How Does Arches National Park Weather Affect Your Visit?

Winters at Arches National Park can be cold, with highs averaging 30 to 50 degrees and lows ranging from 0 to 20 degrees. Although large snowfalls are mostly confined to the nearby mountains, small amounts of snow and ice are possible throughout the winter. During inclement weather, many trails and roads may become impassable and will be closed for the safety of visitors. It's important to check out the weather forecast before your visit during the winter months as there is a possibility of a wide variety of climate conditions.

On the other hand, winter can be an amazing time to explore the park as there are fewer visitors. On some winter days, you could have entire sections of the park all to yourself! The visitor center is open year-round and if you are prepared with the proper gear and attire, it can be a real treat to see the vivid red-rock landscape with a contrasting dusting of snow. Moab Adventure Center can help you craft your perfect winter escape to Arches.

In terms of weather, spring is a great time to visit Arches before the scorching days of summer arrive. As a shoulder season, April through May offers very pleasant conditions for your Arches adventure. The winter thaw gives way to average temperatures in the 60s and 70s with warmer 80 degree days arriving in late spring. As tiny wildflowers begin to sprout from the desert crust, spring is one of the most comfortable times to explore the sandstone wonders.

It's no secret that spring offers beautiful weather and warmer temperatures in southeast Utah. Visitors are well aware of how pleasant the weather is during the spring season, and the park can become quite crowded at times. Holiday periods like Easter and Memorial Day are especially busy. Due to warmer days and cold nights, it's important that you dress appropriately for your spring adventure. It might be best to dress in layers and be prepared for dramatic temperature swings.

The summer season is one of the most popular at Arches because of summer vacations and family visits. However, it's important that you are prepared for the weather when you visit during the summer months. Arches is located in a desert region so you can expect varying conditions. Summer temperatures can often exceed 100 degrees during the day, making for strenuous hiking and climbing conditions. The late summer monsoon season can also bring violent wind and rain storms which can cause flash flooding in low-lying areas. Some trails or roads may temporarily close during storms for the safety of visitors.

The summer is the perfect time to let Moab Adventure Center create a unique Arches experience for you. However, you need to respect the temperatures. Heat-related illnesses can occur quickly during hot summer days. It is suggested that you consume a gallon of water or more per day while visiting the park. There is water at the visitor center and at the Devils Garden Campground and trailhead, but you will need to be sure to bring plenty of H2O. Shade is even harder to come by than water in the park, so wear appropriate clothing and headwear to protect you from the sun. Sunscreen is also an essential part of your adventure gear.

Fall is another shoulder season that offers more comfortable temperatures for exploring Arches National Park. Like April and May, the fall months offer cooler, more pleasant temperatures with highs in the 70s and 80s and lows in the 50s and 40s. The monsoon season extends into September but you can expect drier and more stable conditions. Also, similar to the spring, the crowds can be large at times as people come to enjoy the beautiful weather. This is another time of the year when it will be best to dress in layers and prepare for big temperature swings. The days are shorter during the fall, so that also lends itself well to stargazing when the weather is still comfortable.