Weather in Monument Valley

Planning a trip to Monument Valley? Check out the most up-to-date weather information, including current readings and detailed forecasts presented below.

The climate in Monument Valley can be described as typical desert and arid. The atmosphere of the real Wild West reigns here: precipitation is extremely low throughout the year, and the sky almost always remains clear. The air here is dry, providing magnificent visibility for viewing the famous red rocks; however, tourists should be prepared for the temperature fluctuations characteristic of the desert.

The seasons are quite distinct. Summer is hot here, with average highs exceeding +30°C, especially in July and August. Winter, on the other hand, is cool, and although daytime temperatures often stay above freezing, nights can be frosty. Spring and autumn are transitional periods often considered the most comfortable for long walks thanks to moderate warmth.

A feature of the local weather is stable dryness: rain is a great rarity here, and even in months with the highest number of "wet days," the volume of precipitation remains minimal. When planning a trip, it is important to remember the contrast between day and night temperatures. Even if the forecast promises a hot day, the evening in the desert can bring sharp coolness, so warm clothing will be useful at any time of year.

The annual temperature regime in Monument Valley is distinguished by distinct seasonality typical of high-altitude desert regions. The coldest time of year is traditionally January with an average temperature of about 0.8°C, while the peak heat occurs in July, when daily averages reach 27.7°C. Such a significant range makes the choice of season a key factor when planning a trip, as the experience of visiting the valley in winter and summer will differ radically.

Summer here is truly sweltering: in June, July, and August, daytime highs consistently exceed 32–34°C. However, thanks to low humidity, the heat is tolerated somewhat more easily than in the tropics. For those who prefer more moderate warmth, the transitional months—May and September—will be ideal. At this time, the average temperature holds in a comfortable range from 18.5°C to 22.0°C, creating excellent conditions for long open-air excursions.

The winter period is characterised by cool and sometimes frosty weather: night temperatures in December and January regularly drop below freezing, reaching marks of -3°C...-4°C. An important feature of the local climate is the sharp temperature fluctuations between day and night, observed year-round. For example, even in hot June, the difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can be about 15 degrees, so travellers are recommended to always have warm clothing with them for the evening.

The climate in which Monument Valley is located is distinguished by exceptional dryness, characteristic of desert regions. Precipitation here is a rare and meagre phenomenon. According to statistics, the level of falling moisture remains minimal throughout the year, often not exceeding 1 mm per month. This makes the valley one of the sunniest and most predictable places for travel within the United States, where rain is unlikely to disrupt your sightseeing plans.

Winter months and the beginning of spring (from January to March) bring the highest number of "wet" days—on average from 5 to 6 per month. Considering that the average temperature at this time fluctuates around zero, and night figures often go into the negatives (for example, in January the minimum is -4.2°C), precipitation can fall as snow. Snow-covered red rocks present an incredibly picturesque spectacle, for the sake of which many photographers specially come here in the cold season.

Summer and late spring are the period of maximum aridity. June is the driest month of the year, when only one day with possible precipitation is recorded on average. In July and August, the number of such days increases slightly (to 3–4), which is usually associated with short-term summer thunderstorms, however, the total volume of precipitation remains practically zero. Heading here in the warm season, one should be prepared for the scorching sun and lack of rain.

When packing for Monument Valley, remember that you are heading to a region with a distinct desert climate. In summer, it can be very hot here, with temperatures rising above 30°C, so be sure to take light, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics, sunglasses with high protection, and a wide-brimmed hat or cap. The sun here is very active, so high-quality sunscreen is a necessity.

However, the desert is deceptive with its temperature changes. In winter, as well as early spring and late autumn, nights can be frosty, and the thermometer often drops below freezing. The best strategy is the principle of layering. Even if it is warm during the day, by evening you will almost certainly need a fleece jacket, windbreaker, or even a warm coat, especially from November to March. Precipitation falls extremely rarely here, so an umbrella is unlikely to be useful, but protection from the wind will not go amiss.

For walking on the famous red sands and rocks, choose comfortable closed-toe shoes with flat soles, for example, trainers or light trekking boots that securely fix the foot. Since the air in the valley is very dry all year round, do not forget to put moisturising cream and lip balm in your luggage, as well as a reusable water bottle to maintain hydration during excursions.