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Arches · March

Arches in March

March is the busiest time to visit Arches — busier than February, quieter than April.

Expect peak crowds (9/10), highs near 64°F, and about 11.9 hours of daylight.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

9/10
Peak

The park's busiest time. Reservations, early starts, and patience recommended.

About 83% of this park's busiest month.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →

Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe

Visitation

Typical March visits vs. the year

March (typical)147,905
Peak — April177,486
Quietest — January59,162

March draws about 10% of Arches’s yearly visitors.

Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Weather

March weather

Avg high
64°F
Avg low
36°F
Precipitation
0.8"
Sunrise
6:29 AM
Sunset
6:25 PM
Daylight
11.9h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Moab

What's open

Arches in March: access

Open 24 hours; timed entry required most daytime hours in peak season

No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.

Source: NPS Data API

Conditions

Current alerts

  • Information

    Trip-planning tips for 2026

    Planning to visit Arches this year? To ensure the best experience, please anticipate potentially long wait times at the entrance station. If trailhead parking is full, plan to return a little later. Please avoid parking on vegetation and roadways to help preserve this beautiful place for everyone to enjoy.

  • Information

    Timed-entry reservations required

    From April through October, a timed-entry ticket is required to drive into the park between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

    Details on nps.gov →

Source: NPS Data API

Context

Arches crowds across the year

January: 4/10 crowdJanFebruary: 6/10 crowdFebMarch: 9/10 crowd9MarApril: 10/10 crowdAprMay: 10/10 crowdMayJune: 8/10 crowdJunJuly: 6/10 crowdJulAugust: 6/10 crowdAugSeptember: 8/10 crowdSepOctober: 10/10 crowdOctNovember: 7/10 crowdNovDecember: 4/10 crowdDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in March

FAQ

Arches in March

How busy is Arches in March?

March rates 9/10 for crowds (Peak) at Arches National Park — about 83% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 147,905.

What is the weather like at Arches in March?

In March, Arches averages a high of 64°F and a low of 36°F, with about 0.8 inches of precipitation.

How much does it cost to visit Arches?

Entrance to Arches costs $30 ($30 per private vehicle, valid 7 days; timed-entry reservations Apr to Oct).

Do I need a reservation to visit Arches in March?

A reservation may be required: Timed-entry reservations required. From April through October, a timed-entry ticket is required to drive into the park between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Confirm current requirements on nps.gov before you visit.

When is Arches least crowded?

Arches is quietest in January and December. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.

How many hours of daylight does Arches get in March?

In mid-March, Arches gets about 11.9 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:29 AM and sunset around 6:25 PM.