Arches Weather: Forecast and Month-by-Month Averages

Live forecasts from the National Weather Service. Monthly averages are NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. Check the NPS alerts page for road and trail closures.

In shortArches is high desert on the Colorado Plateau, with hot summers, cold winters, and daily temperature swings that can top 40°F. Elevations range only from 4,085 ft at the visitor center to 5,653 ft at Elephant Butte, so conditions are similar across the park; the table represents the visitor center area. Annual precipitation is only about 8 to 10 inches.

Arches forecast by area

Weather changes a lot with elevation here, so check the forecast for where you are actually going. Each forecast covers the National Weather Service grid square around that spot.

Arches Visitor Center (park entrance) 4,085 ft

The park's lowest point and the area the table represents.

The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Arches Visitor Center (park entrance).

Devils Garden (end of the park road) 5,180 ft

18 miles up the park road and about 1,000 ft higher; trails get slippery quickly after snow, and drinking water is available only spring through fall.

The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Devils Garden (end of the park road).

Average weather in Arches by month

Monthly averages for ARCHES NP HQS, UT (4,093 ft), NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. About 9 inches of precipitation a year.
Month	Avg high	Avg low	Precipitation	Snowfall
January	42°F	22°F	0.6 in	2.1 in
February	50°F	29°F	0.6 in	1.2 in
March	62°F	37°F	0.7 in	0.5 in
April	70°F	44°F	0.7 in	0.0 in
May	80°F	53°F	0.8 in	0.0 in
June	92°F	63°F	0.4 in	0.0 in
July	99°F	70°F	0.7 in	0.0 in
August	96°F	68°F	0.9 in	0.0 in
September	87°F	58°F	0.9 in	0.0 in
October	72°F	44°F	1.1 in	0.1 in
November	56°F	33°F	0.6 in	0.7 in
December	42°F	24°F	0.6 in	3.5 in

These are long-term averages at one station. Higher areas of the park are colder, and any single year can be much warmer, colder, wetter or drier.

Arches weather month by month

Arches in January

42°F / 22°F. The coldest month, with highs in the low 40s and lows near 22°F. Large snowfalls are uncommon, but even light snow or ice can make trails and roads impassable, and the road may close for a few hours for plowing.

Arches in February

50°F / 29°F. Cold nights and highs around 50°F. The shady Delicate Arch trail can stay icy; traction devices and trekking poles help.

Arches in March

62°F / 37°F. Warming quickly, with highs in the 60s and frosty nights. The busy season typically begins in March, and campground reservations open for March through October.

Arches in April

70°F / 44°F. Mild days near 70°F make this one of the most popular months. Expect entrance lines and full parking lots; no timed-entry reservation is required in 2026, but Fiery Furnace hikes need a permit.

Arches in May

80°F / 53°F. Warm, with highs in the low 80s and the first 100°F days possible. Hike early and carry plenty of water.

Arches in June

92°F / 63°F. Hot and the driest month, with highs in the 90s and some days over 100°F. There is little shade on most trails.

Arches in July

99°F / 70°F. The hottest month, averaging about 99°F, with many days over 100°F. Late-summer monsoon storms bring lightning and flash floods; avoid hiking from late morning to late afternoon.

Arches in August

96°F / 68°F. Still very hot and one of the wetter months. Monsoon storms can flood washes and leave unpaved roads impassable without 4WD.

Arches in September

87°F / 58°F. Highs fall into the upper 80s; mid-September through October is one of the most comfortable times to visit. Thunderstorms are still possible early in the month.

Arches in October

72°F / 44°F. Pleasant highs in the mid-70s and cool nights, and on average the wettest month. Crowds stay high through October.

Arches in November

56°F / 33°F. Cool days in the mid-50s and nights below freezing. Crowds thin, and Devils Garden Campground typically switches to first-come, first-served sites.

Arches in December

42°F / 24°F. Cold, with highs in the mid-40s and lows in the 20s. Occasional snow or ice can close the road for plowing; the visitor center is closed December 25.

Weather hazards to plan for

Extreme summer heat with little shade; highs often top 100°F in July and August.
Flash floods in washes during late-summer monsoon storms, even when it is sunny where you are.
Lightning, hail, and strong wind with summer thunderstorms on exposed slickrock.
Ice and snow on trails and roads in winter, especially the shaded Delicate Arch trail.
Large day-to-night temperature swings that can exceed 40°F.

Arches weather questions

What is the weather like in Arches in October?

October highs average about 72°F and lows about 44°F. It is one of the most comfortable months, though on average it is also the wettest, with about 1.1 inches of rain.

Does it snow in Arches National Park?

Yes, light snow falls in winter, but large snowfalls are uncommon. Even small amounts can make trails and roads icy, and the park road may close briefly for plowing.

When is monsoon season at Arches?

Monsoon storms usually come in late summer, roughly July through early September. They can bring lightning, hail, and flash floods in washes.

How hot does Arches get in summer?

July averages a high of about 99°F, with many days over 100°F. Lows are near 70°F, so mornings are the best time to hike.

What is the best month to visit Arches for weather?

April-May and mid-September through October usually have the most comfortable temperatures, with highs in the 70s and 80s. These are also the busiest times, so arrive early.

Arches National ParkFees, hours, maps, where to stay and a first-day plan.Open the Arches guide