Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Arches in July
Arches's warmest month brings highs averaging 97°F (36°C), lows of 69°F (21°C) and about 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 59/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by heat.
- Avg high
- 97°F (36°C)
- Avg low
- 69°F (21°C)
- Rain
- 1.2 in (31 mm)
- Humidity
- 33%
- Cloud cover
- 45%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 27 min
- Comfort score
- 59/100 · Fair
What July feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 97°F (36°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 15°C (28°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Low humidity, around 33%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
Rain is moderate at about 1.2 in (31 mm) for the month.
Plan around July
July is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April & May and September & October.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (July – September), which brings about 3.8 in (96 mm) in total.
- Comfort slips from 75/100 in June to 59/100.
- Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so July falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for July
- Light, breathable clothes97°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 69°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Arches in July
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Desert Bistro
Moab's best-known fine-dining restaurant, with game meats and local produce.
Why now A break from 97°F afternoons.
Arches Visitor Center
Park entrance with exhibits and ranger trail updates.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 97°F.
Delicate Arch Trail
Three-mile round trip over slickrock to Utah's most famous arch.
Why now Best first thing, before the 97°F afternoon heat.
Balanced Rock
A 128-ft rock pinnacle with a big boulder on top, with a short loop trail around it.
Moab Brewery
Moab's original brewpub with house beers and a big menu.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
Nearby in July
- Canyonlands in July~32 mi · highs 96°F, 1.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in July~95 mi · highs 92°F, 1.1 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Aspen in July~152 mi · highs 80°F, 1.9 in rain · 9°C (17°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Bryce Canyon in July~161 mi · highs 83°F, 1.2 in rain · 8°C (14°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,819 m to Arches's ~1,428 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Arches in July: quick answers
Is July a good time to visit Arches?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 59/100, held back mainly by heat. The best months are April & May and September & October. Expect highs of 97°F (36°C) and 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain. Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so July is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Arches in July?
Average highs are 97°F (36°C) and average lows 69°F (21°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Arches in July?
Not much: about 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain falls across July on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 11.9 in (302 mm).
What should I pack for Arches in July?
Bring light, breathable clothes (97°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 69°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
Planning Arches in July?
Share this July plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.