Arches Seasons & Weather

Crowds? No way. Heat stroke? Not very likely. Long waits at local restaurants? Pshaw. Nope.

Winter is off-season at Arches National Park which means it’s the perfect time to go. Snow certainly falls in Arches, but it rarely sticks around for more than 2 or 3 days. It’s a photographic jackpot: one day you’ll get the contrast of snow on redrock landscapes, and the next day the sun will come out, melt the snow and blue skies will complement the park’s Entrada sandstone formations. Bonus: lodging is more available and affordable in nearby Moab, campgrounds aren’t full to the brim and feeding your hungry face won’t require much of a wait at your favorite restaurant, if there’s even a wait at all.

Basically, winter in Arches wins.

WINTER WEATHER & WHAT TO WEAR

Arches National Park is located at 4,085 - 5,653 feet above sea level--which means it gets cold, even if the sun is out. Bring warm winter clothing to bundle up so you’ll actually want to get out of the car when you get to the trailhead. Make sure your hiking boots are warm and mostly waterproof. The last thing you want to battle is soggy feet when you’re finally at the foot of Delicate Arch. And sunscreen. Those ultra violet rays can still get you during the winter season.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Pay attention to the weather report as you approach your trip, and stop in at the Visitor Center to check the condition of trails. Sometimes trails can become icy, and the rangers in the visitor center can inform you of current conditions.

DECEMBER

Average High 45 F

Average Low 23 F

JANUARY

Average High 44 F

Average Low 22 F

FEBRUARY

Average High 52 F

Average Low 28 F

MARCH

Average High 64 F

Average Low 35 F

VISITOR CENTER WINTER HOURS

December - February 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

ROAD CONDITIONS

The main paved road rarely has snowpack. If it snows, it melts away quickly. Dirt roads can have snow patches, a little bit of ice, and can be muddy after storms.