WEATHER & FORECAST
Real-time conditions and trip-planning data for Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
Fire Weather Watch issued June 15 at 8:05PM MDT until June 17 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
* AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 200 Little Snake Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 202 White River Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 207 Southwest Colorado Lower Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 290 Paradox Valley Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 293 Gunnison Basin Forecast Area and Fire Weather Zone 294 Southwest Colorado Upper West Forecast Area. In Utah, Fire Weather Zone 486 Eastern Uinta Basin, Fire Weather Zone 487 Book Cliffs, Fire Weather Zone 490 Colorado River Basin and Fire Weather Zone 491 Southeast Utah. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, from 1 PM to 9 PM MDT Tuesday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...7 to 12 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.
Red Flag Warning issued June 15 at 8:05PM MDT until June 16 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
* AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 200 Little Snake Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 202 White River Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 207 Southwest Colorado Lower Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 290 Paradox Valley Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 293 Gunnison Basin Forecast Area and Fire Weather Zone 294 Southwest Colorado Upper West Forecast Area. In Utah, Fire Weather Zone 486 Eastern Uinta Basin, Fire Weather Zone 487 Book Cliffs, Fire Weather Zone 490 Colorado River Basin and Fire Weather Zone 491 Southeast Utah. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, from 1 PM to 9 PM MDT Tuesday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...7 to 12 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.
Hourly Forecast
Hour-by-hour outlook for the next 48 hours
Extended Forecast
16-day outlook for Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
NWS Detailed Forecast
Official narrative forecast from the National Weather Service
Sunny, with a high near 102. West wind 0 to 5 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Mostly clear, with a low around 69. South southwest wind 0 to 5 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunny, with a high near 105. West southwest wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Clear, with a low around 68. Northeast wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunny, with a high near 103. North wind 0 to 5 mph.
Mostly clear, with a low around 70.
Sunny, with a high near 103.
Mostly clear, with a low around 71.
Source: weather.gov
Sunrise & Sunset
Plan your hikes and photography around the light
This Week's Sun Times
What to Pack Right Now
Personalized recommendations based on the current forecast
Clothing
- Lightweight, light-colored moisture-wicking shirts
- Shorts and breathable hiking pants
- Multiple layers for big temperature swings
- Comfortable hiking socks (wool blend)
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (desert sun is intense)
- Wide-brim hat for sun protection
- Polarized sunglasses
- UV-protective lip balm
- Cooling neck gaiter or bandana
Hydration & Nutrition
- Minimum 1 gallon (4L) water per person per day
- Electrolyte powder or tablets
- Insulated water bottle to keep water cool
- Trail snacks (salty + sweet for energy)
Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- River sandals or secure water shoes for a Colorado River float
Safety & Gear
- Headlamp (for early starts or if hikes run long)
- Emergency cooling towel
- First aid kit with blister care
- Trail map or downloaded offline maps
Seasonal Guide
What to expect each season at Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
Spring
Spring is the most popular time to visit Moab, and for good reason: March eases into the 60s, April delivers near-perfect 70s afternoons, and May warms toward summer with long, sunny days ideal for hiking Arches, biking the Slickrock Trail, and rafting the Colorado. Nights stay cold early on, so pack layers for freezing mornings even when afternoons feel balmy. The trade-off is crowds, peak lodging rates, and full parking lots — especially around Arches and Delicate Arch — so start early and plan ahead.
- Layers for freezing mornings
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- 2+ quarts water per person
- Sturdy hiking shoes
Summer
NowSummer in Moab is hot and demanding. June is the driest month but brings relentless 90s sun, while July and August routinely top 100°F in town, with the mesa parks (Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point) running a touch cooler near 5,900 feet. From mid-July through September the North American monsoon sweeps in afternoon thunderstorms that can trigger dangerous flash floods in slot canyons and washes. Hike at dawn, carry far more water than feels necessary, and clear narrow canyons well before midday storms build.
- Minimum 1 gallon water per person per day
- Electrolyte packets
- Wide-brim hat
- Lightweight, light-colored clothing
Fall
Fall rivals spring as the best time to visit Moab, and many locals prefer it. September shakes off the worst heat into warm days and cool nights (with a few lingering monsoon storms early), October brings classic golden 70s afternoons that are arguably the year's finest hiking weather, and November cools quickly toward winter quiet. Crowds remain heavy through October but thin noticeably in November. Bring layers — nights drop below freezing by late season even when days stay pleasant.
- Layers for cold nights
- Light insulating jacket
- Sunscreen
- Sturdy hiking shoes
Winter
Winter is Moab's secret season: trails empty out, lodging rates drop, and red-rock arches dusted with snow make for unforgettable photography. Daytime highs hover in the 40s and low 50s with abundant sun, but nights plunge into the teens and 20s, and shaded slickrock, canyon bottoms, and north-facing trails can hold ice for days. It is the ideal time for solitude-seekers and photographers willing to bundle up, use traction devices, and accept short daylight in exchange for having the parks nearly to themselves.
- Warm layers and insulated jacket
- Microspikes for icy slickrock
- Gloves and warm hat
- Hand/toe warmers
Historical Monthly Averages
Typical conditions by month at Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
🌡️ Average Temperature (°F)
🌧️ Average Precipitation (inches)
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month ratings for planning your trip
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Activities | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Feb | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mar | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Apr | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| May | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| JunNow | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Jul | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Aug | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Sep | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Oct | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Nov | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Dec | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Trail Weather Considerations
Essential safety information for the Moab area
Valley vs. Mesa-Top Temperatures
The mesa parks — Canyonlands Island in the Sky and Dead Horse Point — sit near 5,900–6,000 ft and run a few degrees cooler and far breezier than the Moab valley floor (~4,025 ft). The temperature gap is small, but the exposed overlooks feel much colder in wind and after dark, so carry a layer even on a hot valley day.
Flash Flood Danger
Slot canyons, washes, and the Fiery Furnace are extremely dangerous during monsoon rain — even rain falling miles away can funnel into deadly flash floods with little warning. From mid-July through September, check the flash-flood potential forecast before entering any narrow canyon. If the forecast shows ANY chance of thunderstorms, stay out, and never camp in a wash. Water can rise from ankle-deep to chest-deep in minutes.
Summer Heat Safety
There is almost no shade on the slickrock, and summer town highs frequently top 100°F. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are the leading summer danger in Moab's parks. Carry a minimum of 1 gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day, start hikes at sunrise, finish exposed trails like Delicate Arch and Devils Garden before late morning, and avoid strenuous activity from late morning through mid-afternoon. Dizziness, nausea, confusion, and stopping sweating are emergencies.
Winter Ice on Shaded Trails
From late November through February, north-facing slopes, canyon bottoms, and shaded slickrock hold ice and packed snow long after sunny areas thaw — the smooth sandstone gets treacherous when frozen. Carry traction devices (microspikes) and tread carefully on slickrock and ledges. Daylight is short, so plan a turnaround time well before dusk.
Monsoon Season Storms
Mid-July through September brings monsoon season with sudden, intense afternoon thunderstorms. These storms develop rapidly — a clear morning sky can produce lightning and heavy rain by early afternoon. Get off slickrock domes, fins, and arches when you hear thunder, and know that dirt roads like the Shafer Trail and Potash Road turn impassable when wet. Plan to be off exposed terrain by early afternoon.
Wind on Exposed Overlooks
The mesa-top overlooks at Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point and the exposed fins in Arches can see strong, gusty winds that aren't felt down in town. Spring is especially gusty. Hold onto hats and camera gear near rim edges and drop-offs, and check the wind forecast before planning exposed hikes or photography.
Moab Weather FAQ
Common questions about Moab's weather, seasons, and forecast
What is the weather like in Moab, Utah?
Moab has a high-desert climate with large day-to-night temperature swings. Summers are hot — July and August highs frequently top 100°F in town — while spring and fall are mild and ideal for hiking, and winters are cold with freezing nights and occasional light snow on the red rock. The mesa parks (Canyonlands Island in the Sky and Dead Horse Point) run a few degrees cooler than the valley.
What is the best time to visit Moab for good weather?
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking, biking, and rafting — expect 70s afternoons. Summer is very hot with afternoon monsoon storms from mid-July, and winter is quiet and cold with possible ice and light snow on the trails.
How hot does Moab get in the summer?
Daytime highs frequently reach or exceed 100°F (38°C) in July and August, and June is hot and dry in the 90s. There is little shade on the slickrock, so start hikes at dawn, carry at least a gallon of water per person per day, and retreat to shade or town during the midday heat.
Does it snow in Moab?
Yes, lightly. The Moab area sees occasional dustings of snow from December through February that look spectacular on the red-rock arches. Snow rarely lingers in the sun, but shaded slickrock, canyon bottoms, and north-facing trails can stay icy for days — carry traction devices in winter.
When is monsoon season in Moab, and why does it matter?
Monsoon season runs from roughly mid-July through September and brings sudden afternoon thunderstorms. These storms create serious flash-flood danger in slot canyons, washes, and the Fiery Furnace — even from rain falling miles away — so check the forecast and flash-flood outlook before entering any narrow canyon, and avoid dirt roads like the Shafer Trail when rain threatens.
What is the current weather forecast for Moab?
This page shows a live 16-day forecast, an hourly outlook, and the official National Weather Service narrative for the Moab area, updated continuously. Conditions can differ between the valley floor and the higher mesa parks, so check before you head out and plan around afternoon heat and monsoon storms.