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The Best Time to Visit Arches National Park in 2024

The Best Time to Visit Arches National Park in 2024

What's the best time to visit Arches National Park?

The best times to visit Arches National Park are spring (March-May) and fall (Sept-Oct) due to milder temperatures ranging from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. These seasons also offer fewer crowds compared to the busy summer months. While summer brings scorching temperatures, it’s ideal for evening treks and stargazing due to cooler nighttime temperatures and dark skies.

With over 1.5 million annual visitors, Arches is Utah’s third most popular park, and it’s not hard to see why. Arches National Park combines the stunning beauty of the Moab with over 2,000 natural sandstone arches.

Thanks to these gorgeous natural sights, it’s not wonder that it makes our list of the overall best national parks in the United States.

The sculptural beauty of the formations makes for stunning photography and one unique natural experience. Yes, Arches National Park is popular for a reason, so unless you plan carefully, you’re going to be fighting crowds.

If you want to get the most out of your visit to Arches National Park, it’s prudent to do some research.

We’ll help you find the ideal time (and the worst time) to visit, no matter what you want to do. Optimal hiking weather, the least crowded times, or simply the most affordable time of year can all be found right here.

Overall Best Time to Visit Arches National Park

Woman in hiking shorts wearing a backpack pictured holding her arms out toward either side of the canyon during the best time to visit Arches National Park

Oscity/Shutterstock

The best times to visit Arches National Park is in the Spring (March-May) or in Fall (Sept-Oct). This is due to the desert weather of the park.

Spring and Fall should give you the mildest temperatures, with daily averages ranging from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the park is open 24/7 all year round, so you can choose to go at the time that best suits your needs.

You should also be mindful of crowds. The most popular times to visit the park are in Spring and Fall because of the weather. You’ll find the peak busiest times to be around Easter break and Memorial Day weekend.

Many people visit the park in the summer months as well. However, you’ll likely have days around or over 100 degrees. On top of that, it’s still extremely crowded.

At the same time, if you don’t mind planning for red-hot hikes, then the benefit is that you’ll have more hours of daylight to explore. Keep in mind that the park is open 24hrs. Arches Park has some of the darkest night skies in the American southwest.

After sundown in summer, the Moab summer weather tends to average in the high 60s. You can take advantage of this by planning evening treks throughout the park. If you’re a stargazer or nighttime photographer visiting in summer is ideal.

You can even plan to solely visit the park in the evening when the weather is more pleasant. Go before sunrise, see some stars, witness the sunrise, and go home to sleep before the scorching temperatures.

Cheapest Time to Visit Arches National Park

Rain cloud looming over the butte, as seen from the view of a driver on a road during the cheapest time to visit Arches National Park

Andy Konieczny/Shutterstock

The cheapest time to visit Arches National Park is in the off-season, which is November-February. You’ll be able to find hotels for under $100 per night in winter.

This is because there’s a huge difference in crowds between the peak seasons and the off-season. The entirety of the off-season can see fewer tourists to the park than a single month in Spring. There are a couple of tradeoffs to consider if you plan on saving money by visiting in winter.

Daytime temperatures average between 40-56 degrees during these months. So you should be prepared for cold weather hiking. If you had planned on stargazing, you’d need some serious gear since the nighttime lows will be below freezing.

Ranger programs, such as lectures and guided walks, are not offered in the winter. Keep in mind that there are park fees that apply to your visit. The price varies based on your activities.

For example, if you need a camping permit, if you have a car, or are booking a ranger-led excursion, you’ll face different costs. However, you shouldn’t need an entrance ticket if you enter the park before 6:00AM or after 5:00PM.

Airfare isn’t hugely different between the peak and off-season. Of course, this will vary greatly based on where you’re flying from.

However, if you purchase tickets ahead of time, you can get some seriously discounted plane tickets. In addition, Weekdays between Tuesday and Thursday will often be cheaper to fly on and far less crowded in the park.

Least Busy Time to Visit Arches National Park

Sand dune in with nobody around it pictured on a blue sky day with a few clouds in the sky during the least busy time to visit Arches National Park

Martina Birnbaum/Shutterstock

The least busy time to visit Arches is in the winter months. This is largely due to the cold daytime temperatures and freezing nighttime temperatures.

Additionally, you should remember that there are no ranger programs in the winter months. If guided hikes, learning opportunities, or added safety is important to you, then this may not be the ideal time.

If crowds don’t bother you, especially in a large national park, then you can go in spring, summer, or fall when the weather’s warm. Spring and fall tend to be consistently mild, with the summer months reaching highs of 100 degrees.

If you want to avoid crowds even in the peak season, you can consider visiting the park before 6 am or after 5 pm.

If you do this, you also should be able to avoid the park entrance fee, as the visiting center will be closed, and no rangers will be on duty. Pre-sunrise is usually the least busy time in the park all year round.

Worst Time to Visit Arches National Park

Tons of people crowding in Arches National Park during peak season, the worst time to visit

corlaffra/Shutterstock

The overall worst times to visit Arches National Park are the holiday weekends in spring and summer.

Pretty much everyone in America has Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day off from work and school, making these holiday weekends the busiest in an already busy season. On top of having to deal with insane crowds, this will also be the most expensive time to fly or book a hotel.

If you, like many other people, don’t have a lot of options for vacation time, here are tips for visiting Arches during any of these weekends:

  • Enter the park before 6 am. It’s your best bet to avoid crowds, and you get the bonus of a sunrise over a spectacular landscape.
  • Book as far in advance as you can; prices on hotels and airfare only go up the closer to your travel date.
  • Independence Day will be crowded, and July is the hottest month at the park. Plan your clothing, sunblock, and water accordingly. It will be hard to go in and out of the park due to crowds, so it’s more convenient if you don’t have to turn back for supplies.
  • Plan an evening excursion. Rent a car and drive to the park after 6 pm. You can get some serious stargazing in, and the weather should be nice in the summer season.  
  • If you want to do a daytime hike, you should still enter the park in the early morning. Car traffic can move extremely slowly in the peak season. You don’t want to lose daylight because of waiting in a car line.

Arches National Park is a beautiful experience. Even the “worst” time to visit will make for a great trip when you plan carefully.

Arches National Park by Month: Climate & Activities

Giant cliff with a crater in the middle for a piece on the overall best time to go to Arches National Park

Moab, Utah, USA 10 19 2021 Crowds gather at Delicate Arch in Arches National Park to watch and photograph the sunrise/Photoguy1057/Shutterstock

Still unsure about the best time to visit Arches National Park? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:

January

January in Arches National Park offers cold winter weather, with temperatures ranging from -6 to 7°C (21-45°F). This month is ideal for experiencing the park’s iconic arches with fewer crowds, enjoying photography with the snow-capped red rocks, and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in nearby areas.

February

February continues with cold and possibly snowy conditions, perfect for quiet hikes to see the delicate arches and spires, stargazing in the clear, crisp night skies, and visiting the visitor center for educational exhibits.

March

As spring approaches, temperatures in Arches National Park range from 0 to 16°C (32-61°F). This month is great for exploring the park’s many trails, such as the Windows Loop and Park Avenue, and enjoying the blooming desert wildflowers.

April

April brings milder weather, with temperatures around 5 to 21°C (41-70°F). Enjoy hiking to popular sites like Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, and witness the stunning desert landscape in full spring bloom.

May

May sees warmer temperatures from 10 to 27°C (50-81°F). It’s an excellent time for longer hikes in the Devils Garden area, enjoying scenic drives through the park, and participating in ranger-led programs.

June

June brings hot, dry weather, with temperatures between 16 to 33°C (61-91°F). Early morning or late evening hikes are best to avoid the heat, and stargazing opportunities abound in the park’s dark skies.

July

July is very hot in the park, with temperatures from 20 to 38°C (68-100°F). Morning is the best time to explore, with popular hikes like the Fiery Furnace hike (permit required) and visiting the Double Arch.

August

August continues with hot weather, offering temperatures from 20 to 36°C (68-97°F). Enjoy early morning walks to see the arches, cool off in the nearby Colorado River, and experience the unique beauty of the desert under a full moon.

September

As fall begins, temperatures in Arches range from 15 to 31°C (59-88°F). September is perfect for hiking and rock climbing, experiencing the park’s dramatic sunsets, and enjoying the cooler evenings.

October

October sees cooler temperatures from 8 to 22°C (46-72°F). The softer autumn light provides excellent photography conditions, and the cooler weather is ideal for longer hikes like the Devils Garden Primitive Loop.

November

Fall temperatures in November range from 0 to 15°C (32-59°F). This month is ideal for peaceful hikes, wildlife watching, and exploring the visitor center’s educational displays without the crowds.

December

Winter brings cooler temperatures ranging from -6 to 7°C (21-45°F). December offers a unique perspective of the park with fewer visitors, snow-covered arches, and a serene, quiet atmosphere perfect for reflection and photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hiking trail leading to delicate arch with amazing views with snow on the hill and rocks alongside the path

Nature’s Charm/Shutterstock

Do you still have questions or concerns about visiting Arches National Park? Here are the top things people wanted to know before booking their trip to Arches.  

How many days do you need at Arches National Park?

If you’re more of a day hiker, then two days should be enough to explore the most popular sites at Arches. Popular hikes like the Fiery Furnace, Park Avenue Trail, and other shorter trails don’t require a lot of time.

Some people will spend multiple days doing longer hikes and then staying in the Devils Garden Campground. In peak season, you may need several days before finding the perfect, unobstructed spot for photos.

What day of the week is best to visit Arches National Park?

Weekdays will be the best time to visit Arches National Park. Most visitors plan to visit Arches over a long weekend. So you’ll usually see the most visitors between Friday-Monday.

If you can plan your visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you’ll see smaller crowds, even in the peak season. The park itself is open 24/7 all year round. So it’s always available to you.

What time does Arches National Park fill up?

In the peak months, Arches National Park’s parking lots can fill up by 9 am. Especially the ones closest to trailheads. When the lots are filled, Rangers may direct or hold traffic, delaying your entrance.

Your best bet is to get there between 6-7 am. Alternatively, you can plan to visit around or after sunset. Day hikers tend to leave for the day, and the crowds will have started to thin out.

Can you drive straight through Arches National Park?

Yes, you can drive through Arches National Park rather than go for a hiking trip. There is a 36-mile (round trip) road through Arches that’s open to vehicles. This includes places to stop off for beautiful vistas and photo ops.

How far apart are Zion and Arches National Park?

Zion and Arches National Parks are 351 miles apart, just over 5hrs of driving time without heavy traffic. This question is so frequently asked because Zion National Park is the most popular park in Utah and frequently tops the list of most visited National parks in the United States.

So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Arches National Park?

The best time to visit Arches National park will be in the Spring and Fall months. The weather is the mildest, and you should have enough hours of daylight for the most popular hiking trails. The popular ranger-led programs are in full swing.

In any case, Arches National Park can be visited year-round. Depending on your preferences for weather, in-park programs like guided hikes, and how well you handle crowds, there will be a perfect time to visit for anyone. Happy travels!