One of the first things you need to decide when planning a trip to the Southwest is when to visit Monument Valley.
The Tribal Park is open all year, but varies greatly throughout the year. So the best time to visit Monument Valley depends on your interests, preference for weather, and tolerance for crowds.
I’m James and I’m a national park expert. In this article, I’ll give you a quick summary of the best times to visit Monument Valley so you can make the right decision.
While this is my choice for the best time to go to Monument Valley, the park is great throughout the year. I have also provided a detailed breakdown by season and every month so you can easily see what to expect and then make your own choice.
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The Best Time To Visit Monument Valley in a Nutshell
The weather in Monument Valley is best during the months of April – May and September – October. During these spring and fall periods, the weather is comfortably warm, yet not too hot. There are also fewer people at these times of year, so if you can travel then, this is the best time to go to Monument Valley.
The summer months of June, July and August are hot (and crowded) and winter can be cold, with freezing overnight temperatures during December, January and February. November and March are a little milder, though, and winter is very peaceful at the park.
When is the best time of year to visit Monument Valley (for different interests?
The best temperatures
You can expect warm and pleasant weather in Monument Valley during the months of April, May, September and October. It can be too cold for comfort, for some, between November and March, while in June, July and August the desert can get very hot.
The best time to avoid the crowds
The most peaceful time of the year at Monument Valley is winter, between November and March. However, spring and fall are also quieter than summer, so visit during these shoulder seasons if you want warm but not overly hot weather, with fewer people to share the views with.
The best time to travel in summer
June is a little cooler than July, and also drier than August. During early June in particular, the park can be quieter than later in the summer.
The best time to travel on a budget
Winter tends to be the cheapest time to visit Monument Valley, except for the Christmas and New Year period. To avoid that and seasonal park closures, November, February and March are the best time for budget travelers to visit.
The best time to see Mitten Shadow Day
Twice a year, at sunset at the start of spring and in early fall, Mitten Shadow Day occurs. This is when West Mitten Butte casts a shadow on East Mitten Butte. This happens around 30th March and 13th September annually, though exact dates do vary.
The worst time to visit Monument Valley
The worst time to visit Monument Valley in terms of crowds and searing heat is July and August.
Winter is the coldest time, but is also the quietest, so it’s suitable for those seeking solitude and who don’t mind chilly temperatures. By contrast, April, May, September and October are the best times to visit, with warm but not hot weather and less crowding than in summer.
Check my detailed breakdown of what to expect every month in the year for much more detailed information.
Travel Insurance for Monument Valley
No matter when is the best time to go to Monument Valley, you should definitely get travel insurance. This can protect you not only against medical and emergency repatriation, but can also cover things like trip cancellation, loss and/ or theft of property, etc.
A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:
Enjoy Monument Valley!
You might also like
Monument Valley Guide
Complete Guide To Hiking The Wildcat Trail
Closest Airport To Monument Valley
Best Books about Monument Valley
How to Get to Monument Valley
What do you think is the best time of day to visit Monument Valley? Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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