The climate of Arches National Park
Nested in the heart of
Utah, USA,
Arches National Park is a geographical marvel dominated by a BSk climate classification as per the Köppen scheme. This corresponds to a Mid-latitude Steppe climate, characterized by moderate rainfall and a significant temperature range between summer and winter.
Throughout the calendar year, average high temperatures in Arches National Park climb incrementally from a wintry 44°F (6.7°C) in
January, reaching a scorching zenith of 100°F (37.8°C) in
July before gradually descending to 45°F (7.2°C) in
December. While the mercury shoots up quite notably in the summer months, visitors can expect considerably cooler evenings with the lowest night temperatures oscillating between 22°F (-5.6°C) in January and 67°F (19.4°C) in July.
Precipitation levels in the park are relatively modest ranging from 0.4" (10mm) in
June to 1.2" (30mm) in
October. As for snowfall, it is primarily limited to the winter months of January,
February and December with 2.5" (64mm) being the peak level in the month of December. Daylight hours extend from a low of 9.5 hours in the heart of winter to a maximum of 14.8 hours during peak summer.
The best time to visit Arches National Park
Taking into account the prevailing weather conditions and temperatures, the ideal time to explore
Arches National Park is between
April and
June when the maximum temperatures are comfortably lodged between 64°F (17.8°C) and 93°F (33.9°C). The evenings turn considerably cooler during these months, thus offering agreeable conditions for campfires or open-air feasts. With precipitation levels below an inch, outdoor activities can be pursued without significant disruptions. Additionally, daylight extends from 12 hours to 14.3 hours during this period, providing ample illumination for exploration and photography.
The worst time to visit Arches National Park
Contrarily, the unfavorable period to plan a trip to
Arches National Park lies between
November and
February. During these months, maximum temperatures plunge to lows of 44°F (6.7°C) to 56°F (13.3°C) making outdoor activities rather challenging. Furthermore, in addition to the cold, tourists will have to contend with snowfall levels up to 2.5" (64mm). This is compounded by the fact that daylight is substantially curtailed to a range of 9.5 to 10.1 hours.
Spring weather in Arches National Park
Spring in
Arches National Park spans
March to
May, and presents an upturn in weather conditions with temperatures charting a steady rise from 64°F (17.8°C) to 82°F (27.8°C). Nightly lows rise in sync and slide from 35°F (1.7°C) to 51°F (10.6°C). Though rainfall levels display an increasing trend from 0.8" (20mm) to 0.7" (18mm), the frequency of rainy days dwindles from 6.1 days to 4.6 days. With daylight extending from 12 hours to 14.3 hours, it makes for an excellent time for tourists to bask in the cool spring weather and capture the blooming flora in their camera lenses.
Summer weather in Arches National Park
Between
June and
August, the park experiences its summer season. Average highs escalate to searing levels from 93°F (33.9°C) to 100°F (37.8°C), although relief can be found in the cooler evening lows of 60°F (15.6°C) to 67°F (19.4°C). Despite the heat, rainfall levels marginally increase, especially in August with precipitation measuring an inch. While the average number of rainy days also increase from 3.1 days to 6.6 days, the threat of sudden rain showers need to be taken into account when planning outdoor excursions.
Autumn weather in Arches National Park
Autumn mirrors spring in terms of agreeable weather conditions. Temperatures in the
September-
November range glide from a high of 88°F (31.1°C) to a more temperate 56°F (13.3°C). Nightly lows also dwindle from 55°F (12.8°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C) by November end. Notably,
October receives the highest rainfall of 1.2" (30mm), however, daylight remains fairly adequate, ranging from 11.2 hours to 10.1 hours.
Winter weather in Arches National Park
Winter months of
December to
February see the mercury nosediving with highs varying from 44°F (6.7°C) to 56°F (13.3°C) and lows falling between 22°F (-5.6°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C). Despite these chilly temperatures, average snowfall measures only up to 2.5" (64mm) in December and lessens in the months that follow. A limited daylight duration of around 9.5 to 10 hours during this season compounds the challenges for activities like trekking or wildlife viewing.
Weather in January
With temperatures dipping to their lowest,
January marks the coldest month in
Arches National Park. January tends to be snowier compared to
February with a higher average snowfall of 1.9" (48mm). Daylight hours are at their shortest, limiting the viewing time.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February ushers in warmer temperatures, with an increased daylight of approximately 10.8 hours allowing more opportunities to enjoy the park's vistas. The snowfall witnessed in
January dwindles in February to an average of about 0.9" (23mm).
Weather in February » Weather in March
March marks the onset of spring, characterized by longer days and an increase in temperatures during the day reaching up to an average of 64°F (17.8°C). With a notable decrease in snowfall from what was experienced in
February, March only records an average of 0.7" (18mm).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Arches National Park merits a steady climb in temperatures, averaging a high of 71°F (21.7°C), a stark contrast from the weather experienced in
March. The climb into warmer temperatures results in a halt in snowfall, signaling the definitive start of Spring in the region.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The weather in
May brings about an impressive escalation in temperatures, peaking at 82°F (27.8°C) on average, promising the inevitable arrival of summer. The absence of any snowfall, recorded as none, is in stark contrast to the lower temperatures experienced in previous months.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June arrives showcasing the sweltering side of
Arches National Park with soaring highs averaging 93°F (33.9°C). The scorching summer completely eliminates any traces of snowfall, providing unlimited access to the park’s beauty on clear, sunny days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the epitome of summer in
Arches National Park, exhibiting the highest average temperature for the year at a sizzling 100°F (37.8°C). The minimal rainfall of just 0.8" (20mm) still does little to combat the relentless heat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August signposts a relief from
July’s peak of summer with a slight dip in temperatures. The lower average maximum temperature of 97°F (36.1°C), though still high, indicates the waning of summer. Rainfall spikes to the highest for the year in August, averaging 1 inch which may indicate the occasional heavy thunderstorm.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September announces the advent of autumn in
Arches National Park, with moderate temperatures on the horizon. The average high temperature reduces significantly from
August, settling at around 88°F (31.1°C). Decreased daylight hours at an average of 12.4 and a minor drop in rainfall to 0.8" (20mm) signal the onset of the fall season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October experiences a notable dip in temperature, with averages falling to around 74°F (23.3°C). It marks the transition from the pleasant warmth of
September to the crisper, cooler days of late autumn. The increase in rainfall during October to around 1.2" (30mm) is notable compared to the previous month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The last month of the autumn,
November, is also a moderate month in
Arches National Park,
Utah, with an average temperature ranging between min 30°F (-1.1°C) and max 55.9°F (13.3°C). The arrival of November is marked by a notable decrease in high-temperatures, falling from a moderately hot 73.9°F (23.3°C) in
October to a moderate 55.9°F (13.3°C).
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Arches National Park brings about colder weather reminiscent of
January. The dwindling temperature dips to an average high of 45°F (7.2°C) and snowfall of around 2.5" (64mm), signalling the return of winter. The decrease in daylight hours, settling at an average of 9.5 hours, restricts the exploration time.
Weather in December »