Moab Moon Phase — Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the moon phase today in Moab?
The moon phase today in Moab is a New Moon with 0% illumination. The next full moon is in 17 days, on Oct 25. Moonrise is at 6:28 AM and moonset at 6:17 PM.
Q. Where is the best place to view the moon in Moab?
Delicate Arch is the signature shot — with precise planning, the moon can rise directly through the opening of the arch itself, above the La Sal Mountains. Mesa Arch in Canyonlands faces east and works well as a quieter alternative, and Dead Horse Point State Park, an International Dark Sky Park, gives a vast canyon panorama with the Colorado River far below.
Q. Why does the red rock glow under moonlight in Moab?
Moab's sandstone is naturally red and orange from iron oxide in the rock, and it reflects moonlight strongly rather than absorbing it. Combined with the area's dry desert air and near-total lack of light pollution, a bright moon can act almost like a soft floodlight across the landscape, giving the canyons and arches a warm glow that's hard to see anywhere else.
Q. Does Moab observe daylight saving time?
Yes. Moab runs on Mountain Standard Time (MST, UTC−7) in winter and switches to Mountain Daylight Time (MDT, UTC−6) from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. All times shown on this page already account for the correct offset.
Q. What's the best time of year for moon photography in Moab?
November through February brings the clearest, driest air of the year, cutting through any haze and giving the sharpest views of both the moon and the surrounding canyon detail. Snow on the La Sal Mountains adds contrast against the red rock too. If you'd rather shoot the Milky Way instead, plan around the new moon rather than the full moon.
Q. Does this page work for locations besides Moab?
This page is set up specifically for Moab, UT. For the moon phase in any other city or location worldwide, use the Dynamic Moon Phase Calculator on the moonphase.today home page.
Explore Further
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📷Moon Photography Guide
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See how Moab's "Dark Sky Country" compares to other certified dark sky destinations.
🌝The Moon Illusion, Explained
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NASA Moon Phase & Libration Gallery
NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio's daily renders of the moon's exact phase, libration, and orientation, straight from official mission data.