Moab in October: Weather Info, Travel Tips, and Things to Do for 2024
WONDERING IF VISITING MOAB IN OCTOBER IS A GOOD IDEA?
You’ve landed on the right article! We have spent months traveling around Southern Utah and I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about visiting Moab in October. As one of the best months to visit, you’re sure to have a great vacation in Moab, Utah in October.
From the stunning sunrises that light up the rocky landscape of red deserts to the mesmerizing sunsets that bring out the stars, Moab is sure to take your breath away and a must-see on anyone’s bucket list!
This article on visiting Moab in October will provide you with all the essential details to help you plan a thrilling journey to this beautiful region filled with outdoor adventures. Our first trip to Moab was for a couple of weeks in October and we enjoyed great weather. We’ll cover the best time to visit, weather conditions, travel tips, and all the wonderful things you can do in Moab.
Is October a Good Time to Visit Moab?
Yes, October is a great time to visit Moab, Utah in the United States. The temperature is starting to cool down from the hot summer months like August. While the trend for the weather is cooling, however, there can still be some hot days. especially towards the beginning of the month.
Our last visit to Moab was towards the middle to the end of October. We stayed for about two weeks and had great weather the entire time. You can expect warmer temperatures during the day, but it does cool down quite a bit in the evenings. However, on the day we left, there was a large snowstorm, so there can be large swings in the weather temperatures.
Although you might get some occasional showers, there are plenty of outdoor and indoor activities to enjoy in Moab. Visiting in October is also a great time to observe Arches National Park’s red-rock formations.
The postcard-perfect landscapes and scenery are a sight to behold during this magical time of year. With so much to explore and enjoy, Moab is an ideal destination for any traveler looking to get away from the haste of the city and experience some of nature’s most stunning offerings.
Weather in Moab in October
In the months of July and August, the weather in Moab is starting to heat up to the warm summer temperatures. By September and into October, you can expect these daily high temperatures to be cooling. October is one of the last months before it gets cold in Moab.
You can expect daily high temperatures ranging from 60°F to70°F. The daily low temperatures in Moab in October range from 45°F to 50°F.
Overall, the weather in Moab in October is pleasant. You should bring a light jacket to wear in the evenings and overnight. Forty to fifty degrees at night in the desert can feel cold.
By comparison, the weather in July, the hottest month, has daytime temperatures around 95°F, while the weather in January is much colder, with daily average highs ranging from 20°F to 38°F with low humidity.
Average Temperature in Moab in October
- Average high temperature in Moab in October: 63°F
- Average low temperature in Moab in October: 46°F
- What are the hottest months in Moab? July-August, with an average high of about 90°F
- What are the coldest months in Moab? December-January
Average Wind Speed in Moab in October
March through June are the windier months in Moab. The average wind speed in October is 5.5 mph.
Average Rainfall in Moab in October
In terms of rain, you can expect an above-average amount of rainfall compared to the rest of the year. You can expect about 0.67″ of rain.
Things to do in Moab in October
If you are thinking of what to do in Moab, Utah, in October, you will find plenty of outdoor activities and things to do in Moab with kids. With numerous attractions, outdoor recreation, and camping spots nearby, there is plenty to do and explore. It is a great place to enjoy a short hike, a scenic drive, or mountain bike on a slickrock trail.
Here are the top activities you can enjoy in Moab during October.
Arches National Park in October
For stunning landscapes and thrilling outdoor activities, Arches National Park is the place to be in Moab in October. With more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches and dramatic red rocks, visitors have plenty to explore, especially on the Windows Trail.
You will still need to make a reservation to get into the park. Tickets will be required from 7 am to 4 pm daily.
Reservations for the month of October start on July 1st at 8 am MST. Tickets are available three months in advance in monthly blocks. You can make your reservation at Recreation.gov. If you aren’t able to get tickets ahead of time, a few tickets are available one-day before at 6 pm MDT through Recreation.gov.
If you aren’t able to get tickets, you can enter the park after 4 pm. We went to the park one evening after 4 pm and had a great time.
Tip: Book this Self-Guided Audio Tour for Arches to get the most out of your trip through this beautiful national park!
Hiking trails, rock climbing, and off-roading are among the most popular activities at Arches. It is also home to Delicate Arch, one of the best hikes in Utah. We also enjoyed visiting Sand Dune Arch with our kids and exploring the Queens Garden Trail.
If you don’t want to drive yourself through the park and want to see the less visited parts of the park, there is a great Arches National Park 4×4 tour that will take you along the backroads in the park where hardly anyone visits with many stops including Eye of the Whale Arch and Tower Arch.
If you are concerned about the heat or cold, this is a great option for staying cool or warm in a vehicle with climate-controlled temperatures.
Canyonlands National Park in October
Located near Arches, Canyonlands National Park offers some of the most amazing views of the Utah desert. When comparing Arches vs Canyonlands, you can expect large scenic views in Canyonlands.
With over 300 miles of trails, like the Mesa Arch trail, visitors have plenty of opportunities to explore. It is a good place for mountain biking and Jeep trails that offer the thrill of navigating through precarious terrain like on the Shafer Trail switchbacks.
Tip: Book this Self-Guided Audio Tour for Canyonlands to get the most out of your trip through this beautiful national park!
Moab temperatures in October are pleasant. You can enjoy the hiking trails and viewpoints in the Island in the Sky section of the park anytime throughout the day. We absolutely loved the time we spent in Canyonlands during our last trip to Moab.
We rented a jeep through Moab Adventure Center, explored the White Rim Trail, and spent another day visiting the different viewpoints and hikes throughout the park. This is a great way to spend a day in Canyonlands National Park. Driving the White Rim Road in a vehicle with air conditioning is also a great way to beat the hot summer temperatures and the cold winters.
If you’re interested in exploring the White Rim Trail, you can either rent a jeep and drive yourself or go on a guided tour. This is a great way to beat the crowds in the national park and enjoy the beautiful views down in the Canyon. You can read more about our experience in our White Rim Trail Guide.
▶ BOOK Canyonlands Half-Day Tour
Mountain Biking in Moab in October
Mountain biking is one of the best activities in Moab during October. The weather is beautiful with cooler temperatures to enjoy. Whether you’re an expert or a first-timer, Moab has something for everyone and is truly a paradise for mountain bikers. Pack enough gear with you to enjoy a full day of riding.
One of the best places to go mountain biking in the area is Dead Horse Point State Park, and the Sand Flatts Recreation Area. The views from this state park are gorgeous. If you don’t have your own mountain biking gear but want to give it a try, you can join a Moab mountain biking tour, which provides trail guidance and gear.
Hiking in Moab in October
Aside from mountain biking, visitors can explore Moab’s extensive trail network on foot. Many trails span from Arches and Canyonlands National Park to the edge of the Colorado River. Take a 3–4-hour hike for an invigorating day exploring the great outdoors and marvel at the stunning scenery of the area.
Make sure to bring plenty of water, a hat, sun protection, and other essentials with you. Corona Arch and Jeep Arch are two of our favorite hikes in the area if you want to stay out of the national parks.
There is a possibility for some warmer days, so it will be best to hike earlier in the day or in the afternoon as temperatures start to cool down for the day. We visited Moab this time of year and found hiking in the late afternoon to be great.
Jeep Tour
For a unique look at desert scenery, go on a Moab jeep tour and discover the hidden gems in this area. These tours will take you to some off-the-beaten-path sites and breathtaking viewpoints, all while sharing the stories and history of the local area.
You can either rent a jeep with a driver, or you can book a tour where you get to drive. Either way, you will have a great time exploring the 4×4 trails in Moab.
Camping in Moab in October
Moab offers a great opportunity for camping out in the wilderness, whether you’d like to set up a tent off the beaten path or in a more established camping area. Many camping spots offer amenities like fire rings, lakes, and picnic tables.
Popular camping areas include Dead Horse Point, Arches National Park, and Grandstaff Canyon. There is also tons of dispersed camping in Moab! Keep in mind that in October, you can experience warm temperatures during the day with cooler temperatures overnight.
The weather in October is great for boondocking. You won’t be too hot or too cold so you can get away with not using your AC and little heat at night.
Off-Roading Near Moab
Adventurers looking for a thrill can explore the rugged off-road trails that wind through Utah’s landscape. During October, there are plenty of off-road trails close to Moab, from novice routes to daredevil courses.
A number of the trails can be navigated with relatively modest vehicles, while some require an off-road vehicle, such as an ATV, OHV, or Jeep. Make sure to adhere to off-road safety precautions and respect the environment when riding or driving.
This is one of our favorite things to do in Moab, and we recommend exploring these trails for at least a couple of hours or on a tour if needed. If you have the time and equipment, you could spend days or weeks and love every minute of it.
We have explored a good number of the trails there and always enjoy driving Hell’s Revenge, Poison Spider, and Fins and Things. You can read more about these trails in our Moab Off-Road Trails Guide.
▶ BOOK a 4×4 Tour of Hell’s Revenge
Participate in a Special Event
You know it’s fall in Moab when the temperatures dip and the races start up again. Take a look at the events happening in Moab in October.
- The Arches Marathon and Half, 50K, 15K takes place October 7th. This route offers the best of Moab – jeep road, slickrock, and sandy washes.
- Moab 240 is an endurance run taking place October 13-18. The route takes you 240 miles through desert, canyons, and mountain ranges.
- Moab Jeep Jamboree is happening October 26-28. This off-road adventure weekend brings Jeep enthusiasts and the vehicles they love so much together.
- Canyonlands Ultra – Canyonlands 100 Mile, 125K, 50 Mile, Marathon, Half Marathon, and 15K takes place October 28-29. Starting and finishing on the Behind the Rocks Trail, the Canyonlands Ultra will push participants physically and mentally.
Is Moab busy in October?
Moab tends to be fairly busy in October as outdoor enthusiasts visit to take advantage of the cooling temperatures. You will see fewer families in the area, however, as kids’ athletics and schools start. When we visited Moab in October, we ran into the biggest crowds getting into the national parks. Outside of that, we didn’t feel like the area was overly crowded.
October is a popular time for visitors to come to Moab to enjoy activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and visiting the national parks.
However, Moab is a large and expansive area, so even if it is busy, it is still possible to find solitude and enjoy the beauty of the area. It is a good idea to plan ahead and make reservations if you are planning to visit Moab in April through October, as accommodations can fill up quickly during this time.
What to Bring to Moab in October
The weather in Moab in October is pleasant, with warmer temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. If you are going to be outdoors during the day, you should be prepared with plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen, and good hiking shoes. At night you will want a light jacket.
Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Shoes
The Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Shoes are a great choice for Moab because they are designed to provide superior cushioning and support on rough terrain.
They are waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about wet feet, and the advanced traction rubber soles provide slip-free movement.
▶ SHOP Columbia Men’s Hiking Shoes
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Shoes
The Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Shoes are perfect to bring because they are made from a combination of supportive leather and suede that is waterproof.
The TECH LITE lightweight midsole provides long-lasting comfort with superior cushioning and high energy return. This makes these shoes perfect for adventurous days on the trails.
▶ SHOP Columbia Women’s Hiking Shoes
Women’s Classic-Fit Long-Sleeve Full-Zip Fleece Jacket
The Women’s Classic-Fit Long-Sleeve Full-Zip Fleece Jacket is a great choice for Moab in October because it will keep you warm and comfortable in cooler weather. It’s made from soft, fuzzy polar fleece fabric and has a full-length zipper closure for added protection from the elements.
Men’s Full-Zip Polar Fleece Jacket
The Men’s Full-Zip Polar Fleece Jacket is another excellent choice for Moab in October. It’s easy to wear, with a relaxed fit through the chest and a tapered waist for a more flattering silhouette. The soft, warm, and fuzzy polar fleece fabric will keep you comfortable in cooler temperatures.
Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket
The Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket is a must-have for Moab because it’s made from waterproof nylon shell material that will protect you from rain and drizzle. It’s lightweight and easy to pack, making it a great layering piece for any outdoor activity.
How to Get to Moab
By Air
The nearest major airport to Moab is the Salt Lake City International Airport. It is about a 4-hour drive from Moab. From the airport, you can rent a car and make the drive to Moab, or you can take a shuttle service.
There are also a few smaller airports in the area, such as the Grand Junction Regional Airport, which is a 2-hour drive from Moab. The Canyonlands Field Airport is a 10-minute drive from Moab.
By Car
Driving is a popular way to get to Moab, Utah. The city is easily accessible by car from many major cities in the Southwest.
From Salt Lake City, take I-15 south to I-70 east and then south on US-191. Alternatively, you can take a more panoramic route by heading south on I-15, taking US-6 southeast to I-70 east, then south on US-191 to Moab. The drive from Salt Lake City to Arches National Park is approximately 3.75 hours.
From Denver, take I-70 west to US-191 south to Moab. For a scenic route, take I-70 west to UT-128 Southwest to Moab. If you are coming from southwestern Colorado, take CO-90 west/UT-46 west to US-191 north to Moab. The drive from Denver to Moab takes approximately 5.5 hours.
From Las Vegas, take I-15 north to I-70 east to US-191 south to Moab. Many scenic byways pass through southeastern Utah. The drive from Las Vegas takes approximately 6.5 hours.
From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Flagstaff, Arizona, and then take I-40 east to US-191 north to Moab. The drive from Phoenix takes approximately 7.25 hours.
From Reno, take I-80 east to I-15 south and go through Salt Lake City. Take exit 258 to US-6 east/US-89 south and follow US-89 south to I-70 east. Head south on US-191 to Moab. The drive from Reno takes approximately 11 hours.
Where to Stay in Moab in October
La Quinta by Wyndham Moab (Rating: 8.5/10)
La Quinta by Wyndham Moab is a convenient and comfortable choice for travelers. Located west of the La Sal Mountain Range in the Moab Valley, the hotel is just a 15-minute drive from Arches National Park and a great option if you’re looking for hotels near Canyonlands.
The rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, and free WiFi. Guests can start their day with a hearty breakfast buffet before relaxing in the hot tub or working out in the fitness center. The hotel also has a business center for those who need to catch up on work.
“We only had an overnight stay. Everything was fine, they gave us a discount coupon for the restaurant next door.” – James (Booking Review)
▶ Check Rates & Book: La Quinta by Wyndham Moab
Aarchway Inn (Rating: 9.2/10)
Aarchway Inn is a unique and charming inn located off Highway 191 and a great downtown Moab hotel. This is just a 5-minute drive from the Arches National Park Entrance Station. The inn offers an outdoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. There are spacious rooms with cable TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, and iPod docking stations.
The sandstone-themed rooms also include ceiling fans, seating areas, and en suite bathrooms. The inn also has a 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor basketball court, and barbecue equipment with picnic tables. It is close to a range of outdoor activities.
“This was our first time traveling with our dog, and there was a specific area outside for dogs that made us feel very welcome!” – Adrianna (Booking Review)
▶ Check Rates & Book: Aarchway Inn
Moab Comfort Suites (Rating: 9.2/10)
Comfort Suites Moab near Arches National Park is a great choice for travelers looking for a hotel near Arches with modern amenities. Located in Moab, the hotel features a hot tub and offers free hot breakfast daily.
The guest rooms are equipped with free WiFi, work desks, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, small refrigerators, and en suite bathrooms. The hotel also has a fitness center, business center, laundry facilities, and free parking.
It is just a 5-minute drive from Arches National Park and a 40-minute drive from Corona Arch.
“Great sized room and incredibly comfortable. Staff on reception were really friendly and helpful. Location is perfect for acces to arches and shops/restaurants” – Peter (Booking Review)
▶ Check Rates & Book: Moab Comfort Suites
FAQ: Moab in October
Is October a good month for Moab?
Absolutely! October is a great time to experience the beauty of the Moab desert. The warm summer temperatures are starting to decrease, and you may see a decrease in crowds in the national parks as school is back in session.
Is October a good time to visit Arches National Park?
Yes! October is a good time to visit Arches National Park. Hiking in the afternoon can be hot, but it is much cooler than the hot summer temperatures. There is not a lot of shade on the hiking trails, so make sure to bring sun protection and plenty of water.
How warm is Moab, Utah in October?
In October, Moab starts cooling down from the hot summer temperatures. You can expect the high temperature to be in the mid-70s Fahrenheit. Overnight lows are around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion: Moab in October
Moab, Utah, in October can be a great time to visit for those looking to experience the beauty of the Moab area. From taking a hike and catching the setting sun from Delicate Arch to mountain biking throughout the area, you’ll find plenty of ways to occupy your days and make your stay a memorable one!
From morning coffee to late afternoon adventures, you can experience all that the Moab area has to offer and make memories that will last a lifetime.
