Moab in July: A 12-Part Series

Planning a trip to Moab in July 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 July

Moab in July is extreme summer. It is also surprisingly good for crowd averse travelers who are willing to schedule around heat and focus on early and late adventures.

Weather in July

Average highs in July reach the upper 90s to around 100 °F, with lows in the mid to upper 60s °F. Afternoon thunderstorms often begin in earnest, bringing brief downpours, lightning, and cooler temperatures.

You will still have long days, but midafternoon is often too hot for serious exertion.

• Hiking: Strictly a dawn to midmorning and evening activity.
• Driving: Roads can steam after storms, and flash floods can temporarily cross low spots.
• Photography: Early and late light combined with storm clouds can be spectacular.

What’s Open in July

Operations are fully summer mode, with one key advantage.

• Arches: Timed entry is in effect through July 6. From July 7 to August 27, 2025, the park suspends timed entry because visitation drops in the extreme heat. You still need an entrance pass or to pay the fee, but you can enter any time.
• Canyonlands: All districts open with normal summer operations.
• State parks and BLM: Open and hot.
• Town and tours: Tour operators often offer sunrise and sunset focused trips to beat the heat.

Crowd Levels in July

Moab in July has significant visitation, but the heat keeps many casual travelers away or inactive in the core of the day.

• Mornings at major viewpoints still draw people, but you will find more space than in April or May.
• Some families visit during school holidays, so expect a varied crowd, but not peak stress levels.

Photo Plan for Moab in July

July photography is all about heat management and storm timing.

Key July subjects

1. Monsoon clouds and lightning
   • If monsoon patterns set up, afternoon clouds can make for dramatic vistas.
   • Lightning is dangerous, so shoot from safe locations and never stay on exposed rims in active thunderstorms.
2. Milky Way at convenient hours
   • The core is high in the sky during prime nighttime hours.
3. Dusty light and silhouettes
   • Low sun flaring through dust and haze creates warm, hazy light perfect for silhouettes and moody scenes.

Daylight plan for Moab in July

• Pre dawn and sunrise:
  • Start very early to hike in cooler temps.
  • Capture sunrise at Delicate Arch, Windows, Mesa Arch, or Dead Horse Point.
• Morning:
  • Short hikes like Sand Dune Arch, Park Avenue, and Island in the Sky rim stops.
• Afternoon:
  • Rest, swim, or enjoy air conditioned spaces. Monitor radar and forecasts if storms are expected.
• Late afternoon and sunset:
  • Position yourself at safe, accessible viewpoints like Dead Horse Point or Island in the Sky overlooks for storm light.
  • Stay flexible and ready to move if storms become too close.
• Night:
  • Milky Way shoots at Balanced Rock, Windows, Panorama Point, or Green River Overlook.

Recommended gear

• Wide and midrange lenses for night and storm scenes
• Telephoto for isolating storm cells and distant peaks
• Sturdy tripod
• Lens cloths to deal with dust and occasional raindrops
• Rain cover or plastic bag for quick protection

Sample 3-Day Itinerary for July

Packing and Gear List for July

• Maximum sun protection clothing
• 4 to 5 liters of water daily
• Electrolytes and salty snacks
• Light rain jacket for storms
• Cooling bandana or neck gaiter
• Dry bags for electronics during river trips or storms

Safety and Road Conditions in July

• Monitor monsoon forecasts. Avoid slot canyons or drainages if storms are possible, even many miles away.
• Lightning is a serious hazard. Move away from exposed ridges and open areas when storms approach.
• Backcountry roads can be deeply rutted or muddy after heavy downpours, even if they were dusty a few hours earlier.

Visit Moab in July

Visiting Moab in July 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.