Best Time to Raft in Moab
The Moab season runs roughly April through October, but the river you get in May and the river you get in September are barely the same sport. This page sorts the season by what you actually want out of a trip.
Late May and early June for the biggest whitewater. July and August for warm water and family trips. September and October for the best weather, fewest people and easiest permits. If you only care about comfort, go in September.
Pick By What You Want
| If you want | Go | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The biggest whitewater | Late May to mid June | Peak runoff. Cataract and Westwater at their most serious. |
| A family trip | July to August | Warm water, moderate flows, swimming is a pleasure rather than a hazard. |
| Comfortable weather | September to early October | Warm days, cool nights, no heat that limits your day. |
| Solitude | October | Crowds thin sharply after mid October, and permits loosen. |
| An easier permit | After 1 October | Westwater's daily cap rises from five permits to seven, and from 75 people to 150. |
| Flatwater and canoeing | September to October | Lower flows, less wind on average, comfortable camping. |
Month by Month
| Month | Water | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| March | Low, rising | Cold, quiet, few commercial trips running. Drysuit territory. |
| April | Rising | Season opens. Water still very cold. Wetsuits standard. |
| May | High, rising to peak | Big water arrives. Excellent whitewater, serious cold water risk. |
| June | Peak, then falling | The biggest flows of the year early, warming through the month. |
| July | Falling | Hot. Water warm enough to enjoy. Afternoon thunderstorms build. |
| August | Low | Hottest month. Monsoon storms and flash flood risk in side canyons. |
| September | Low, stable | Arguably the best all-round month. Warm days, cool nights, clear water. |
| October | Low | Cool and quiet. Cold nights. Permits easier. Some outfitters wind down. |
| November to February | Low base flow | Off season. Cold water and air. Private trips only, with proper gear. |
The Three Seasons
Runoff
The biggest, fastest, coldest water of the year. Best whitewater, hardest on the unprepared.
Family season
Warm water, moderate flows, and the busiest months on the river. Heat is the limiting factor.
Low and quiet
Clear water, comfortable temperatures, fewer people, easier permits. Technical whitewater.
During spring runoff the water is snowmelt. Cold water incapacitates a swimmer long before hypothermia becomes the issue: the first minute brings involuntary gasping and loss of breathing control, and useful movement in your hands and arms fades within about ten minutes. Air temperature is irrelevant to this. Judge the water.
Best Time to Raft FAQ
When is the Moab rafting season?
Commercial trips generally run April through October. Private trips run year-round on some sections, with the right equipment and experience.
What month has the biggest water?
Late May into mid June, when snowmelt peaks. Exact timing shifts by several weeks depending on the snowpack and how fast it warms.
When is best for families?
July and August. The water is warm enough that swimming is fun rather than a risk, and flows are moderate. Bring shade and far more water than you think you need.
Is September a good time to raft in Moab?
It is arguably the best month overall. Warm days, cool nights, low clear water, and noticeably fewer people than midsummer.
Can you raft in Moab in winter?
Private trips do run in winter on some sections, but the water is dangerously cold and most outfitters are closed. This is not a casual undertaking.
Last reviewed: July 30, 2026. Flows and conditions change constantly. Always check current gauge data before you launch, and if something here is wrong, tell us.