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MOAB, UTAH

Best Time to Visit Arches National Park

Delicate Arch in Arches National Park with a blue sky.

Season by Season: When to Visit Arches

The best time to visit Arches National Park is during spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) when temperatures are mild, skies are clear, and crowds are smaller. These seasons are ideal for hiking and photography, but summer (June–August) is also the most popular for family travel, river rafting, and guided tours from Moab, Utah, which operates year-round. Each season carries its own magic. Here's the rundown.

Dark Sun Divider.

Best Time of Day to Visit Arches

Early morning and late afternoon are the most rewarding times to explore. Not only is the light ideal for photography, but temperatures are cooler and crowds are lighter. If you’re visiting on your own, arrive before sunrise or after 4:00 p.m. You won't need an Arches reservation and parking is generally less stressful. If you’d rather relax and let someone else handle the reservations, parking, and logistics, join our Morning Arches Tour or Sunset Arches Tour. Our guides know how to time each stop perfectly, and you'll learn a lot more about this incredible park.

People standing beneath a large, red rock arch in a desert setting, with blue sky above.

Visiting Arches During the Spring (March–May)

Spring is one of the best times to visit Arches National Park. Daytime temperatures average 60–80°F. It's perfect for hiking, exploring viewpoints, and photographing wildflowers that bloom among the red rocks. Mornings and evenings are cool, and the park feels alive with color and light. It’s also a great season to combine an Arches National Park tour with a gentle Colorado River rafting trip before the summer rush.

Two people are standing under North Window Arch in Arches National Park with the sun shining through the Arch.

Visiting Arches During the Summer (June–August)

Summer brings long days and warm nights, and yes, heat. Temperatures can climb over 100°F during the midday hours, but early mornings and late afternoons or evenings are beautiful times to explore. Our Arches National Park Sunset Tour is a favorite among guests who want to see the park’s highlights when the rocks glow in deep reds and golds. Many families visit during summer break, making it an ideal time to pair your Arches tour with an Off-Road Hummer Tour or river float for a refreshing balance of adventure and relaxation.

Red rock formations with yellow and green trees under a blue sky.

Visiting Arches During the Fall (September–November)

Fall rivals spring as the best season for comfort and color. Temperatures cool to the 70s and 80s, and the crowds thin after Labor Day. You’ll enjoy golden light, crisp mornings, and the chance to photograph arches against deep blue skies. It’s a favorite season for photographers and first-time visitors alike, and a perfect time to enjoy both a morning Arches tour and a sunset Hummer ride on the same day.

Balanced Rock in Arches National Park, Utah. Red rock formations under a cloudy sky, with snow-capped mountains.

Visiting Arches During the Winter (December–February)

Winter is the park’s quietest season, offering peace and solitude rarely found during the rest of the year. Occasional snow dusts the red rocks, creating surreal photo opportunities. Days are cool, nights are cold, and the park’s popular trails, like Delicate Arch and The Windows, are blissfully uncrowded. Many visitors pair a private winter Arches tour with a scenic flight over Arches and Canyonlands for breathtaking views without the cold hike.

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Most Popular Arches National Park Tours

Two figures stand under a large rock arch, sunburst in background, blue sky.

Arches National Park Guided Morning Tour

VIP access to Arches National Park: Expert guides, iconic sights, & mantle-worthy family photos without the hassle of parking or missing key sights.

  • Duration: ~4 hrs
  • Departures: Morning
  • Season: Year Round

ADULTS 13+

$114

YOUTH 5-12

$93
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Red rock arch with two people silhouetted in the opening; sunset colors.

Arches National Park Guided Sunset Tour

Witness Arches at its most magical: Golden hour light, fewer crowds, and fascinating stories shared by guides who bring the landscape to life.

  • Duration: ~4 hrs
  • Departures: Evening
  • Season: Year Round

ADULTS 13+

$114

YOUTH 5-12

$93
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CHECK AVAILABILITY
The sun is setting over a desert landscape with mountains in the background.

Arches National Park Scenic Air Tour

Soar above Arches in a scenic flight that reveals its hidden formations, sweeping vistas, and jaw-dropping beauty, all without the heat, crowds, or hiking.

  • Duration: ~30 minutes
  • Departures: 9am to 2pm
  • Season: Year Round

ADULTS 13+

$208

YOUTH 3-12

$208
VIEW DETAILS
CHECK AVAILABILITY
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Join our Moab Insider Email Series and get our free Moab Insider's Guide . It's your shortcut to where to stay, can't-miss adventures, recommended restaurants, hidden gems, and how to make the most of Arches & Canyonlands. Real local tips, easy itineraries, and expert advice so you can plan less and experience more .