Arches National Park guide · 1 min read
100°F Summers to Cold Winters: Arches Seasons
Arches sits in the Colorado Plateau, a high desert region where temperatures can swing sharply within a single day, sometimes by more than 40 degrees.
Precipitation is low, averaging about eight and a half inches a year, and the skies are often clear.
Summer is the hottest stretch, with temperatures often climbing past 100 degrees. That kind of heat makes strenuous exercise difficult, and midday is the most intense part of the day. Plan hiking and sightseeing for the morning and evening, and take a break in the middle of the day.
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Spring runs from April through May, and fall runs from mid-September through October. Daytime highs typically fall between 60 and 80 degrees, and overnight lows between 30 and 50. October is often a low-crowd month, and November and March are good choices too if you want decent weather with fewer visitors.
Winters are cold, with daytime highs averaging 30 to 50 degrees and overnight lows averaging 0 to 20 degrees. Snow is possible from November through February, and the park averages about eight inches a year. For the most part, winter weather stays dry and the skies are clear.
The Arches Visitor Center also keeps different hours through the year, changing with the seasons. Its schedule can also shift around holidays, so it helps to check before you head out.
