About Arches Weather
Arches National Park is located on the Colorado Plateau. It is a high desert climate with large temperature changes, up to 50°F in a single day. The temperate seasons of spring and fall are rather brief, occupying parts of April, May, September, and October. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F, making outdoor activity difficult, particularly in Arches where there is little if any shade. The monsoon season, in late summer, brings violent but brief thunderstorms which often cause flash floods. Winters are cool, with infrequent snowfall, but even small amounts of snow or ice can make park trails and roads impassable.
Visitation Seasons
The spring is a good time to visit, although summer arrives earlier here. Temperatures are pleasantly warm in the spring, although by the end of May hot days become more and more likely. The real crowds begin to arrive from Memorial Day onward through the summer. The nearby town of Moab has become almost a year-round recreation destination though, so visitation can spike almost any time except winter.
The summer brings the height of both crowds and temperatures. Although it is the most popular time to visit, it is also the worst time. Temperatures can routinely top 100°F and the heat can remain well into the night. Late summer brings the desert monsoon season, with short but sometimes violent thunderstorms and flash floods. Crowds and tour buses descend on the park, making the more popular areas such as Devil's Garden and the Windows difficult to find parking in.
The fall season is probably the best time to visit, with late September to late October being the prime range. Temperatures are moderate in the day and cool in the evenings. Thunderstorms can still occur during this time, but the temperatures and the relative lack of crowds makes this an outstanding time in the park.
The winter sees the exit of both the high temperatures and the crowds. Days can be cold at times, but are usually warm enough to make visitation comfortable with the right clothing. Heavy snow is uncommon, although even light snow or ice can make the roads quite hazardous. Road closures are very uncommon, but they do occur at times. The complete lack of crowds, along with the beauty of a recent dusting of snow on the sandstone, makes winter a great time for those prepared for it.
