Late spring · Weather & things to do
Arches in May
Arches warms up: highs climb to 78°F (25°C), from 67°F in April, with lows of 50°F (10°C) and about 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain.
At 95/100 for comfort (2nd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 78°F (25°C)
- Avg low
- 50°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 0.9 in (23 mm)
- Humidity
- 37%
- Cloud cover
- 45%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 07 min
- Comfort score
- 95/100 · Great
What May feels like
Warm afternoons near 78°F (25°C) make long days outdoors easy.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 16°C (28°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Low humidity, around 37%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain.
Plan around May
May is one of Arches's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 78°F, up from 67°F in April.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 75/100.
- Comfort holds steady from April (94 → 95/100).
- May sits inside the Mar – May window our Utah Mighty Five route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes78°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 50°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 May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Fiery Furnace
Maze of sandstone fins explored on a ranger-led hike or with a self-guided permit.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best spring or fall.
Delicate Arch Trail
Three-mile round trip over slickrock to Utah's most famous arch.
Why now May scores 95/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Arches Visitor Center
Park entrance with exhibits and ranger trail updates.
Why now Highs near 78°F and 0.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Balanced Rock
A 128-ft rock pinnacle with a big boulder on top, with a short loop trail around it.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Desert Bistro
Moab's best-known fine-dining restaurant, with game meats and local produce.
Nearby in May
- Canyonlands in May~32 mi · highs 77°F, 0.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in May~95 mi · highs 74°F, 0.8 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Aspen in May~152 mi · highs 60°F, 1.7 in rain · 10°C (18°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Bryce Canyon in May~161 mi · highs 66°F, 0.6 in rain · 7°C (12°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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Arches?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 95/100. Expect highs of 78°F (25°C) and 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain. May is inside the Mar – May window our Utah Mighty Five route recommends.
How hot is Arches in May?
Average highs are 78°F (25°C) and average lows 50°F (10°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Arches in May?
Not much: about 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 11.9 in (302 mm).
What should I pack for Arches in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (78°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 50°F), lip balm and moisturizer (dry air) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in May
- Utah Mighty Five Mar – May
Planning Arches in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.