Discover

America’s Canyonlands

Spanning the American Southwest, the Canyonlands region is a spectacular tapestry of towering cliffs, winding canyons and sunbaked deserts that stretch across Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. Iconic national parks such as Canyonlands, Arches and Monument Valley showcase dramatic sandstone formations, natural arches and sweeping mesas, while the Colorado River carves its way through some of the most striking landscapes in the country. Visitors can base themselves in hub cities like Moab, Flagstaff or Santa Fe before venturing into the wilderness for hiking, river rafting, or scenic drives along legendary routes such as Route 66. With vast deserts, star-filled skies and unforgettable geological wonders, America’s Canyonlands offer an immersive journey into the raw, rugged beauty of the Southwest.

Please note that the estimated temperature, rainfall and recommended months of when to go are based on Moab’s weather patterns

Where to Book

Holiday Highlights

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

7℃J
11℃F
18℃M
23℃A
28℃M
35℃J
38℃J
36℃A
32℃S
24℃O
14℃N
8℃D

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

Winter brings crisp, clear days with highs around 6–8°C. Snow dusts the red-rock mesas and buttes, highlighting the park’s dramatic formations. Trails are quiet, ideal for photography and short hikes, while early sunsets cast striking shadows across canyons. Milder temperatures in lower elevations make riverwalks and scenic drives accessible.

February

Cool but steadily bright, with highs of 8–10°C. Desert winds can make mornings sharp, yet the dry climate keeps days pleasant. It’s an excellent time for exploring overlooks, photographing arches and mesas, or cycling the less-frequented park roads before the spring crowds arrive.

March

Spring emerges with highs around 13–15°C. Daylight lengthens and wildflowers begin appearing along canyon rims and desert washes. Hiking and climbing become increasingly comfortable, while the contrast between red sandstone and green scrub offers striking visuals. Evenings are crisp but clear for stargazing.

April

Warmth grows, with highs around 18–20°C and minimal rainfall. Trails and viewpoints are ideal for longer treks or multi-day adventures. Rafting in the Colorado and Green rivers begins to pick up, and the desert landscape glows under clear skies. Spring festivals in nearby towns provide a cultural complement to outdoor exploration.

May

Hotter days arrive, with highs reaching 23–27°C. Hiking, mountain biking, and canyoneering are at their best in the early morning and late afternoon. Scenic drives, photography, and guided tours through less-visited backcountry sections are highly rewarding. Wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep and falcons, is more visible in open areas.

June

High summer brings temperatures of 30–32°C, with dry heat in the canyons. Early mornings are prime for hiking, climbing, and river trips, while midday calls for shaded breaks or exploring slot canyons. Evening light transforms sandstone cliffs into vivid reds and oranges, ideal for photography.

July

The desert is hot, highs frequently 32–35°C, and thunderstorms occasionally sweep across canyons. Hiking during midday is best avoided; focus shifts to early morning walks, rafting, or exploring natural arches in the shade. Nights remain pleasantly cool, allowing stargazing in vast, clear skies.

August

Heat persists, tempered by occasional monsoon storms that bring short bursts of rain and dramatic skies. Afternoon hikes are less comfortable, but early-morning canyon treks or river adventures remain rewarding. The desert landscape is especially vibrant after summer showers.

September

Temperatures ease to 25–28°C, with lower humidity and calmer conditions. It’s a prime period for trekking, photography, and off-road exploration. Wildlife activity increases, and the risk of summer storms diminishes. Evenings are ideal for campfires and observing the Milky Way above isolated canyons.

October

Autumn brings mild, clear days around 18–22°C. Foliage in riparian areas contrasts sharply with the red rock, and hiking, biking, and climbing are comfortable throughout the day. Scenic drives and viewpoint visits are highly recommended, while fewer visitors mean quieter trails.

November

Cooling continues, highs around 12–15°C, with crisp mornings and longer shadows across canyons. Trails remain accessible, though higher elevations can see frost. Desert flora begins to fade, but wildlife such as mule deer and desert birds remain active. The landscape is dramatic in low-angle sunlight.

December

Winter returns with highs of 6–9°C. Snow occasionally dusts canyon rims and mesas, creating striking contrasts against the red stone. Trails are quiet, and day trips along scenic drives offer uninterrupted views. Early sunsets make evening photography spectacular, while daytime conditions are ideal for short hikes.

Our Ratings

Most Recommended
Recommended
Highly Recommended
Not Recommended

Where to book

For nearly 80 years, Ramble Worldwide has been the UK’s leading independent walking holiday specialist. With 300+ curated small-group trips across the UK, Europe and worldwide, it blends iconic highlights with authentic discoveries, expert leaders and graded routes for all abilities – creating inspiring, purposeful adventures on foot.

Visit website for more info

More info