Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park (And Worst)

When is the prime time to visit this national park with its famous sunrise arch and sprawling deep canyons? 

During my epic 5-month road trip through the West, I ended up in this Utah national park in early March, just weeks before the masses descended. Even during daytime hikes, I still needed a cozy, puffy jacket. It wasn’t yet overly crowded, and the mountain peaks were still sprinkled with some leftover snow.

The weather at Canyonlands National Park can fluctuate from sizzling summers to frosty winters. So, here’s a quick look into the visitor seasons: 

• Peak Season: Late-March to Early June and mid-September to October 
• Shoulder Seasons: March and November 
• Off-Peak Season: End of November to February 

Next, I’ll delve into the details about the seasons, what events to look out for, and the monthly climate breakdown. Whether you’re planning to visit Canyonlands for a day or longer, hiking the Island in the Sky, or exploring the Needles, this is the best time to visit Canyonlands National Park.

Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park

Best Time of Year to Visit

The best time to go to Canyonlands National Park is from April to early June and then again from mid-September to October. During these months, the weather is great for outdoor adventures, and the park’s landscapes are bathed in warm, fiery colors, making for awesome photos. Plus, the mild climate is perfect for camping under the starry sky.

Best Time for Good Weather

Come to Canyonlands National Park in late spring or early fall for the best weather. Expect temperatures around a comfy 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, perfect for roaming the landscapes. Bring warm camping gear, as those cool, clear nights can still drop to about 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best Time for Smaller Crowds

If you’re looking for a quieter time at Canyonlands National Park, go in early March or November. This was when I came, and I can attest that I barely shared the trail with fellow adventurers, but still wasn’t completely freeing. 

Most recently, the park welcomed around 750,000 visitors yearly, but during these months, it can drop to as low as 40,000, half the peak numbers.

Cheapest Time to Visit

If you’re looking to save money, the off-peak season is when you can visit to save some funds. Flights and nearby accommodations usually have lower prices, so you can save anywhere from 30% to 50%. Just remember, it might be colder with a chance of snow during this time, and it’s much more difficult to camp, the cheapest accommodation option.

Best Time for Stargazing

As an International Dark Sky Park, stargazing in Canyonlands is excellent all year round, as it never suffers from any light pollution. The summers may be the most comfortable, as you’ll be able to fall asleep outside under the stars. But the closer you get to winter, the night gets longer, so you don’t have to wait until too late. 

Worst Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park

While there’s never truly a “bad” time to visit Canyonlands National Park, the height of summer, from late June to August, can be pretty grueling from the heat. The soaring temperatures reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making hiking and other outdoor activities strenuous. Also, it tends to be quite crowded.

Park Closures

Canyonlands is typically open all year round, 24 hours a day. Each district within the park has its own visitor center or ranger station, and their hours can vary depending on the season.

Seasons at Canyonlands National Park

Spring (March – May)

Spring at Canyonlands National Park begins to shake off winter’s chill, and the temperatures climb to 60-70 degrees during the day. The landscapes start to bloom with wildflowers and cacti. Spring weather here can be unpredictable, with sunny skies one minute and rain showers the next.

Starting in mid-March, the park starts to be at it’s busiest, with visitor volume peaking at over 100,000 visitors per month, particularly around popular overlooks and trails in Island in the Sky District. 

Summer (June – August)

Summer in Canyonlands National Park is synonymous with bright, sunny days with temperatures at a sizzling 100 degrees. The warm weather makes this a better time for activities like river rafting in the Colorado River.

The park is still pretty busy in the summer. It decreases slightly in July and August because of the heat before picking up again. For a better experience, try going early in the morning or late in the evening when there are fewer people and the weather is nicer. But Mesa Arch’s sunrises are undoubtedly filled with photographers and their tripods.

Operating hours during summer are longer to accommodate the influx of visitors and longer days.

Fall (September – November)

Fall temperatures drop back to a comfortable 60-80 degrees, which is excellent for hiking. Although you won’t find any forests in this desert, golden autumn colors from cottonwoods line the rivers and creeks.

Visitor volume increases again, only to fall off a cliff in November when the cold sets in and the park’s operating hours shorten. 

Winter (December – February)

Winter at Canyonlands National Park is a stark contrast to the busier months. Daytime can vary widely from 30-50 degrees Fahrenheit, while nights can drop below freezing. The park’s iconic red rock formations and canyon landscapes may be blanketed in snow.

During these colder months, visitor numbers drop significantly, so you can have the park’s vast landscapes all to yourself. Be careful where you step because some trails and roads may be closed due to snow and ice, especially in higher elevations. Even in March, I encountered a few trails that were still icy.

Canyonlands Weather By Month

Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the average high and low temperatures and precipitation at Canyonlands National Park:

Month	Average High (F)	Average Low (F)	Average Precipitation (Inches)
Jan	44	22	0.49
Feb	52	28	0.45
March	64	35	0.71
April	71	42	0.73
May	82	51	0.79
June	93	60	0.44
July	100	67	1.02
Aug	97	66	1.00
Sept	88	55	0.93
Oct	74	42	1.21
Nov	56	30	0.73
Dec	45	23	0.63

Best Time of Day to Visit

The best time of day to visit Canyonlands National Park is during post-sunrise or late afternoon. These off-peak hours give you a break from the midday heat. The glow from the sunrises at Mesa Arch is one of the most popular things to do in the park. Then, the colors in the setting sun are gorgeous.

Canyonlands By Time of Day

Morning (Sunrise to 11 AM): Wake up early for the sunrise here. The gentle sunlight casts long shadows that add depth to the landscapes, but some areas may still be shaded.

Midday (11 AM to 3 PM): The midday sun can be intense, especially in summer. But this is a great time to hit the overlooks and drive the scenic roads in or between the districts.

Afternoon to Evening (3 PM to Sunset): Since I couldn’t be there for sunrise, this was my favorite part of the day here. The golden hour just the best for photography.

Special Events or Festivals

Only a short drive away, Moab is a famous outdoor town, and you’ll find plenty of festivals and events throughout the year. I highly recommend aligning your visit with one of those fabulous festivals if you can. 

• Moab Music Festival: A celebration of music with performances such as the solo piano rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and other holiday works.
• Moab Art Festival: An annual festival where artists showcase their work.
• Skinny Tire Festival: This Moab annual festival attracts cycling enthusiasts who will ride for 4 days around the desert.
• Moab Folk Festival: A music festival featuring various folk artists.
• Canyonlands Half-Marathon: A yearly race event that runs through the scenic Canyonlands.
• Red Rock Arts Festival: An art festival set against the backdrop of Moab’s stunning red rocks.
• Moab Art Walk: A cultural event where visitors can explore local art galleries.
• Moab Jeep Safari: An annual event held every Easter, attracting off-road enthusiasts from around the world.
• Artists Gathering at Swanny City Park: Free concert series on select Fridays during the summer when artists from across the West gather at Moab’s Swanny City Park.

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in Utah?

Utah may very well be one of the most underrated, beautiful places in the world. I’ve traveled all through this great state, snowboarding down some of the best resorts and hiking through godly monoliths. If you’re heading elsewhere in Utah, check out these posts.

• One Day in Zion National Park Itinerary for Adventurers
• One Day in Arches National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
• Perfect One Day in Canyonlands Itinerary for First-Timers
• Perfect One Day In Salt Lake City Itinerary For First Timers 
• Perfect One Day In Bryce Canyon Itinerary For First-Timers

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.