The climate of Moab
Moab, located in
Utah, USA, experiences a mid-latitude steppe climate as per the Köppen climate classification. The descriptor 'BSk' is used to denote this particular pattern of weather conditions. With its geographical positioning, Moab witnesses significant variations in several climate parameters throughout the year.
Analyzing the available data unveils that yearly temperatures range from a low of 21.2°F (-6°C) in the coldest months to a high of 90.7°F (32.6°C) during peak summer. The air pressure also exhibits fluctuations with a high of 30.18" (767mm) during the winter months dropping to 29.84" (758mm) in the summer. Snowfall occurs predominantly in the winter with an average of 3.35" (85mm) in
December. Comparatively, there is no recorded snowfall from
May to
September.
Humidity levels also depict a cyclic pattern, with the driest months being experienced in the middle of the year. The relative humidity drops to 22% in
June, and then gradually climbs to reach 75% by
January. Moab receives rainfall sporadically throughout the year, with
August recording a high of 0.71" (18mm) while
November sees a lesser precipitation of 0.39" (10mm).
Sunshine is an abundance in Moab throughout the year, with ample daylight hours too. The range varies from a low of 9.8 hours in January to a peak of 14.8 hours in June. In addition, Moab gets a fair share of clear days, registering 22 to 24.4 days of sunshine per month, barring
July and August that see a slight dip due to rainfall.
The best time to visit Moab
The ideal time to visit
Moab would be during the spring and autumn months. Spring, from
March to
May witnesses moderate temperatures ranging between 55°F (12.8°C) to 72.3°F (22.4°C), with a favorable average relative humidity of 29% to 45%. Sunshine is plentiful with daylight hours extending 12 hours to 14.3 hours, and rainfall is moderate.
During autumn, from
September to
November, the weather is equally pleasant. Daytime temperatures soften from 80.1°F (26.7°C) in September to a comfortable 51.3°F (10.7°C) by November. The slightly increased rainfall, an average of 0.67" (17mm) in
October, adds to the scenic splendor. Sunshine is still in abundance, with daily averages decreasing slowly from 10.8 hours in September to 7.4 hours by November.
The worst time to visit Moab
Tourists may want to avoid the summer months from
June to
August due to high temperatures, with
July peaking at 90.7°F (32.6°C). Even nights can be considerably warm with lows only reaching 70.3°F (21.3°C). Coupled with the declining humidity, the scorching heat could pose discomfort to visitors not used to such arid conditions.
Winter visitation may also be challenging due to cold temperatures and snowfall.
December records a low of 21.2°F (-6°C) and snowfall averages at 3.35" (85mm), which could limit outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Moab
Spring in
Moab is characterised by increasing temperatures.
March begins with mild temperatures, averaging from 37.2°F (2.9°C) to 55°F (12.8°C). By
May, this range warms up to 51.8°F (11°C) to 72.3°F (22.4°C). The drier air with relative humidity dropping from 45% to 29% contributes to pleasant weather. Rainfall is on the lower side, measuring 0.43" (11mm) in
April.
Summer weather in Moab
Summer in
Moab sees the mercury rising with temperatures peaking at 90.7°F (32.6°C) in
July and the minimum temperature remaining above 63.1°F (17.3°C). The low relative humidity, bottoming at 22% in
June, coupled with higher temperatures can create an arid environment. Rainfall observes a spike in July, reaching 0.71" (18mm) making it the wettest month of the year.
Autumn weather in Moab
Autumn months bring a relief after the hot summer with a considerable drop in temperatures. It ranges from a maximum of 80.1°F (26.7°C) in
September to 51.3°F (10.7°C) by
November, while the minimum temperatures also cool down significantly. Rainfall increases in September to 0.51" (13mm), before tapering off to 0.39" (10mm) by November.
Winter weather in Moab
Winter months in
Moab are cold with temperatures in
December averaging between 21.2°F (-6°C) to 37.9°F (3.3°C). Snowfall is most likely in this month, reaching an average of 3.35" (85mm) while the relative humidity rises to 66% by December end. Daylight hours are shortest during this time of the year, adding to the cold weather mood.
Weather in January
The year begins with
January providing the coldest average temperatures and the second-highest average snowfall of 1.97" (50mm) per month. This time of year is characterized by low temperatures, significant snowfall, and short daylight hours.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Moab is marked by rising temperatures, slight increases in rainfall, and diminished snowfall compared to
January. An appreciation for the emerging promise of Spring can be felt with progressively longer daylight hours and the warmth of more sunshine.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Moab experiences a significant rise in temperatures, with longer daylight hours making an appearance in
March. The melting snow from the winter makes way for quick yet trickling streams, and the local flora starts to revive, adding beauty to the landscape.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As the Spring season takes hold,
April experiences a further increase in average temperatures and daylight hours in
Moab. The landscape starts to burst with life, and the rivers run with the last of the snowmelt. Temperatures reaching highs of 63°F (17.2°C) combine with moderate rainfall, enhancing the greenery in the area.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The arrival of
May comes with welcoming warmth in
Moab, making it truly feel like the start of summer. With this shift in the calendar, the days become longer, providing ample time for explorations and adventures. The increase in temperature to an average high of 72.3°F (22.4°C) allows for comfortable yet not overwhelmingly hot outdoor activities.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Moab experiences its warmest and driest conditions in
June, truly invoking summer vibes. The endless sunny days invite locals and tourists to participate in a plethora of outdoor adventures such as river rafting and mountain biking.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July offers the hottest weather conditions for
Moab with an average temperature high of 90.7°F (32.6°C), and rainfall levels increase slightly. It's the perfect time to explore the mighty Colorado River or other nearby water bodies.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Moab continues the trend of summer heat, albeit with a minor decrease in temperature from the previous month. Despite the warm weather, visitors can still enjoy the beauty of the rising sun painting colors onto the towering red rocks.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The month of
September brings cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours, signaling the onset of Autumn in
Moab. The changing season is visually evident in the leaf colors starting to turn and fall softly to the ground. The pleasant weather, with an average high of 80.1°F (26.7°C), offers excellent conditions for outdoor excursions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Moab is a heart-warming spectacle of vibrant fall colors coupled with a significant drop in temperature, keeping the spirit of Autumn alive. The mild weather and shorter days bring about a different type of beauty to Moab, making it a perfect season for quieter contemplation.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November, the last month of the autumn in
Moab, is cool month, with an average temperature varying between 34.5°F (1.4°C) and 51.3°F (10.7°C). Moab in November undergoes a mild reduction in the average high-temperature, shifting from
October's refreshing 63.3°F (17.4°C) to a cool 51.3°F (10.7°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
Moab in
December presents a vastly different landscape compared to the warmer months. The short days and cold weather coupled with increased snowfall create a stunning winter wonderland. With the arrival of December, one can expect the lowest average high temperature of 37.9°F (3.3°C) and the highest snowfall of 3.35" (85mm) for the year.
Weather in December »