Monument Valley in July

April through May and September through November hit the sweet spot with daytime temps in the 70s and clear skies. Summer brings 100-degree heat that makes the Valley Drive feel like driving through a convection oven. Winter can be magical with snow-dusted buttes, but expect icy roads and limited daylight hours. The shoulder seasons also mean fewer crowds at sunrise viewpoints like John Ford's Point. Here's an insider tip: visit during a full moon. The formations glow silver-white against star-filled skies, and many Navajo guides offer nighttime tours. Just avoid late July through August unless you enjoy feeling like a rotisserie chicken.