When to visit Moab & Arches without the crowds
Moab & Arches (Utah, United States) is calmest in January, February and December: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in April, May, June, July, September and October. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals.
Best months
Nov–Feb
When everyone heads home
The first week of November.
Tip
April to October Arches needs a timed entry; in winter it doesn't, and snowy Delicate Arch is nearly empty.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 · calm | 8 °C (46 °F) | New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| February | 2/5 · calm | 12 °C (53 °F) | Presidents Day |
| March | 3/5 · moderate | 17 °C (63 °F) | Easter Jeep Safari (Holy Week) |
| April | 4/5 · busy | 23 °C (73 °F) | |
| May | 4/5 · busy | 28 °C (82 °F) | Memorial Day |
| June | 4/5 · busy ⚠ | 35 °C (95 °F) | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July | 4/5 · busy ⚠ | 38 °C (100 °F) | Independence Day |
| August | 3/5 · moderate ⚠ | 36 °C (97 °F) | |
| September | 4/5 · busy ⚠ | 31 °C (88 °F) | Labour Day |
| October | 4/5 · busy | 23 °C (73 °F) | |
| November | 3/5 · moderate | 15 °C (60 °F) | Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 2/5 · calm | 10 °C (49 °F) | Christmas Day |
⚠ = seasonal heads-up.
Before you go: seasonal heads-ups
- Monsoon (Jul–Sep): afternoon storms and flash floods; avoid slot canyons when there is a warning.
- Extreme heat (Jun–Aug): average highs up to 38 °C (100 °F). Avoid the midday sun.
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. Includes official tourism statistics (National Park Service, Arches National Park, 2023-2025). How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Moab & Arches without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually January, February and December (crowds 2/5). In February the average high is 12 °C (53 °F). All the calm months: January, February and December.
When is Moab & Arches most crowded?
The busiest season is April, May, June, July, September and October. The first week of November.
What is the weather like in Moab & Arches?
Average highs range from 8 °C (46 °F) in January to 38 °C (100 °F) in July, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025).
What should I know before going to Moab & Arches?
Monsoon (Jul–Sep): afternoon storms and flash floods; avoid slot canyons when there is a warning. Extreme heat (Jun–Aug): average highs up to 38 °C (100 °F). Avoid the midday sun.
What festivals are there in Moab & Arches?
The main ones: Easter Jeep Safari (Holy Week) (March).
More places in Utah
- Zion calm in January, February and December; busiest in April, May, June, July, August and September
- Bryce Canyon calm in January, February, March, November and December; busiest in May, June, July, August and September