Wondering when is the best time of year to visit Moab, Utah? Keep reading to find out the pros and cons of visiting Moab during each season of the year.
I’m fortunate to live a couple of hours away from Moab and I’ve been to the area during every month of the year. This article provides a breakdown of what to expect during each season, including the weather, as well as the season that I personally think is the best time of year to visit Moab.
There are pros and cons to visiting Moab during every season. For example, summers in Moab are extremely hot, but the days are long. Spring and fall bring pleasant weather, but attract crowds that make finding a campsite close to town difficult. And while winter is quieter, the days are short and trails may be icy.
Ultimately, the best time of year to visit Moab is going to be subjective, so use this as a guide to help you determine what suits your needs best. You can plan an epic trip to Moab regardless of the season!
Table of Contents: Best Time of Year to Visit Moab, Utah
Visiting Moab in the Spring (March-May)
Spring is one of the best times of year to go to Moab. The weather is pretty much perfect with warm sunny days and cool nights that get gradually warmer as you approach summer. If you’re visiting Moab with your dog and want to go hiking, I highly recommend a trip during the spring when runoff from the mountains provides water to the streams and canyons around Moab.
With that said, if there is any time of year that I would recommend NOT visiting Moab, it’s during Easter Jeep Safari Week (unless you’re going specifically for the event, of course). The town becomes a madhouse. Restaurants are overcrowded. Lodging gets books out. It’s nearly impossible to find a campsite. And the traffic is absolutely wild. My husband and I once made the mistake of going down to Bears Ears during Easter Jeep Safari Week and driving back home through Moab was a nightmare.
If you’re planning on going to Moab in the spring I would recommend going during the week if you can swing it. Arriving on a Sunday is going to be a better bet than coming on Friday or Saturday when it comes to avoiding major crowds.
Another reason why spring is such a great time to visit Moab is because this is when the desert wildflowers bloom. Keep an eye out for white Sego lilies (Utah’s state flower) and orange globemallows. Remember not to pick the wildflowers, so everyone can enjoy them and they continue to return each year!
Weather in the Spring in Moab
You will typically find highs in the 60s in Moab throughout March and early April. Late April and early May bring perfect daytime temperatures in the 70s. By the end of May highs get into the 80s and things start feeling hot. Nighttime temperatures vary from the upper 30s-50s throughout the spring, making it a great time of year to go camping.
Spring in Moab is mostly sunny, but it’s one of the wettest seasons in Moan and you’ll find a few rainy days here and there. Most of the time rain storms are scattered and don’t last the entire day.
Pros & Cons of Visiting Moab in the Spring
Pros
- Perfect weather.
- Days are getting longer.
- Wildflowers (late April & May are peak wildflower season).
Cons
- Crowded, especially on weekends.
- Lots of OHVs.
Visiting Moab in the Summer (June-August)
There’s no easy way to say this, but summer is probably the worst time of year to go to Moab, in my opinion. Take it from someone who lives nearby in a similar climate, the summer is simply too hot to fully enjoy all of the outdoor activities that Moab has to offer.
With that said, I totally understand why you may need to plan your trip to Moab in the summer and there are plenty of things you can do to stay cool. Plan to spend some time on the Colorado River, whether you take your own watercraft or hire a guide. You can also get out of the heat by driving up to the La Sals where you’ll find lakes and forested hiking trails.
If you’re visiting Moab in the summer and want to go hiking, you really have to go at sunrise. Here is a guide to 25 of the best hikes in Moab, including hikes that have access to water and are appropriate for summer hiking. Always make sure you’re prepared to hike in the desert, which includes carrying water, electrolytes, and sun protection during the summer.
Weather in the Summer in Moab
You can expect highs above 90℉ from June through August. During July you can expect highs to reach into the 100s. While it’s a dry heat, it’s still very draining, especially when you’re directly in the sun.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in Moab during monsoon season, from late June through September. Flash floods can occur suddenly and be triggered from rainfall miles away. Make sure to keep an eye on the sky and avoid hiking any slot canyons if you see clouds or rain is in the forecast.
Pros & Cons of Visiting Moab in the Summer
Pros
- Consistently nice weather.
- Late sunsets. Check out where to see the best sunsets in Moab.
- Restaurants and other businesses in town are open.
Cons
- It’s extremely hot.
- Despite the heat, it’s still very busy.
- Afternoon monsoons.
- Timed-entry reservations for Arches National Park.
*Note: PFDs are required on this section of the river. I took this photo at the end of a long snack break on shore, which is why mine isn’t on at the moment!
Visiting Moab in Fall (September-November)
While you may not think about the desert when it comes to fall foliage, Moab is actually a great place to see fall colors. The cottonwood trees along the Colorado River and its tributaries turn golden yellow from late October through early November. You can also find other fall foliage including rabbitbrush and aspen trees in the La Sal mountains.
Fall is the perfect time to visit Moab if you want pleasant weather. The tradeoff is that because it’s so nice, Moab remains pretty busy into November. Fall is considered “desert season” for many outdoorsy folks in Denver and Salt Lake City, and Moab is one of the top destinations that people flock to.
Weather in the Fall in Moab
September in Moab is still pretty warm, with highs typically reaching into the 80s and 90s. Temperatures are most pleasant in October when you’ll find highs in the 60s and 70s. By November things start to cool off in the desert with highs in the 50s. Nighttime temperatures typically start to dip below freezing in November.
The weather in Moab is mostly sunny throughout the fall, with the occasional gloomy day or rain shower.
Pros & Cons of Visiting Moab in the Fall
Pros
- Perfect weather. Warm days, cool nights.
- Fall colors.
- Restaurants and other businesses are still open.
- Sunsets are longer and more vibrant.
Cons
- It’s very crowded, which means traffic, busy trails, and challenges finding last-minute campsites.
- Days are shorter.
Visiting Moab in Winter (December-February)
I personally think that winter is the best time of year to visit Moab, Utah. While it’s cold and sometimes gray, it’s Moab’s only real “off season”. Peak tourist season in Moab runs from March through late October/early November, so if you’re someone who likes to avoid the crowds, visiting in the winter is going to be ideal.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to enjoy Moab coated with a fresh blanket of snow if you visit during the winter. While seeing snow covering the red rocks is an incredible and photogenic experience, be aware that backroads may be impassable after a snowfall. Snowy trails may also be slippery, so I recommend having microspikes if you’re planning to hike.
The two biggest drawbacks to visiting Moab during the winter are that it’s cold and many businesses in town are closed for the season. An upside is that hotels in Moab are typically cheaper during the winter.
Weather in the Winter in Moab
Winter in Moab is cold. Highs only reach the 30s and 40s during December and January. It starts warming up in February and you will likely see a few days that reach into the 50s. Nighttime temperatures are below freezing throughout the winter in Moab.
It typically snows in Moab at least a few times each winter. Some winters are snowier than others. You’ll also find more overcast days in Moab during the winter than during other times of the year. Some years there are inversions in Moab where cold air gets trapped under warm air. This creates a hazy cloud over the city, which you can escape by heading up to Canyonlands National Park.
Pros & Cons of Visiting Moab in the Winter
Pros
- Fewer crowds.
- Comfortable hiking conditions on sunny days.
- No reservations for Arches National Park.
- Potential to see the desert blanketed in snow.
- Rattlesnakes are hibernating.
Cons
- Short days.
- Many restaurants and shops are closed for the season.
- Overcast skies and cold temperatures.
Resources to Help You Plan Your Trip to Moab, Utah:
- Best Hikes in Moab
- Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Moab
- Can’t Miss Arches in Arches National Park
- Best Sunset Spots in Moab
Where to Stay in Moab, Utah:
- Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton (pet-friendly with a pet fee)
- Sorrel River Ranch Resort (pet-friendly with a pet fee)
- Gravity Haus Moab (pet-friendly with a pet fee)
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