Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Arches in October
Arches cools off: highs slip to 68°F (20°C), from 83°F in September, with lows of 43°F (6°C) and about 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain.
At 98/100 for comfort (the top score of the year), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 68°F (20°C)
- Avg low
- 43°F (6°C)
- Rain
- 1.2 in (31 mm)
- Humidity
- 45%
- Cloud cover
- 36%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 58 min
- Comfort score
- 98/100 · Great
What October feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 68°F (20°C), good for long walks.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 43°F (6°C), about 14°C (25°F) below the afternoon high.
About 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's October.
Plan around October
October is one of Arches's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by November, the score drops to 78/100.
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 9°C (15°F) from September.
- Comfort improves from 93/100 in September to 98/100.
- Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so October falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for October
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 43°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Arches in October
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
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.
Devils Garden Trail
Trail to Landscape Arch, with an optional primitive loop past several more arches.
Why now October scores 98/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Windows Section
North and South Windows and Turret Arch on short trails; Double Arch is next door.
Why now Highs near 68°F and 1.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Moab Brewery
Moab's original brewpub with house beers and a big menu.
Desert Bistro
Moab's best-known fine-dining restaurant, with game meats and local produce.
Nearby in October
- Canyonlands in October~32 mi · highs 67°F, 1.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in October~95 mi · highs 66°F, 1.1 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Aspen in October~152 mi · highs 54°F, 1.7 in rain · 8°C (14°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Bryce Canyon in October~161 mi · highs 58°F, 1.2 in rain · 6°C (10°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 October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Arches?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 98/100. Expect highs of 68°F (20°C) and 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain. Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so October is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Arches in October?
Average highs are 68°F (20°C) and average lows 43°F (6°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Arches in October?
Not much: about 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 11.9 in (302 mm).
What should I pack for Arches in October?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 43°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Arches in October?
Share this October plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.