities to enjoy in Moab! You’ll find all types of Moab rafting trips to float along the Colorado River.
You can also do stand-up paddleboarding in the calmer waters of the Colorado River close to Moab. There are local companies that rent kayaks and paddleboards.
Moab Summer Hikes
Here’s a list of the best Moab Utah hiking trails. The morning is the best time to hike in Moab when the temperatures are cooler. It’s important to stay hydrated and wear a sunhat and sunscreen!
Our favorite trails in Moab are:
And of course the trails in the National and State Parks:
- Arches National Park Hiking Trails
- Canyonlands Hikes
- Canyonlands Island in the Sky Hikes
- Dead Horse Point State Park Hiking Trails
Biking in Moab in the Summer
The biking trails around Moab are some of the best in the world! Summer is a busy time of year so be prepared to share the trails. Get out early to enjoy the cooler weather and avoid the crowds. Join a Moab bike tour to explore the amazing landscape in the area! You can rent bikes in Moab so you don’t need to pack your own!
Moab Photography
The best times to photograph the areas around Moab are sunrise and sunset. The colors are vibrant and the light creates a spectacular glow on the red rocks that cannot be missed. Download our camera gear checklist!
In the summer you may experience “heat shimmer” in your photos, or smoke in the air from wildfires in the western US.
CHECK OUT our Arches and Canyonlands Photography Guide! We share our favorite 3 day itinerary some of our favorite ‘lesser known’ places to take pictures in Moab!
Remember that if you want pictures at the most popular sites without people getting in the way, early morning is the best time to be out taking pictures!
Summer Stargazing in Moab
When you’re visiting the Moab area you MUST take one evening to go outside and LOOK UP!
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.
Summer is a fantastic time see or photograph the Milky Way!
Potash Road Scenic Drive
The Potash Road is a scenic drive with beautiful views of the Colorado River, ancient rock petroglyphs, and even dinosaur tracks.
It’s 34 miles roundtrip and will take about 2 hours. We like going in the late afternoon so the canyon walls will glow with that deep orange color and reflect into the Colorado River.
Off-roading in Moab in the Summer
Moab off-roading can’t be beat! Local tour companies offer 4×4 rentals for you to tackle the trails on your own. But for inexperienced drivers, 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. There are all types of tours where you can sit back and enjoy a Moab guided 4×4 adventure!
Moab Utah Tours and Resources
