Best Time to Go
Desert Southwest
The dunes and desert trails of the Southwest are a fall-through-spring playground. Summer heat is extreme and dangerous; the cool months bring big crowds and perfect conditions.
- Month-by-month conditions
- Free
- No signup
Month by month
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When to go & why
- October–April: cool temperatures and prime desert riding
- Summer: dangerous heat, so avoid midday desert riding
- Holiday weekends are extremely busy at the big dunes
Notable months
- July
- Extreme heat, ride elsewhere
- December
- Cool, busy, prime dune season
Plan your Desert Southwest trip with a local operator
Browse off-road parks who know the seasons and can book your dates.
Common questions
- When is the best time to ride the desert Southwest?
- October through April. The cool months bring comfortable temperatures and prime conditions on the dunes and desert trails, while midsummer is dangerously hot and best avoided.
- Can you ride desert OHV parks in summer?
- It’s not recommended. Summer heat across the Sonoran and Mojave deserts is extreme and dangerous. If you do ride, stick to early morning and carry far more water than you think you’ll need.
- When are the desert dunes most crowded?
- Holiday weekends draw big crowds to the major dune areas during peak season. Mid-week rides in the cool months are far quieter.
