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.
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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 and the surrounding areas are incredible in the winter, so be sure to plan ahead to get the most out of your trip and have a safe journey. Be sure to check weather and road conditions before heading out (and avalanche conditions in the La Sals, if applicable).
Moab's weather is as varied as its landscape. The typically mild winters in the lower elevations provide perfect conditions for hiking, golfing and bicycling while the higher elevations offer skiing and snowmobiling. An occasional winter snowfall in the red rock valleys creates an awesome color contrast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Time To Visit MoabPeak tourist season is March 15 through May Sept and Oct. still busy in the summer but not as crazy as spring and fall. The summer slows a bit because temperatures can easily average 105 degrees.
If you're looking for challenging hikes through narrow canyons and along steep cliffs, Zion may be the better choice. If you're more interested in exploring unique rock formations and stunning arches, Arches may be the better choice.
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.
Arches National Park average temperatures in winter during the day are around 40°F (5°C) and down to around 17°F (-8°C) on a night. It can be sunny but you need to ensure that you have plenty of layers, a thick fleece, warm jacket, winter hat and gloves especially around sunset and early morning.
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.
With many different elevations to climb at, Moab offers year-round adventures. From summertime climbing in the Abajos and La Sals, down to Potash Road and Indian Creek in the winter, one can visit any time.