Arches in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 64/100 · #5 of 12 months
January is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Arches National Park: crowds run 19% of the May peak (36,146 average visits), days average 42°F with 9.7 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in January
Arches averages 36,146 recreation visits in January — 19% of what May, the peak month, draws — the quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — this is genuine quiet-season territory.
Weather & daylight
It is properly cold (highs average 42°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 22°F). It is typically dry (0.6″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.7 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station ARCHES NP HQS, UT US (9 mi from park coordinates, 4,093 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of January.
What to pack for Arches in January
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 22°F, below freezing
- Headlamp — only 9.7 hours of daylight in mid-January
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Arches are February and March.
Also at their best in January
Other parks whose computed January verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Channel Islands in January — 35% of peak crowds, highs 66°F, score 76/100
- Zion in January — 23% of peak crowds, highs 54°F, score 76/100
- Carlsbad Caverns in January — 38% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 73/100
- Mammoth Cave in January — 15% of peak crowds, highs 48°F, score 70/100
Common questions
Is Arches crowded in January?
No — January is one of the quieter months: 19% of the May peak, averaging 36,146 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Arches in January?
Average highs of 42°F, lows of 22°F, 0.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, ARCHES NP HQS, UT US station).
What should I pack for Arches in January?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Headlamp; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-09-12