Best Time to Visit Moab | Seasonal Travel Guide & Local Tips
If you ask ten travelers when to visit Moab, you’ll get ten different answers — but all of them will smile before they reply. This red-rock desert transforms with every season. I’ve hiked Arches in the chill of February, rafted the Colorado River in the shimmer of July heat, and watched golden cottonwoods line the canyon in October. Each visit feels like a different world.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn what to expect in every season, how crowds and costs shift through the year, and which adventures shine brightest depending on when you go. Whether you’re planning a first-time trip or a return to the slickrock you can’t get out of your head, this breakdown will help you pick the best moment for your own Moab story.
Quick Facts: The Best Time to Visit Moab
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Best Months | April–May and September–October |
| Temperature Range | 60–85°F spring/fall, 90–105°F summer, 40–60°F winter |
| Crowd Levels | Peak: spring & fall • Quietest: winter |
| Average Lodging Cost | $250–400 (spring/fall), $120–200 (winter) |
| Major Events | Jeep Safari (April), Outerbike (May & October), Canyonlands Half Marathon (March) |
| Ideal For | Hiking, mountain biking, rafting, photography, canyoneering |
Moab is Worth Visiting Year-Round
Moab sits at the crossroads of the Colorado Plateau. The junction where the Colorado River carves through sandstone and the La Sal Mountains rise snow-capped above glowing red cliffs. You’re within minutes of Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and endless BLM wilderness.
You can mountain bike the Slickrock Trail, rappel sandstone walls with a CanyoneeringMoab.com guide, float past towering mesas with RaftingMoab.com, and refuel afterward at one of the local favorites featured on EatingMoab.com.
No matter the month, Moab rewards the curious traveler, and each season brings a different personality.
Spring in Moab (March – May)
Why Go: Comfortable weather, full rivers, flowers blooming on the canyon rim.
Spring is Moab’s grand opening. By March, snowmelt from the La Sals feeds the Colorado River, and desert wildflowers begin to bloom. Days average between 60 and 80°F, nights stay cool, and you’ll find prime conditions for hiking, biking, and rafting.
This is also when events like the Canyonlands Half Marathon and Jeep Safari fill town. Hotels book quickly, and prices climb — expect $250–400 per night at midrange lodgings.
Local Tip: Start hikes early. Trails like Delicate Arch, Corona Arch, and Fisher Towers are spectacular before 9 a.m., when the light glows warm on the rock and parking lots are still quiet.
Best For: Balanced adventure, families, and first-timers wanting ideal conditions.
Summer in Moab (June – August)
Why Go: Long days, warm nights, river adventure season.
Summer brings heat and energy. Expect 90–105°F highs, clear skies, and little shade. Mornings and evenings are your playground; midday is for air-conditioning or a cool swim.
This is rafting season on the Colorado River, with outfitters running daily trips through Castle Valley and Fisher Towers. Stargazing is unmatched thanks to dark-sky regulations.
Budget Note: Lodging remains in demand but some tour operators offer shoulder-season discounts.
Local Tip: Pack a lightweight sun shirt, broad-brim hat, and two liters of water per person. Begin hikes at sunrise; reward yourself with smoothies or delicious coffee afterward.
Best For: Water lovers, night photographers, families planning around school breaks.
Fall in Moab (September – November)
Why Go: Golden light, warm days, fewer crowds.
Ask a local, and they’ll tell you fall is Moab’s magic season. Daytime highs drop into the 70s, nights hover near 50°F, and the desert lights up with golden cottonwoods. You can hike all day without worrying about heatstroke.
The Outerbike Festival in October draws mountain bikers from around the world, while canyoneers enjoy perfect conditions in routes like Entrajo Canyon and U-Turn Canyon.
Crowds: Early fall can still feel lively, but by mid-October prices ease and the town slows.
Best For: Photographers, hikers, and anyone chasing that perfect desert light.
Winter in Moab (December – February)
Why Go: Solitude, low prices, and quiet beauty.
Winter strips Moab back to its essentials. The red rock glows under snow-dusted peaks, and you might have Arches National Park nearly to yourself. Expect highs in the 40s–50s°F, freezing nights, and the occasional light snow.
Lodging costs drop 40–50%. Many restaurants stay open, and trails like Park Avenue, Windows Loop, and Dead Horse Point are stunning in low light.
Local Tip: Layer up. The desert air feels colder than the thermometer reads, but the payoff is empty viewpoints and perfect photography.
Best For: Solitary adventurers, photographers, and budget travelers.
Moab Monthly Weather Snapshot
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Rain (in) | Visitor Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44 | 22 | 0.6 | Very Low |
| March | 64 | 36 | 0.7 | Moderate |
| May | 83 | 52 | 0.6 | High |
| July | 100 | 67 | 0.6 | High |
| September | 87 | 55 | 0.8 | High |
| November | 56 | 33 | 0.8 | Low |
(Data averaged from Grand County weather reports)
Moab Costs by Season
Season Lodging (avg/night) Dinner for Two Half-Day Tour Spring $250–400 $70–120 $150–200 Summer $200–350 $60–100 $130–180 Fall $250–400 $70–120 $150–200 Winter $120–200 $50–80 $100–150
Planning Tips from Locals
Book Early: Spring and fall reservations for hotels and guided tours should be made months in advance.
Check Events: Jeep Safari (April) and Outerbike (May/October) affect traffic and lodging prices.
Hydrate Always: Even in cooler months, the dry desert air drains you faster than you expect.
Explore Beyond the Parks: Visit Sand Flats Recreation Area, Mill Creek, or the La Sal Mountains for a change of scenery.
Support Local: Stop by Moab Gear Trader for rentals and advice, and shop or dine locally to keep Moab thriving.
FAQs: Visiting Moab
What is the best time to visit Moab for hiking?
Spring and fall are ideal — moderate temperatures and fewer midday hazards. Trails like Devil’s Garden, Fisher Towers, and Corona Arch shine in these seasons.Is Moab too hot in summer?
Not if you plan right. Start before 8 a.m., rest mid-day, and choose river or canyon adventures to stay cool.What month is least crowded?
January and February. Some services reduce hours, but you’ll have national park overlooks nearly to yourself.When are hotel prices cheapest?
Winter, followed by late November or early March. Expect discounts up to 50% on midrange lodging.How many days should I spend in Moab?
Plan at least 3–4 days to see Arches, Canyonlands, and the Colorado River — more if you want to add canyoneering or mountain biking.
Plan Your Trip with Moabing
No single month defines Moab’s beauty. Spring brings wildflowers, summer glows under the Milky Way, fall paints the cliffs in honeyed light, and winter hums with stillness. The best time to visit Moab is the one that matches your pace.
To start planning:
Find your ideal hike at HikingMoab.com
Explore guided canyon tours at CanyoneeringMoab.com
Compare rafting trips at RaftingMoab.com
See where to eat and relax at EatingMoab.com
Or let our Moabing Travel Concierge design your itinerary and save you time and money.
You’ll discover that every season in Moab tells its own story. All you have to do is choose when to start yours.