What is the best month to visit Moab?
The Best Month To Visit Moab: a Month-by-Month Guide
Moab Utah Info
What is the Best Month to Visit Moab? A Month-by-Month Guide
Moab, Utah, is a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts, home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, world-class mountain biking, and the Colorado River. But when is the best month to visit? The answer depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you decide the perfect time to explore this breathtaking region.
January In MOAB – Peaceful Solitude and Occasional Snowy Landscapes
Moab in January is quiet and peaceful, with fewer visitors. While temperatures are chilly (averaging highs in the 40s°F and lows in the 20s°F), if there’s no snow, you can enjoy the national parks with nearly empty trails. Occasionally, a light dusting of snow adds an incredible contrast to the red rock formations, making for fantastic photography. The days are short, but the solitude is unbeatable.
February in Moab – Crisp Air and Quiet Trails
Similar to January, February is an off-season gem. While it’s still cold, this month is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of Moab without the crowds. Sunrise hikes are stunning, and you won’t have to wake up too early to catch the golden hour. Lodging and campsite availability are plentiful, and rates are at their lowest.
March In Moab– Comfortable Hiking Weather and Manageable Crowds
March is when Moab starts to wake up from winter. Temperatures rise into the 60s°F, making it an excellent time for hiking and exploring the parks without excessive heat or exertion. The days are getting longer, and you can enjoy an early morning sunrise without having to wake up at an unreasonable hour. Spring breakers start arriving later in the month, but the crowds are still moderate compared to peak season. March is also the last month you don’t need a reservation to get into the park so you can plan a last minute vacation without any hesitation.Â
April In Moab – Wildflowers and Peak Hiking Conditions
April is one of the most popular months to visit Moab for good reason. The weather is warm but not yet scorching, and desert wildflowers start to bloom. It’s a prime time for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives. The downside? Crowds. Hotels and campsites book up quickly, so plan well in advance.Â
This is also the first month you need a timed-entry reservation for Arches National Park. You should secure one in advance if you’re not an early riser. However, if getting up early is your thing getting into the park before 7 am avoids the hassle of having to get one. Once you’re in the park you can stay as long as you want. You can also reenter without a reservation each day after 4pm.
May In Moab– Ideal for Outdoor Adventures
 May is arguably one of the best months for visiting Moab. The days are long, the temperatures are warm but not unbearable (highs in the 80s°F), and every outdoor activity is in full swing—hiking, biking, climbing, and river rafting. However, this is also peak season, meaning you’ll need to book accommodations and activities early to avoid disappointment.
June In Moab– Early Mornings and Late Evenings are Key
June brings hotter days (90s°F), but if you start your hikes early and take breaks during midday, you can still enjoy Moab’s beauty. This is a great month for adventurers who love water activities, as the Colorado River is flowing well, making rafting trips most exciting. Camping under the stars is also spectacular in June due to the warm, but not yet hot nights.
July In Moab– Hot Days, Perfect for Water Adventures
July is Moab’s hottest month, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F. However, it’s a prime time for river floating, paddle boarding, and rafting on the Colorado River. If you visit in July, plan to do most of your hiking very early in the morning and know that your time on the trails will be limited. Hiking past 10am can be flat out dangerous no matter how young or fit you are. The long daylight hours give you plenty of time to explore at different times of the day so jump on a short trail once the sun sets over the cliffs and enjoy a spectacular hot summer sunset in the desert.
August in Moab– Hot but Great for River Activities
Similar to July, August is extremely hot. However, river activities like floating, kayaking, and rafting make it an appealing month for those who love water adventures. Thunderstorms become more frequent in late August, bringing dramatic skies and cooler evenings. On occasion the thunderstorms can produce flash floods and make it difficult to get around. Always be aware of the potential weather as it can be dangerous.Â
September In moab – Summer’s Heat Fades, Ideal for Exploration
September is a transition month, with temperatures cooling into the 80s°F, but as the weather cools off so do the crowds pick up. It’s an excellent time for hiking and mountain biking, and the river is still warm enough for water sports. Sunrises and sunsets become even more magical as the season shifts toward autumn.
October In Moab– Perfect Weather and Golden Foliage
October is a favorite among many visitors and the crowds build up once again before the official end of the travel season. Temperatures range from the 60s°F to 70s°F, making it perfect for all outdoor activities. The fall foliage along the Colorado River and La Sal Mountains adds a stunning golden contrast to the red rock landscapes.Â
With cooler nights, it’s also great for camping. The weather is great for highly exerting activities such as mountain biking. The weekends can be challenging due to the more local crowds from SLC and Denver driving down for their last weekend trip before winter.Â
November In Moab – Cool and Tranquil with Fewer Tourists - THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT MOAB!
November brings crisp air and fewer visitors. The daytime highs are in the 50s°F, which is still incredibly comfortable for hiking. If you prefer solitude and don’t mind cooler temperatures, this is a wonderful time to visit. River activities are no longer an option, but the town is just the way it was before it was discovered. Some restaurants start closing for the season, so check in advance.
December In Moab – A Desert Wonderland (Sometimes with Snow!)
December in Moab is quiet and cold, with occasional snow dusting the red rocks. The parks are nearly empty, allowing you to experience them in a way most visitors never do. If you’re lucky with the weather, you can enjoy some incredible, crowd-free hikes and breathtaking winter landscapes.
In Conclusion: What is the best month to Visit Moab?
The best month to visit Moab depends on what you’re looking for. If you want perfect hiking weather, spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal. For river adventures, summer (June-August) is best. If you crave solitude and don’t mind the cold, winter (December-February) offers a peaceful escape.Â
Know that many winters in Moab are snow free and perfect for exploring. If you can be flexible in your travel plans, watch the weather in Moab, check the live cams in Arches and plan a last minute trip if there is no snow. Once it snows the trails do turn dangerous so then it’s advisable to wait till the snow melts.
No matter when you go, Moab is a magical place that offers something special in every season.
Explore our most popular tours
discover the hidden & remote side of arches - solitaire desert arches hike
$189/pp + taxes | ~ 4 hours | 2 Guests Min
secluded arches sunset experience - the best of devil's garden arches sunset hike
$189/pp + taxes | ~3.5 hours | 2 Guests Min
take the arches challenge - 7m devil's garden complete loop arches hike
$299/pp + taxes | ~ 7 hours | 2 Guests Min
