Moab in January is basically a ghost town compared to the spring madness. You’ve got the red rocks, the silent arches, and almost zero lines at the park gates. But the air? Honestly, it feels refrigerated. If you are looking at the 14 day weather forecast moab utah, you need to look past the "sunny" icons and focus on the temperature swings. They are brutal.
Right now, as of January 15, 2026, it is 53°F and sunny. Sounds pleasant, right? Don't let that fool you. By tonight, it’s dropping to 25°F. That is a nearly 30-degree cliff. If you’re out on a trail when that sun dips behind a canyon wall, you’ll feel the temperature plummet in real-time. It’s wild.
Reading the 14 day weather forecast moab utah Like a Local
Most tourists see a "sunny" forecast and pack a light hoodie. Big mistake. Huge. The desert in winter is a game of survival by layering. Over the next two weeks, the highs are hovering between 47°F and 53°F, while the lows are consistently bottoming out between 24°F and 31°F.
Here is what the next week actually looks like:
Thursday is our peak at 53°F. Friday cools down to 48°F. Saturday and Sunday stay crisp at 47°F and 48°F. Monday through Wednesday keep that same energy, with highs barely cracking 50°F.
The "dry cold" people talk about is real. The humidity is sitting around 40% to 58%. Because the air is so dry, it doesn't hold heat. The second the sun goes away, the warmth goes with it. You aren't just fighting the air temperature; you're fighting the shadows.
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Wind and the "Breeze" Factor
Wind speeds are currently low, around 1 to 3 mph from the northwest. But look at Saturday, January 17. The wind kicks up to 10 mph from the north. In 47-degree weather, a 10 mph north wind turns a "brisk walk" into a "why do I live here" situation. Always check the wind direction. If it’s coming from the north in January, double your insulation.
Why "Sunny" is a Trap
We see a lot of "sunny" and "mostly sunny" in the upcoming forecast. Great for photos? Yes. Great for warmth? Not necessarily.
The UV index is a measly 2. You won't get much Vitamin D or warmth from those rays. Also, while the precipitation chance is currently 0% for the next few days, keep an eye on Wednesday, January 21. There’s a 5% chance of snow. In the desert, 5% often means nothing, but if a rogue cloud hits the La Sal Mountains, it can dump a "dusting" that turns the red rocks into a skating rink.
I’ve seen people try to hike the Delicate Arch trail in sneakers after a "dusting." It’s a disaster. The slickrock becomes literal ice. If the forecast mentions even a hint of snow, bring traction devices like Yaktrax.
The Gear You Actually Need
Forget the fashion. You need function.
- Base layers: Synthetic or wool. No cotton. Cotton is the enemy. If you sweat even a little and then stop, cotton stays wet and freezes you.
- The "Big Coat": A down jacket is your best friend.
- Gloves and Beanies: You’ll want these even during the day if you’re standing still taking photos.
- Footwear: Lined boots with serious grip. The sand can be loose, and the ice can be invisible.
Real Talk on National Park Conditions
Arches and Canyonlands are higher in elevation than the town of Moab. While it’s 53°F in town, it might be 50°F or lower at the Island in the Sky district.
The breeze is sharper up there.
Wait.
Check the forecast for Thursday, January 22. High of 52°F, but the night condition is "mostly cloudy." Clouds at night are actually your friend in the winter; they act like a blanket and keep the temp from hitting those deep 20s. But during the day? Clouds just steal your sun-warmth.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
If you're heading out in the next 14 days, do these three things:
- Hydrate anyway. You won't feel thirsty because it's cold, but the desert air is literally sucking the moisture out of your skin and lungs. Drink a gallon a day.
- Start late, end early. The "sweet spot" for hiking is 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Before or after that, you're dealing with the deep freeze.
- Check the "Night-time Precipitation" field. Even if the day looks clear, a 10% chance of night snow (like on Jan 22) means the roads could be black ice by sunrise.
The 14 day weather forecast moab utah shows a stable, cold, and beautiful window for the desert. It’s the best time to see the landscape without the crowds, provided you respect the thermometer. Pack heavy, hike light, and keep an eye on those northwest winds.