Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Canyonlands in October
Canyonlands cools off: highs slip to 67°F (19°C), from 82°F in September, with lows of 41°F (5°C) and about 1.1 in (27 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
- 67°F (19°C)
- Avg low
- 41°F (5°C)
- Rain
- 1.1 in (27 mm)
- Humidity
- 41%
- Cloud cover
- 36%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 59 min
- Comfort score
- 98/100 · Great
What October feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 67°F (19°C), good for long walks.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 41°F (5°C), about 14°C (26°F) below the afternoon high.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 1.1 in (27 mm) of rain.
Plan around October
October is one of Canyonlands's best months on the climate data.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, August – October.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by November, the score drops to 75/100.
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 9°C (16°F) from September.
- Comfort holds steady from September (96 → 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 41°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Canyonlands in October
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Moab Diner
Retro diner on Main Street serving green chile, burgers and big breakfasts.
Why now October scores 98/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Shafer Canyon Overlook
Look down on the switchbacks of the Shafer Trail dropping to the White Rim.
Why now Highs near 67°F and 1.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Green River Overlook
Easy view over the winding Green River and the White Rim.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Overlook 2,000 ft above a gooseneck bend of the Colorado River.
Moab Coffee Roasters
Main Street coffee and gelato stop for an early start before the drive to the park.
Nearby in October
- Arches in October~32 mi · highs 68°F, 1.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in October~75 mi · highs 66°F, 1.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Bryce Canyon in October~136 mi · highs 58°F, 1.2 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Aspen in October~175 mi · highs 54°F, 1.7 in rain · 7°C (13°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Canyonlands in October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Canyonlands?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 98/100. Expect highs of 67°F (19°C) and 1.1 in (27 mm) of rain. Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so October is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Canyonlands in October?
Average highs are 67°F (19°C) and average lows 41°F (5°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Canyonlands in October?
Not much: about 1.1 in (27 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 9.1 in (230 mm).
What should I pack for Canyonlands in October?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 41°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Canyonlands
Planning Canyonlands in October?
Share this October plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.