Are you wondering about the best time to visit Moab, Utah? Then you are in the right spot!
Moab is one of the coolest places to visit in the Southwest US. It is full of natural wonder, and you’ll find exciting hiking paths literally on any corner.
Obviously, you’ll want to know about the best time to visit when planning your trip. Otherwise, you might get caught up in the intense summer heat or during the overcrowded high tourist season.
There are also a couple of other things to consider when picking your travel time. Limited entries into Arches National Park and drone permits for Dead Horse Point State Park are among them.
To help you with your decision, I have created this in-depth guide for you that follows our own personal experience of traveling to Moab.
Let’s get to it!
Best Time To Visit Moab: In Short
My favorite time to visit Moab is between late September and the end of October.
We visited during the last week of September, and we were greeted with lovely weather that was just cool enough for hiking. It was still warm and sunny enough to enjoy the pool in our hotel, so it was the best of both worlds!
The summer crowds were thinning out, and we got amazingly cheap deals on our hotels.
While Arches National Park was still busy, most other hiking trails in Moab were quiet, and we could enjoy the solitude.
If you don’t mind dressing warmly, winter is also an amazing time to visit. No crowds, a little bit of snow sometimes, and lots of solitude.
I would definitely not recommend visiting in the summer. It gets scorching hot and extremely crowded. The same goes for late spring, really.
I’ll get into the weather a little bit more in the next chapter, in a seasonal overview of Moab.
Moab By Season
🌼 Spring (March, April, and May)
Early spring is one of the best times to visit Moab. The weather is warm but not too hot yet.
On many trails, you’ll get to see beautiful wildflowers bloom, and the desert looks extra pretty.
Later in spring, it gets uncomfortably warm and busier, as high travel season is around the corner.
All in all, spring in Moab is super popular, so you can definitely expect crowds and higher prices.
☀️ Summer (June, July, and August)
I absolutely don’t recommend going to Moab in the summer; it is the worst possible time to visit for me.
Summer brings intense heat. It sometimes reaches more than 100°F during the day. That makes hiking impossible and even unsafe.
The mornings and evenings can still be nice, though. Technically, it’s a good time for sunrise hikes and stargazing.
Crowds drop a bit, and hotel rates may go down slightly, too.
But it’s honestly way too hot for most midday activities, so you won’t get to make the most out of your stay.
🍂 Fall (September, October, and November)
Fall is a sweet spot in Moab, and it is my favorite time to visit.
The weather cools down, and you’ll be much more comfortable hiking during the day.
I also liked the first fall vibes in Moab, when the light is golden, and there were even a few colored leaves.
Mostly, I liked that the crowds started to thin out.
Just avoid October weekends—those can still get busy.
❄️ Winter (December, January, and February)
Winter in Moab is quiet and peaceful. It is not a terrible time to visit, if you don’t mind some colder days.
If you are really lucky, you might get some snow on the red rocks. That looks absolutely stunning. I
It’s the cheapest time to visit, and there is no timed entry at Arches!
Sadly, not all restaurants and shops are open, and some tours and activities might not be available. But the solitude is definitely unmatched!
Temperatures in Moab
To help you get a bit of an overview of the temperatures in Moab, I have created a helpful graph for you that will show you the average highs and lows per month.
Another thing you’ll want to take into consideration is precipitation. This graph will also indicate the months with the least amount of rainfall, so you can plan your holiday accordingly.
Cheapest Time To Visit Moab
The most budget-friendly season to visit Moab, Utah, is in the winter.
Especially January and February are super cheap to visit. The average hotel rates drop to around $90–100 per night, which is super affordable. Also, there is a lot of availability as well.
If you are lucky, you can get deals for 4-star stays for around $120–150 a night.
Usually, you’ll be able to save on tours and rental cars, and gear, too
Let’s compare this to the most expensive time to visit Moab (from late spring to the beginning of fall). In that time frame, you’ll pay on average $300 per night. During school holidays, prices may rise up to $400–550 per night.
Best Time To Visit Moab For Drone Flying
If you are a drone enthusiast like me, the best time to visit Moab is during the off-season, meaning November through February.
This is the only time during the year when places like Dead Horse Point State Park allow drones. Keep in mind that you’ll still need a permit.
From March through October, drone use is fully prohibited there. Sadly, in Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, drone flying is always forbidden.
Also, the cooler months bring calmer air, which makes the footage a lot smoother. There are also fewer crowds to ruin your videos, and stunning golden hour light.
Best Time To Visit Arches National Park
The best times to visit Arches National Park are spring (April–May) and fall (September–October). I found the weather to be perfect for hiking the trails.
Keep in mind that these are also the busiest months.
From April 1 to July 6 and again from August 28 to October 31, you’ll need a timed entry ticket to visit between 7 am and 4 pm.
Tickets are free but require a $2 reservation fee. You can book them on Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Morning slots go fast, so set a reminder!
If you want to skip the timed entry system altogether, visit between November 1 and March 31.
July 7 through August 27, you also won’t need a reservation, but it is simply too hot for hiking. You’ll have to plan early mornings or sunset visits to avoid the heat.
Conclusion: Best Time Of Year To Visit Moab
My favorite time to visit Moab is in late September or early October.
You’ll have perfect weather for outdoor activities like mountain biking, rafting, rock climbing, off-roading, and drone photography. And there might be some fall foliage.
Spring and Fall are peak seasons. During these popular times, you won’t have the stunning landscapes to yourself, and everything is usper expensive.
If you visit in winter, you can save some money on lodging for sure. But during the off-season, not all restaurants and shops are open.
Shoulder season is a great time to visit for cooler temperatures and a great deal of outdoor adventures.
All in all, you’ll hopefully have time to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Moab Area, like the Mesa Arch, Devil’s Garden, the Landscape Arch, and the stunning Canyons around the Delicate Arch.
Lastly, find out if Moab is a destination worth visiting for you before booking your trip.
Amazing 5 Days in Moab Itinerary: Instagrammable and Fun
Is Moab Worth Visiting in 2025? Totally Honest Review
Why Arches National Park Is Not Worth Visiting (+ Alternatives)
15 Best Moab Photo Spots And Photography Guide (With Map)
6 Best Hikes in Moab You Need To Check Out!
One Day in Zion National Park – Awesome Itinerary
One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary: Instagrammable & Fun
About the Author
Hi friend, I am Sabrina, a passionate travel blogger and photographer from Austria.
I love capturing the world through the lens of the seasons, chasing soft spring blooms, golden autumn light, and cozy winter moments along the way. My goal is to help you discover destinations at their most magical moments.
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