Best Time to Visit Arches National Park: Month by Month

Pinterest Hidden ImagePinterest Hidden ImagePinterest Hidden Image

Arches National Park welcomes more people through its park entrance every year as visitor numbers more than doubled between 2006 and 2019. Everyone wants to discover the stunning Mars-like landscape and 2,000 red rock natural arches of one of the best national parks in the United States!

The best time to visit Arches National Park will greatly depend on your travel style and the experiences you want to have.

Arches National Park, Utah Park Avenue trail - three children seen walking on the trailPin
My clan on one of our all-time favorite national park trails – Park Avenue, Arches NP

Because it’s nestled in the mountains of southeastern Utah, Arches National Park has a ‘High Desert’ climate. Its elevation is 4,085 to 5,653 feet but it can still experience extreme heat.

As the gateway to Arches NP, Moab is the cultural heart of the region. This city hosts lots of awesome events year-round that you might not want to miss.

The drive in to Arches National Park from the entrance to the first trailhead, Park Avenue

There are tons of factors to consider when working out the best time to visit Arches National Park! This complete guide breaks down the best time of year by month, season, activity, and more. You’ll be able to plan the perfect national parks trip so that your first visit to Arches National Parks is truly special.

Arches National Park Overview by Season

Arches National Park in the Summer Months

Unsurprisingly, the summer months are the hottest time of the year in Arches National Park. Daytime temperatures in June, July, and August regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Short and heavy rain showers are also more common in the months of July, August, and September.

two kids playing in a pool in Moab, Utah with mountains in backgroundPin
If your family is heading to Arches in the summer, try to pick lodging with pool access – this picture was taken at our Airbnb in Moab

Due to the school summer break, this season is also the peak season. The high temperatures do nothing to deter people from venturing to Arches NP! Many families take road trips in southern Utah during this time of year and will visit several other national parks in the state including Bryce Canyon and Zion.

Since summer is the most popular time for visitors traveling to Arches National Park, there is an abundance of ranger programs during this season. You can join guided tours, hikes, and art programs every day.

Pro Tip: Be sure to go to one of the stargazing, or night sky ranger talks in Arches during the summer – it’s a great way to beat the heat, and get amazing information at the same time! Plus, there’s no additional cost for park visitors beyond your regular entrance fee.

Arches National Park in the Fall Months

Average temperatures in the fall months are warm in the middle of the day but tend to be cooler in the mornings and late evenings. Traveling to Arches National Park in the fall is a great time of year for a scenic drive, as the fall foliage will complement the red rocky landscape of the national park.

It’s still a popular time for visitors but most of the ranger-led tours will have finished by the end of September. Stargazing, however, is a popular activity in the fall.

Windows trail Arches National ParkPin
Whatever season you visit Arches, this trail, the Double Arch Viewpoint and Trail, is one you can’t miss!

Arches National Park in the Winter Months

There are fewer crowds in the winter months than at any other time of year. Arches National Park’s high elevation becomes apparent with the freezing cold temperatures and dustings of snow are not uncommon.

It’s not the best time to visit Arches National Park if you like hiking as many of the paths become slippy with ice. However, there is no timed entry system between November and March so it’s the ideal time for a spontaneous trip, though some unpaved roads might be closed.

panoramic view of Park Avenue trail in Arches National ParkPin
The winter scenes in Arches will look a bit different than this shot of the Park Avenue trail in September

Arches National Park in the Spring Months

Like fall, the spring months boast average highs above 60ยฐF but the cooler temperatures remain at night. Crowds ramp up considerably from March to May, with peak times being spring break and Memorial Day Weekend.

Park Rangers begin leading guided tours in April which is also when the timed entry system starts up again. Wildflowers also start blooming around the national park during this time of year.

three kids in front of the Arches NP sign Pin
We visited Arches in 2020 (therefore the masks) – no excuse for the otherwise bad photo though ๐Ÿ˜‚

Best Time to Visit Arches National Park by Month

Arches National Park in January

  • Average Temperatures: Highs of 41ยฐF (5ยฐC) Lows of 17.5ยฐF (-8ยฐC)
  • Average Rainfall: 2 Days
  • Average Daylight Hours: 9.8 Hours (sunrise at 7:33 AM and sunset at 5:20 PM)
  • Annual Events and Holidays: Arches Ultra Race, Moab Music Festival – Winterlude
  • Timed Entry Required? No

January is the coldest month in Arches National Park and it’s a good time to visit if you want to avoid crowds. It’ll be super easy to find a spot in the car park at any time of day. Plus, the stargazing opportunities will be fantastic near the new moon as long as there is no snowfall.

On the other hand, daylight hours are low and the weather is freezing cold. There are no ranger tours in January and some of the unpaved roads might be closed due to bad weather. However, you’ll still be able to access the park via the main road and the visitor center is still open.

view from car driving into Arches National Park on the main road, after you've passed the visitor centerPin
driving in to Arches National Park on the main entrance access road

Arches National Park in February

  • Average Temperatures: Highs of 48ยฐF (9ยฐC) Lows of 25ยฐF (-4ยฐC)
  • Average Rainfall: 2 Days
  • Average Daylight Hours: 10.7 Hours (sunrise at 7:10 AM and sunset at 5:53 PM)
  • Annual Events and Holidays: Moab Music Festival – Winterlude
  • Timed Entry Required? No

One of the best things about visiting Arches National Park in February is that it’s a great month for stargazing! With less snowfall than in January yet the same long nights, February’s night skies are more likely to be clear.

February will also have fewer crowds allowing you to take photos of the sunrise and sunset uninterrupted by hordes of other visitors.

It’s one of the coldest months to visit Arches National Park and the daylight hours are fairly short. You’ll need to wrap up warm to combat the freezing temperatures but don’t leave your sunglasses at home! February’s clear skies mean you’ll want to wear them on a sunny day.

little boy standing on a large boulder in Arches National ParkPin
Not taken in February, but no matter the time of year, kids will love all the different places to climb, jump and challenger their inner explorers in Arches NP

Arches National Park in March

  • Average Temperatures: Highs of 61ยฐF (16ยฐC) Lows of 34ยฐF (1ยฐC)
  • Average Rainfall: 3 Days
  • Average Daylight Hours: 11.9 Hours (7:04 AM and sunset at 6:57 PM)
  • Annual Events and Holidays: Spring Break, Skinny Tire Festival
  • Timed Entry Required? No

Temperatures are starting to pick up in March, as are the crowds. Some schools will plan spring break for the end of March so be mindful of those dates/weeks. Timed entry is still not required so you can be a little more flexible with your plans, but those parking lots will still fill up fast!

Devil’s Garden Campground will also start to get busier. It is the only one inside the national park and even though it operates on a first-come, first-serve basis in the winter months, it reverts back to reservations only in March.

Arches National Park Visitor Center opens earlier and Park Rangers start to lead hiking and stargazing tours again for the rest of the spring and summer seasons.

three kids on the Windows Trail in Arches National ParkPin
On one of the popular walks in Arches, the “Windows Trail”

Arches National Park in April

  • Average Temperatures: Highs of 68ยฐF (20ยฐC) Lows of 41ยฐF (5ยฐC)
  • Average Rainfall: 3 Days
  • Average Daylight Hours: 13.2 Hours (sunrise at 6:42 AM and sunset at 7:54 PM)
  • Annual Events and Holidays: Spring Break, Easter Jeep Safari, Wildflower Season
  • Timed Entry Required? Yes (Reservations open January 10th)

April is the best time to visit Arches National Park to see wildflowers and hike. The weather is mild so you can pretty much guarantee that all the paved and unpaved roads will be open for the rest of the spring season and well into the summer and fall months.

With the timed-entry slots starting this month and continuing until October, you can be sure the crowds will pick up! Although there is no extra cost for timed entry, there is a $2 processing fee.

Famous "Balanced Rock" in Arches National Park UtahPin
Close-up view of “Balanced Rock” – one of the most notable geologic formations in Arches, beautiful regardless of the season you go!

Arches National Park in May

  • Average Temperatures: Highs of 79ยฐF (26ยฐC) Lows of 48ยฐF (9ยฐC)
  • Average Rainfall: 3 Days
  • Average Daylight Hours: 14.3 Hours (sunrise at 6:07 AM and sunset at 8:22 PM)
  • Annual Events and Holidays: Memorial Day, Moab Arts Festival
  • Timed Entry Required? Yes (Reservations open February 1st)

Thanks to Memorial Day Weekend, May is one of the busiest months to visit Arches National Park. Since the weather is getting warmer, the park’s wildlife is tentatively coming out of hibernation so it’s the best time to visit Arches National Park to spot mule deer, jackrabbits, and many songbirds.

It’s worth heading into the small town/city of Moab for a round trip during May. It’s the month of the Moab Arts Festival where there is live music, arts and crafts fairs, and plenty of kid-focused activities.

mom and three kids on the Park Avenue trail in Arches National ParkPin
me and my three monkeys on the Park Avenue Trail in Arches

Arches National Park in June

  • Average Temperatures: Highs of 91.5ยฐF (33ยฐC) Lows of 59ยฐF (15ยฐC)
  • Average Rainfall: 1 Day
  • Average Daylight Hours: 14.8 Hours (sunrise at 5:53 AM and sunset at 8:43 PM)
  • Annual Events and Holidays: Summer Break, Kokopelli Relay, Moab Free Concert Series
  • Timed Entry Required? Yes (Reservations open March 1st)

With the start of the summer break, June is also one of the busiest months to visit Arches National Park.

It has hot temperatures both during the day and at night with very little shade. It’s good practice to carry plenty of water on any hike in Arches NP, but especially in the summer season.

Visiting the park before or after hours (7 AM and 6 PM) is a win-win. Car parks should hopefully have more spaces and you’ll avoid the hottest parts of the day.

girl pretending to karate chop Balanced Rock in Arches National ParkPin
Take that Balanced Rock!

Arches National Park in July

  • Average Temperatures: Highs of 97ยฐF (36ยฐC) Lows of 66ยฐF (19ยฐC)
  • Average Rainfall: 3 Days
  • Average Daylight Hours: 14.6 (sunrise at 6:05 AM and sunset at 8:40 PM)
  • Annual Events and Holidays: Summer Break, Independence Day, Moab Free Concert Series
  • Timed Entry Required? Yes (Reservations open April 1st)

June might be hot, but July is officially the hottest month in Arches National Park!

It’s also the start of ‘monsoon season’ which can result in short rain showers during the afternoon and flash flooding in the evenings. It continues into August and September and it just means that you should always check the weather forecast and some unpaved roads might be closed.

Bring lots of water with you everywhere and try and stay out of the sun during the middle of the day. Despite the excessive heat, July is one of the busiest months to visit.

dad and three kids taking a break on the Double Arch trail at Arches NPPin
Take lots of breaks when hiking in the summers at Arches, and try to find shady spots whenever possible. It can be easier than you’d think thanks to towering rock formations!

Arches National Park in August

  • Average Temperatures: Highs of 93ยฐF (34ยฐC) Lows of 64.5ยฐF (18ยฐC)
  • Average Rainfall: 3 Days
  • Average Daylight Hours: 13.7 Hours (sunrise at 6:31 AM and sunset at 8:11 PM)
  • Annual Events and Holidays: Summer Break, Moab Free Concert Series
  • Timed Entry Required? Yes (Reservations open May 1st)

High temperatures and unpredictable weather with rain showers continue into August. Since August is mostly still summer break, Arches National Park also remains busy this month too.

view from the Windows Trail in Arches NPPin
My family hiking the Windows Trail in Arches NP

Arches National Park in September

  • Average Temperatures: Highs of 86ยฐF (30ยฐC) Lows of 53.5ยฐF (12ยฐC)
  • Average Rainfall: 3 Days
  • Average Daylight Hours: 12.5 Hours (sunrise at 6:58 AM and sunset at 7:27 PM)
  • Annual Events and Holidays: Labor Day, Moab Festival of Science
  • Timed Entry Required? Yes (Reservations open June 1st)

Temperatures start to dip in Arches National Park in September. Labor Day Weekend crowds mean the park is still fairly busy but the ranger-led tours will start to wind down.

Wear layers as it’ll be hot during the day but a little chilly at night. September is a much better month for camping for this reason!

three kids at the trailhead for balanced rock in Arches NP UtahPin
Taken during the month of September. Daytime temps are still warm/hot, but nights cool down. In our experience, there was nothing bad to say about September in Arches!

Arches National Park in October

  • Average Temperatures: Highs of 70ยฐF (21ยฐC) Lows of 41ยฐF (5ยฐC)
  • Average Rainfall: 3 Days
  • Average Daylight Hours: 11.2 Hours (7:27 AM and sunset at 6:40 PM)
  • Annual Events and Holidays: Arches Marathon and Half
  • Timed Entry Required? Yes (Reservations open July 1st)

October is much cooler than September making it the best time to visit Arches National Park for hiking. This is the last month that timed entry systems are still in place but there are no more park ranger tours until the next summer season.

It’s still a busy month but October is nowhere near as crowded as summer.

With the longer nights, October is a good time to try stargazing. Since the temperatures are finally starting to drop, you’ll see lots of beautiful fall foliage.

a rock formation at Arches NP that our family thought looked like a hand poking up out of the groundPin
Our family named this rock formation “giant waving” because to us, it looks like a giant hand sticking up out of the ground waving hello!

Arches National Park in November

  • Average Temperatures: Highs of 55.5ยฐF (13ยฐC) Lows of 28.5ยฐF(-2ยฐC)
  • Average Rainfall: 2 Days
  • Average Daylight Hours: 10.2 Hours (sunrise at 7:11 AM and sunset at 5:20 PM)
  • Annual Events and Holidays: Moab Folk Festival
  • Timed Entry Required? No

There’s a huge difference in weather between early November and late November. While the early weeks still feel like fall with lots of crisp auburn leaves, the later weeks will feel more like winter. Pack layers so you can be prepared for all eventualities!

If the weather turns frosty, watch out for ice on the trails.

Delicate Arch trailhead in Arches NPPin
Delicate Arch trailhead (not in November). You can see delicate arch out in the distance.

Arches National Park in December

  • Average Temperatures: Highs of 41ยฐF (5ยฐC) Lows of 19.5ยฐF (-7ยฐC)
  • Average Rainfall: 2 Days
  • Average Daylight Hours: 9.5 Hours (sunrise at 7:27 AM and sunset at 4:58 PM)
  • Annual Events and Holidays: Holiday Art & Craft Fair, Christmas Day
  • Timed Entry Required? No

December is one of the quietest months in Arches National Park and one of the coldest. This time of year is the best time to visit Arches National Park to see snow on the arches, but watch out for slippery and icy hiking paths.

Arches National Park stays open year-round, 24/7 but the visitor center will be closed on Christmas Day.

dad and three kids on Park Avenue trail in Arches National ParkPin
Tib and the kids on the Park Avenue trail – not a soul in site, even in the busier month of September

Best Time to Visit Arches National Park for Fewer Crowds

The perfect time to visit Arches National Park for fewer crowds is the off-season from November to early March. The National Parks Service doesn’t run the timed entry system during these months for the simple reason that they are not busy! You will always find space in the parking area and can take photographs without hoards of people.

Devils Garden Campground stays open year-round and is first-come, first-serve from November to February. You can get firewood at the visitor center.

Don’t want to visit Arches National Park in the cold winter months? Plan to arrive before 7 AM and after 6 PM to avoid crowds in other seasons.

boy "holding" balanced rock in Arches National Park, UtahPin
Like Atlas, with the whole Balanced Rock in his hand

Best Time to Visit Arches National Park for Hiking

The best time to visit Arches National Park for hiking is between April and October. All the hiking trails will be open and regularly checked by park rangers. These are also the best months for other outdoor activities like rock climbing.

Windows Trailhead sign at Arches National Park in UtahPin
Trailhead for the popular Windows Trails in Arches NP

You can book ranger-led tours during the peak summer season or DIY during spring and fall. That being said, you will want to avoid the extreme heat of the summer months by only hiking in the early morning or late afternoon.

Here are some great hikes to the top rock formations in Arches National Park:

  • Double Arch Trail and Viewpoint: Double Arch (easy hike)
  • Windows and Turret Trail: Turret Arch, North Window, and South Window (short hike)
  • Double O Arch Trail: Double O Arch (moderate hike)
  • Park Avenue Trail: Park Avenue and Courthouse Towers (moderate hike)
  • Devils Garden Trail: Landscape Arch (challenging hike from the Devils Garden Trailhead)
  • Primitive Trail: Double Arch (challenging hike)
  • Fiery Furnace Trail: Only accessible on a ranger-led hike or with a permit

If you want to hike in winter weather, wear sturdy boots and crampons as the paths are slippy.

Best Time to Visit Arches National Park for Stargazing

Did you know that the national parks along the Colorado River Plateau are some of the best places to see the stars in the lower 48 states because they have the darkest skies? It’s been a certified International Dark Sky Park since 2019!

The best months for stargazing in Arches National Park are the spring months of April to May and the fall months of September to October. These times of year strike the perfect balance of long, dark nights with chilly but not freezing cold temperatures in the evenings.

dusk over a vast landscape at Arches National Park in UtahPin
Dusk in Arches National Park

However, if you don’t mind the cold weather, February has the clearest skies. Plus, it’s perfect if you have kids as you won’t need to stay up too late! You can stargaze by yourself or with a ranger.

If you are DIYing your stargazing trip, give your eyes 20-30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. One of the best tips is to bring a red flashlight rather than a white one as it doesn’t spoil the natural night vision of your eyes as much. Download a stargazing app to help you identify constellations.

Park Rangers often lead one to three-hour stargazing sessions in accessible areas of the park like a parking lot or campground during the summer months. Unfortunately, this is when the stargazing is not at its best! Regardless, check the National Park Service website for a list of upcoming stargazing events.

information from the Arches NPS website regarding stargazing programsPin
The NPS website has information regarding current and upcoming stargazing programs. Find it at Plan Your Visit > Things to Do > Stargazing

Best Time to Visit Arches National Park: THE WINNER!

This guide has shown that every time of year is the best time to visit Arches National Park for different reasons. However, the times of year with the best balance of weather conditions and crowds have to be April and October!

You can see wildflowers in April and fall foliage in October and you can hike any time of day without the summer heat. April is better for ranger-led tours but October is better for stargazing.

fence sitting in Arches National ParkPin

Best Time to Visit Arches National Park FAQs


How many days do you need in Arches National Park?

Balanced Rock Trail Head in Arches NP UtahPin

You need at least two days in Arches National Park to do the best hikes like the Delicate Arch Trail and the Devils Garden Trail as well as some of the less popular and less crowded ones.

Three or four days in Arches National Park will give you enough time to check out the surrounding area like Moab or Canyonlands National Park.


When is Off-Season at Arches National Park?

sunset on a landscape at Arches National ParkPin

The winter season (late November – early March, to be exact) is the off-season at Arches National Park.

The National Park Service does not operate a timed entry system during these months as there is less footfall.


What is the Busiest Month for Arches National Park?

girl standing on a large boulder in Arches National ParkPin

It’s difficult to state one singular busy month in Arches National Park as May, June, and July receive a similar number of cars entering the park.

However, the Memorial Day weekend is probably the result of May’s high numbers, so June and July are the busiest months for Arches National Park.

Digging Deeper

Looking for more information about Arches NP, or travel tips for more amazing US national parks? Be sure to check out these articles, too:

Pin this Arches NP calendar for later! And if it was helpful for your Arches National Park vacation planning, leave a comment on the pin! That helps others decide whether they’d like to utilize this information as well!

month by month guide to the best time to visit Arches National ParkPin
happy trails, heatherPin
Photo of author

About Heather Thibodeau

Heather Thibodeau is the founder and mom behind nationalparksmom.com.

She and her husband Dave (AKA Tib) are on a mission to travel to as many US national parks with their three kids in tow as they possibly can, doing their best to keep the little ones out in nature and off of screens in an increasingly digital world.

Heather has earned degrees in biology & chemistry from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies), and holds master's and doctorate degrees in physical therapy from Duke University (Go Blue Devils).

Heather is also the creative force behind The Heathered Nest where she shares her love of all things DIY and home decor.

Her work has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, This Old House, Today.com, The Washington Post, Boston Globe, and more.

Leave a Comment

20