Moab is a natural theme park no matter what season rolls around. So when is the best time to visit Moab? Arches and Canyonlands National Park are always open, so hiking should be at least somewhere on the list regardless of the season.
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It is a beautiful sight to see. The off-season (Nov-Feb) in this outdoor paradise offers a unique and slower paced retreat. The average daytime temps during these months are usually in the 50's.
Moab, Utah is one of my favorite travel destinations–a scenic and wickedly fun adventure hub. While it lures visitors throughout the year, wintertime is a magical season to visit. I always wanted to see the red rock country in the winter, and I was delighted with what else I experienced during my December trip to Moab.
We recommend at least 2 full days/ 3 nights for the Moab area. One day for Arches National Park and half a day to a day for Canyonlands National Park, plus the Dead Horse Point State Park. In addition, you can also take a short rafting tour, as we did. 3 days/4 nights would make your visit more relaxing.
Explore Arches National ParkOne of the main reasons people come to Moab is to visit one of the most beautiful National Parks of the United States – Arches NP. So if you only have one day in Moab, the best thing to do is to explore Arches National Park.
MOAB WEATHER IN DECEMBERDecember temperatures in Moab: highs 45 and lows 22 degrees Fahrenheit. Any time of year it's important to stay hydrated and use sun protection, even in the winter.
Winter in Moab can be an amazing time to explore the desert. The average high in December and January is about 44 degrees, which suits some hikers and mountain bikers just fine. Nights can be quite cold, however, dipping into the single digits — and of course, night falls earlier in winter.
Moab's heat and terrain are two things to be prepared for ahead of time. Bring plenty of food, and especially water, to stay fueled and hydrated while you're out exploring the canyons and trails. Some tips for visiting Moab straight from the locals is to drink one gallon of water per day, per person.
The La Sal Mountains provide Moab with a snowy backdrop and a fantastic winter playground. Plenty of winter adventures await, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Enjoy everything from short part-day adventures to multi-day excursions like skiing between backcountry yurts.
In colder months, take a jacket and/or windbreaker, a hat, gloves, proper footwear, a reflective emergency blanket, etc. Clothing is just as important during the hotter months. A lightweight, long-sleeve shirt and a hat can help you stay cool.
Winter is the park's quietest season and a perfect time to see the fiery red arches with a soft dusting of white snow. Skip the crowded peak season and embrace the quiet of a winter visit.
Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) is located 18 miles north of Moab. The closest major airport to Moab is located in Salt Lake City (236 miles from Moab - 4 hour drive). Walker Field Airport, located in Grand Junction Colorado (110 miles from Moab - 1 hr 45 min drive), provides the closest option for most airlines.
This is the perfect place to stay for nature lovers who don't like big crowds and prioritize outdoor activities over city nightlife. If you take a guided tour in Downtown Moab, odds are they will take you to explore the off-road trails and out-of-this-world viewpoints of Canyonlands National Park.
Avoid the CrowdsWhile the peak seasons of spring and summer see around 200,000 monthly visitors, winter only sees about 40,000 visitors per month. With fewer people visiting Arches, you won't have to worry about finding a parking spot or waiting in a long line to enter the park.
Yes, You Can Get a Drink in Rural Utah, TooRestaurants and bars, of course, can set their own price for drinks. Each of Utah's five national parks has a liquor store nearby, and bars and restaurants are easy to find, especially in Springdale near Zion or Moab near Arches and Canyonlands.
Moab is 4,025ft above sea level, with the nearby La Sal Mountains topping out at over 12,000ft above sea level. These higher altitudes may trigger mild altitude sickness in visitors, regardless of gender, age, or physical health. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath.