Moab in June: A 12-Part Series

Planning a trip to Moab in June means dealing with a desert that changes fast from season to season. Weather, crowd levels, trail conditions, and even park rules can look completely different depending on when you visit. This 12-Part Series breaks down what Moab is really like month by month so you can plan with confidence instead of guesswork.

Below you’ll find practical details on weather, what’s open, photography conditions, and how these factors shape your time in the parks. Whether you’re chasing sunrise light in Arches or heading out for longer hikes in Canyonlands, this month-specific guide gives you a clear picture of what to expect and how to make the most of your trip.

Moab in June

Moab in June is hot, bright, and busy. If you plan well and schedule around the heat, Moab in June can still be an excellent month for long days of adventure and shimmering desert light.

Weather in June

Average highs in June climb into the low to mid 90s °F, with lows in the mid 50s to low 60s °F. Humidity is low, and the sun is intense.

Daylight stretches close to its annual maximum, with very early sunrises and late sunsets. Afternoon temperatures often feel brutal in full sun.

• Hiking: Best done from dawn to midmorning or in the evening.
• Driving: Roads are dry and hot.
• Photography: Midday is harsh. Plan for dawn, dusk, and night.

What’s Open in June

June is full summer operations.

• Arches: Timed entry reservations are required between 7 am and 4 pm through July 6.
• Canyonlands: All districts are open, though some remote backcountry routes may be restricted due to heat or conditions.
• State parks and BLM: Everything is open, but some campgrounds can fill early.
• Town and tours: Full slate of tours, with many operators shifting to early morning or twilight departures to avoid the worst heat.

Crowd Levels in June

Moab in June is peak summer season, though some visitors avoid the heat, so crowds are not quite as intense as April and May shoulder seasons.

• Expect solid visitation, especially on weekends.
• Timed entry spreads out Arches arrivals.
• Early mornings and late evenings are still your best bet for quieter experiences.

Photo Plan for Moab in June

June is a month for extreme light, clear skies, and night photography.

Key June subjects

1. Milky Way and starry skies
   • Warm nights and relatively dry air make June one of the best night sky months.
2. High contrast canyon scenes
   • Use the sharp light for graphic compositions, silhouettes, and long shadow work.
3. Desert storms (late June)
   • Depending on the year, early monsoon patterns may begin, creating dramatic clouds.

Daylight plan for Moab in June

• Pre dawn and sunrise:
  • Start well before sunrise to maximize cool temperatures.
  • Hit Delicate Arch, Windows, or Mesa Arch for sunrise.
• Morning:
  • Short hikes in Devils Garden, Island in the Sky, or Dead Horse Point. Much after 10 or 11 am can feel punishing.
• Afternoon:
  • Rest in town, download images, edit, or visit indoor exhibits.
• Evening and night:
  • Sunset at Dead Horse Point or Grand View Point.
  • Milky Way photography at Balanced Rock, Windows, or Panorama Point.

Recommended gear

• Wide angle lens and fast prime for night sky (for example, 14 to 24 mm at f/2.8 or faster)
• Midrange zoom and telephoto for canyon work
• Tripod, remote, and headlamp
• Plenty of batteries and memory cards, since long exposures add up

Sample 3-Day Itinerary for June

Packing and Gear List for June

• Highly breathable, sun protective clothing
• 4 liters of water capacity minimum for hikes
• Electrolytes and salty snacks
• Sun hoodie or UPF long sleeve shirt
• Light insulating layer for late night shoots only
• Cooling towel or bandana

Safety and Road Conditions in June

• Heat related illness is the main risk. Start hikes early, know your limits, and turn back if anyone feels off.
• Always carry more water than you think you need.
• Avoid metal railings and dark rock surfaces in midday, which can become painfully hot.
• Backcountry roads are dry but unforgiving. A breakdown in June heat can be serious. Carry extra water, tools, and a way to signal for help.

Visit Moab in June

Visiting Moab in June comes with its own mix of challenges and rewards, and knowing what the month brings helps you travel smarter, safer, and with better photos to show for it. Use this guide as your starting point, then build an itinerary that matches your comfort level, the weather, and the type of adventure you want most.

If you’re still deciding when to visit, or you want to compare conditions across the seasons, check out the other articles in the series. Each guide breaks down the same key details so you can quickly see how the desert shifts from winter to spring, summer, and fall. Exploring a few different months will help you pick the perfect time for your next Moab trip.

If you’re still choosing the perfect season for your trip, take a look at the other guides in this series.