Arches National Park is a jaw-dropping park with its towering natural arches and iconic landscapes that remain high on my favorite national park list! This guide will give you the best time to visit Arches National Park to make the most of your adventure.
Located just outside of Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is famous for its Delicate Arch, which can be seen from the Utah license plate.
If you are wondering why there is a best time to visit Arches national Park, this is because bad planning can make for a sweltering hot visit or a brutally cold hike, depending on which time you go. There are also specific times of year that are best for stargazing, hummer riding, and other activities.
You’ll want to read on to find the best season, best days, and best times to plan your visit to Arches national Park to make the most of your adventure!
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Best Time to Visit Arches National Park by Travel Goal
Like many travelers, you’ll be heading to Arches National Park with a goal in mind.
For me, I visited Arches with the goal of being able to see as much of the park as I could without any inclement weather.
Arches was the first stop on our Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip that we took during late August, and luckily the weather treated us very nice during this time.
Although most people visiting Arches may just be looking for good weather (which is always a plus), this can most likely come with huge crowds.
Here are the best times to visit Arches National Park depending what you are trying to see:
- Best Weather: April–May and September–October
- Fewest Crowds: December–February
- Best for Hiking: Spring and Fall
- Best for Stargazing: June–August (clear, dark skies)
- Best for Photography: Sunrise and sunset in April–May or October
Arches National Park: Season-by-Season Guide
For a more detailed look at the weather in Arches National Park, I’ve broken down each season to understand temperatures, humidity, considerations, and pros and cons.
I’ve also researched the best activities for each time of year in Arches National Park:
Spring (March–May)
- Weather: 50–80°F, mild and dry
- Pros: Comfortable temps, blooming desert wildflowers
- Cons: Increasing crowds, especially in April
- Activities: Hike Delicate Arch, Fiery Furnace tours, stargazing
- Considerations: Book lodging early; mornings are best for popular trails
Summer (June–August)
- Weather: 90–100°F+, very hot and dry
- Pros: Long daylight hours, great for stargazing
- Cons: Intense heat, crowded trails by midday
- Activities: Sunrise hikes, night photography, scenic drives
- Considerations: Avoid hiking in the afternoon; carry plenty of water
Fall (September–November)
- Weather: 60–80°F, cooling off
- Pros: Pleasant weather, smaller crowds than spring
- Cons: Can get windy; shorter days by November
- Activities: Landscape Arch, sunset photography, ranger programs
- Considerations: October is ideal—good balance of weather and access
Winter (December–February)
- Weather: 30–50°F, possible snow and ice
- Pros: Least crowded time, peaceful trails
- Cons: Cold mornings, limited ranger services
- Activities: Photography with snow-dusted arches, light hiking
- Considerations: Dress in layers, some trails may be icy
Monthly Weather Chart
The weather at Arches National Park can change quickly depending on the time of day, elevation, and season.
Mornings and evenings are often cool, even in summer, while midday heat can be intense—especially in exposed areas with little shade.
Winters can bring occasional snow, creating a dramatic contrast against the red rock.
To help you prepare, I’ve created a chart showing the average high and low temperatures by month so you know what to expect before hitting the trails.
Best Time for Photography in Arches National Park
The best time for photography in Arches National Park is during the golden hours—shortly after sunrise and just before sunset—when the soft, warm light enhances the rich red and orange hues of the rock formations.
Early morning light offers peaceful, crowd-free scenes with long shadows and cool tones, while sunset provides dramatic lighting and vivid colors that bring out the park’s natural beauty.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are ideal seasons for photography, thanks to comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists.
Best Time: Spring and Fall (April–May, September–October) for soft golden light and fewer haze issues.
Top Photo Spots in Arches National Park
- Delicate Arch at sunset – iconic glow
- Turret Arch through North Window at sunrise
- Park Avenue in early morning light
Here are the sunrise and sunset times to catch the perfect photo!
January: Sunrise 7:30 AM | Sunset 5:15 PM
February: Sunrise 7:00 AM | Sunset 5:45 PM
March: Sunrise 6:15 AM | Sunset 6:15 PM
April: Sunrise 6:30 AM | Sunset 7:45 PM
May: Sunrise 6:00 AM | Sunset 8:15 PM
June: Sunrise 5:45 AM | Sunset 8:45 PM
July: Sunrise 6:00 AM | Sunset 8:30 PM
August: Sunrise 6:15 AM | Sunset 8:00 PM
September: Sunrise 6:30 AM | Sunset 7:15 PM
October: Sunrise 6:45 AM | Sunset 6:30 PM
November: Sunrise 7:00 AM | Sunset 5:30 PM
December: Sunrise 7:15 AM | Sunset 5:15 PM
Best Time for Hiking in Arches National Park
The best time to go hiking in Arches National Park is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to October), when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for longer trails.
Summer heat can be intense, especially in exposed areas, so early morning hikes are essential during that time.
Trails like Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden, and Park Avenue are most enjoyable when the sun isn’t at its peak.
I recommend trying the Delicate Arch trail, which leads you to the famous Delicate Arch seen on Utah’s license plate. This 3.2 mi out-and-back trail takes you through amazing views and is definitely worth a visit. Taking this hike early in the morning is best for avoiding crowds.
Local Events & Moab Happenings
While Arches doesn’t host large-scale events inside the park, the nearby town of Moab offers several exciting festivals.
The Moab Jeep Safari in April brings off-road enthusiasts from across the country, while October’s Moab Music Festival blends stunning scenery with live performances.
Expect heavier visitation during these times.
Make sure to check out Moab Happenings for all local events near Arches National Park to help plan your visit!
Booking Tips & Travel Advice for Arches National Park
Reserve your entrance time slot early if you’re visiting between April and October, when timed entry permits are required.
Moab fills up fast during peak seasons, so book accommodations months in advance.
Pack layers, bring more water than you think you need, and plan hikes for early mornings or late afternoons.
Final Thoughts: When Should You Go to Arches National Park?
Arches National Park offers such a variety of activities depending on when you go.
The best time to visit Arches National Park can be December for those seeking solitude, October for those wanting the best hikes, or August for those wanting to see the brightest night sky!
Whether you’re exploring towering arches, hiking to Delicate Arch at sunset, or stargazing under some of Utah’s clearest skies, Arches National Park delivers unforgettable experiences year-round. Just time your visit right, and you’ll have an amazing time exploring this one-of-a-kind park.
I hope you enjoyed this guide for the Best Time to Visit Arches National Park! If you have any questions, tips, or experiences to share, feel free to leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you.
And if you’re planning more Utah adventures, be sure to check out my other articles for more hidden gems, hiking spots, and travel tips to help you explore like a local.
