Grand Canyon National Park   Travel Guide

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best time to visit grand canyon

Best Times To Visit Grand Canyon National Park

The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin. If you decide to visit during the summer (the park's peak season), be prepared for hordes of tourists and very limited lodging availability. You can find deals on hotels during the winter, but much of the park (including the entire  North Rim ) closes after the first snowfall. The South Rim is open throughout the year.

Weather in Grand Canyon National Park

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Grand Canyon National Park

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Unmeasurable Adventure

Outdoor Adventures

First-timer's guide to the grand canyon.

For those making their first trip to the Grand Canyon, here's an expert take on when to go, where to stay, and how to get around.

Grand Canyon at sunset

Before you pack your bags and make the trip to Grand Canyon National Park , a few words of practical advice:

With the kids out of school, summertime is undoubtedly the busiest time of year, making peak season at Grand Canyon between June-August. If you're staying during this time, be sure to book your lodging early, as reservations start filling up nine months to a year in advance .

For cooler weather, lighter crowds and better lodging availability, plan your trip during the shoulder seasons between March-May, and September-November.

South Rim or North Rim?

According to the Grand Canyon National Park's official page , though the width of the canyon is roughly 10 miles, driving from the South to North Rim can take at least five hours on a route that sometimes dips south through Tusayan and even Flagstaff before turning back north through Cameron or Bitter Springs. Hiking rim-to-rim is possible but is recommended only for the experienced hiker. (See " Grand Canyon Hiking " for more trail options.)

Most easily accessible from Phoenix, Sedona or Flagstaff, the South Rim welcomes more visitors than the North Rim and offers the most amenities and attractions in terms of lodging, dining, tours, transportation, viewpoints and family-friendly experiences. It is also open year-round. As this area tends to be much busier—particularly during peak season—be sure to book reservations well in advance.

Quieter, more remote and offering fewer visitor services, this rugged portion of Grand Canyon National Park experiences fewer visitors and offers a more outdoor-minded experience. Due to its higher elevation, the North Rim is also cooler in temperature and experiences heavy snowfall in winter, resulting in a shorter season. (It's open from mid-May through mid-October.)

Quieter, more remote and offering fewer visitor services, the North Rim experiences fewer visitors and offers a more outdoor-minded experience.

Where to stay

Bring your tent or RV to enjoy the great outdoors at one of the many campgrounds in the park.

Two of the three National Park Service campgrounds accept reservations: Mather Campground on the South Rim and North Rim Campground . Desert View Campground on the South Rim (open seasonally between mid-April and mid-October) is first-come, first-served, and Trailer Village is a concessioner-run RV park with full hook-ups.

If roughing it isn't quite your style, Grand Canyon National Park Lodges operates numerous hotels, both inside and outside the park.

Located at the top of Bright Angel Trailhead, the historic Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins , designed by Mary Colter in 1935, provides rustic accommodations close to outdoor adventure. Take your pick from budget-friendly lodge rooms with shared bathrooms, standard lodge rooms or private cabins (one of which was home to one of Roosevelt's "Rough Riders").

Perched on the edge of the South Rim, the European chalet-style El Tovar Hotel , which opened in 1905, offers spectacular views, one-of-a-kind rooms and suites, and fine dining in the famous El Tovar Dining Room.

Just a mile from the entrance of the park, The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon is the area's only Three-Diamond hotel, and the rustic chalet-style hotel offers an indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub, a steakhouse and saloon, and plush rooms with a kitchenette.

Meanwhile, Thunderbird Lodge and Kachina Lodge are popular choices for families, due to their casual, modern aesthetic and convenient location within walking distance to many of the park's attractions.

On the North Rim, book one of the cozy cabins at the historic Grand Canyon Lodge to stay amid towering pine trees and just steps away from the scenic Bright Angel Point Trail. This landmark lodge boasts cliffside views and an on-site restaurant serving up hearty, regionally inspired dishes such as venison meatloaf and wild rice primavera.

Getting around

Take advantage of the Grand Canyon National Park's free shuttle buses that operate on set routes throughout the park along the South Rim, including:

  • the Village (Blue) Route, connecting the visitor center with lodging and other facilities;
  • Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route, a figure-eight route between the visitor center and five scenic viewpoints;
  • Hermit Road (Red) Route, connecting Grand Canyon Village and Hermits Rest, with scenic overlook stops along the way; and
  • the Tusayan (Purple) Route, a park-and-ride service between the community of Tusayan and the park.

The early-morning Hiker's Express Shuttle transports hikers to the South Kaibab Trailhead from Bright Angel Lodge, the Backcountry Information Center and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. For a $90 fee, the privately run Trans-Canyon Shuttle takes visitors between the North and South Rims.

You've arrived

You made it to the Grand Canyon. Welcome! Now what? We have you covered here, too. Read on to discover our three-day, activity-filled Grand Canyon itinerary —perfect for newcomers and returning visitors.

About the Author

best time to visit grand canyon

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The best times to visit the Grand Canyon

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Editor's Note

There are many different vantage points and ways to experience Grand Canyon National Park , and you can easily visit a dozen times before you really begin to absorb its beauty and scope. However, not everyone has the luxury of multiple visits, so we're here to help you choose the best time of year for your trip.

Note: Some areas of the Grand Canyon, such as the Desert View Watchtower, are currently closed. So, be sure to check the National Park Service's website for the latest information if you're planning to travel soon.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Guide leading mule riders up a steep portion of the Bright Angel Trail known as Heartbreak Hill. (Photo by Michael Quinn/National Park Services)

The best time for good weather

At the South Rim (which sits at a 6,800-foot elevation and is located almost two hours north of Flagstaff, Arizona), spring runs from March to May; fall runs from September to November. Both seasons offer relatively moderate temperatures. Nighttime lows during these seasons are often in the 30s while daytime temperatures will rise into the 60s. The weather is pleasant for Grand Canyon hikes, although there might be a chance of rain. Inside the canyon, temperatures range from 55 to 82 degrees during the shoulder seasons.

The North Rim (which sits at an 8,000-foot elevation and is located four hours north of Flagstaff) is only open from mid-May through mid-October because of the potential for snowy conditions. When this part of the park opens for visitors, temperatures range from the low 30s to the 60s; it then warms up more through the summer.

At the West Rim — where you'll find the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk — spring is warmer, with lows in the 50s and highs mostly in the 80s. Temperatures at the West Rim are quite hot in September (the high 60s to high 90s), while October (58 to 84 degrees) and November (46 to 68 degrees) are more moderate. The West Rim sits about four hours east of Las Vegas.

Not surprisingly, summer brings dry conditions and hot temperatures. The South Rim temperatures rise above the 80s — and can get up to 100 at the bottom of the canyon. At the North Rim, temperatures are less extreme, ranging from the mid-40s to the upper 70s in June through August. The West Rim can be uncomfortable in summer, with average temperatures ranging from the upper 70s to more than 100 degrees.

The South Rim area remains open during winter, with temperatures at the rim generally ranging from the 20s to the low 40s; on the floor of the canyon, they are usually between the high 30s and high 50s.

Many visitors consider winter a special time to visit, as fewer people travel to see the dramatic snow-dusted red rocks; when compared to the number of summer visitors, only about 10% come during the winter. If you want to beat the crowds, winter may be the best time to visit.

Related: How to stay near a national park using points

best time to visit grand canyon

The best time to explore the interior

Most visitors will not feel satisfied by a visit to the Grand Canyon unless they can descend, at least part of the way, into the canyon. The view from inside is quite different from the broad vistas at the rim. There are many ways to accomplish this special experience, including through guided treks on mules or by foot.

No matter what time of year you go, the only time to hike in or out of the Grand Canyon is daytime. At the South Rim, you'll see numerous signs cautioning visitors not to hike to the bottom and back in one day. The trip down to the canyon floor is about 7 or 9 miles, depending on which trail you choose; hiking back up is strenuous, and it takes twice as long as the way down, even for experienced hikers. If you are still on the trail after dark, those pleasant, well-groomed paths become treacherous. Visit the National Park Service website and read its FAQ for hikers.

A variety of providers offer guided hikes to the canyon floor as well as mule rides into the canyon from the South Rim.

The best time to venture to the canyon floor by any method depends on your tolerance for heat or cold and what activities excite you. If you dream of splashing in the Colorado River, choose summer or early fall when the water is a little warmer. (Rafting trips begin in mid-June.) A wintertime trip is great for travelers who want smaller crowds and evenings by the fire.

Related: The best national parks to visit during winter

The Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park (Photo by Michael Quinn/National Park Service)

The best time to avoid crowds

You probably didn't need me to tell you this, but the Grand Canyon gets busier when school is out of session. Summer, spring break or any other holiday is going to mean a spike in attendance.

With more than 6 million annual visitors, there can be long lines to get in, crowds at the most popular viewpoints and waits for virtually everything else. The National Park Service even has tips for surviving crowding at the South Rim .

If you can go when school is not on a traditional break, you'll be rewarded with lighter crowds. If you must go during a school break because your life revolves around a school schedule, then check out the NPS crowd survival guide linked above, and be sure to enter the park as early as you can in the morning.

Related: Tips for visiting national parks with kids

best time to visit grand canyon

The best time for special events

During a normal year, Grand Canyon National Park typically hosts annual events such as an Independence Day parade in July, stargazing nights in June and a two-day Native American Heritage Celebration in November to honor National Native American Heritage Month.

The best time to see wildlife

Grand Canyon National Park is home to 447 species of birds, 91 species of mammals, 48 species of reptiles, 10 species of amphibians, and a world of bugs and insects.

The elk that inhabit the Grand Canyon are considered the most dangerous animals in the park. They weigh up to 730 pounds and, according to the NPS, they can become aggressive during the fall (their mating season); the park service recommends staying at least 100 feet or more from these animals.

Elk at the Grand Canyon

In general, the best time to catch glimpses of mammals — including the elk, bighorn sheep, bison, mule deer, javelinas and mountain lions — is to visit when the park is cool and quiet. Dawn and dusk are good times of the day to spot wildlife. You'll see more animal activity during the cooler months in late fall, winter and early spring. This is not only because of the weather but also because more animals appear when there are fewer humans around.

Bird-watchers may be able to spot rare species, as several species of threatened and endangered birds make the park their home. These species include the California condor, southwestern willow flycatcher, western yellow-billed cuckoo and others. In addition to the California condor, several other birds of prey inhabit the park, including peregrine falcons, red-tailed and zone-tail hawks and Mexican spotted owls. The best time of year for bird-watching is autumn, but you'll see some of these species at any time of year.

The best time for cheap deals

Affordable flights.

Searching for flights on Skyscanner , you'll see that the least expensive time of year to fly from major cities to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) or Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) varies by origin.

If you're flying from New York City to Phoenix, for example, November is typically an affordable time to travel, though prices spike for the Thanksgiving holiday. During a normal year, flights from Los Angeles are lowest in June, while flights from Boston drop in August. Atlanta-based flights are cheapest in October.

Use Skyscanner to find an affordable time of year to travel from your preferred airport. If you're planning to trek to the canyon floor, you'll want to book that experience first (15 months ahead); that will give you plenty of time to find an affordable flight. Here are some tips for maximizing your airline miles for a domestic trip .

Related: Top US national parks to visit with kids and family

best time to visit grand canyon

Affordable hotels

When you visit Grand Canyon National Park, you have a choice of staying inside the park or in a neighboring community. The pros and cons of each option are pretty simple. Staying inside the park gives you a more immersive experience and more time to enjoy the natural surroundings of the canyon. Staying outside means you'll have access to more varied services and the opportunity to book your lodging with rewards points.

Note that not all accommodations are open at this time due to the pandemic. Always contact the hotel directly to confirm availability.

Hotels inside the park: Delaware North and Xanterra Parks & Resorts handle reservations for lodging at the South Rim of the park; rooms become available a year in advance. To stay inside the canyon at Phantom Ranch , enter the National Park Service's lottery 15 months before your travel dates. At the North Rim, Grand Canyon Lodge offers a few types of cabins and lodge rooms; only the Western Cabins provide two queen beds.

Hotels outside the park: Here's a fun, low-stress way for travelers to visit the Grand Canyon: Stay outside the park, in the charming small town of Williams (54 miles south of the South Rim), and take the Grand Canyon Railway into the park (two hours and 15 minutes). Two trains leave the depot each morning and return to Williams in the late afternoon. You'll get to enjoy the beautiful scenery without driving. A seat in the Pullman Class (the cheapest option) costs $67 round-trip for adults and $32 round-trip for kids. If you want to ride in the glass Observation Dome, a seat costs up to $189 for adults and $153 for kids. The Luxury Dome and Luxury Parlor cars are more expensive (and no children are allowed in either).

best time to visit grand canyon

For a more traditional hotel experience, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Williams, a half-mile from the train depot, has rooms with two queen beds, 42-inch televisions, a microwave and a fridge. Rooms start at 15,000 IHG Rewards Club points per night, with breakfast included.

Wyndham offers several properties in Williams for 15,000 points per night, including Travelodge by Wyndham Williams Grand Canyon. This property has rooms with two queen beds and free continental breakfast; adjoining rooms are also available.

There's also the Best Western Plus Inn of Williams, which is available for 16,000 points per night and includes breakfast.

Tusayan is the closest town to the park entrance. It has the Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn, where rooms with two queen beds are available from 24,000 points per night.

Related: The best national parks in the United States

Bottom line

Unless you are targeting the North Rim, which is closed for the colder half of the year, there's no bad time to visit the Grand Canyon. It's magical 365 days a year. Still, depending what you're looking for, some times may work better for you than others.

We'd avoid July and August due to the heat and excessive crowds. Instead, travel between March and May (before Memorial Day) or from September to October (but after Labor Day). If you must go during a peak time of the year (read: summer), consider the more secluded North Rim. Maybe even add a trip to Zion National Park , just a couple of hours away. That way, you can check off several of the country's best national parks in one trip.

What is the best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park?

Jesse Scott

Jan 11, 2023 • 3 min read

A woman looking out towards the Grand Canyon

© Kristen Curette & Daemaine Hines / Stocksy United

There is never a bad time to explore the deep and rippled beauty of Grand Canyon National Park . But depending on the nature of your trip – be it a rugged multi-day hike through jagged switchbacks and river ravines, a spot of family camping, or a quick budget-friendly adventure – when you visit can make all the difference.

When planning the perfect Grand Canyon National Park itinerary, the factors to consider are as expansive as the rocky vistas that await your arrival. From monsoons to relentless desert heat via peak visitor numbers, here’s everything you need to know about the best times to visit.

March through May is the best time to beat the summer heat

The Grand Canyon itself is approximately 277 miles long and more than a mile deep and the bulk of the national park falls within the Sonoran Desert. With this desert climate comes an incredible range of temperatures. During summer (June–August), highs can peak at 100-110°F (37.7-43.3°C). In December and January, the mercury rarely creeps above 60°F (15.5°C).

For more manageable temperatures, March through May is the best time to visit. This is when highs hover in the 75-90°F (23-32°C) and lows seldom dip below 50 (10°C) degrees. Keep an eye on weather forecasts, though. Late winter storms do occur and can blanket the canyon’s trails and roads in snow.

March also marks the beginning of rafting season on the Colorado River. Pre-book your river adventures well ahead of time. The canyon’s wildlife – including deer, mules, and bighorn sheep – also emerges from hibernation around this time, making for a visual spectacle.

Man viewing Grand Canyon at sunrise

June through August is the best time to experience the North Rim

The summer months are peak season throughout Grand Canyon National Park as families take advantage of the warmer weather and their kids’ summer breaks. While the masses are hard to avoid along the super-popular South Rim , summertime is the best time of year to experience the lesser-trafficked North Rim .

The North Rim portion of the park is open seasonally from mid-May through mid-October. Its roads are near impassable in the winter due to snow and ice. During the summer months, however, the North Rim is great for scenic drives and camping. It’s also a fab time to hike the 10-mile-long Widforss Trail where forests of white fir and blue spruce provide some cooling shade.

Wherever your summer trip to Grand Canyon National Park takes you, keep an eye on the weather forecasts. July and August are considered the monsoon season and life-threatening floods can emerge in a matter of minutes.

September through October is the best time for avoiding crowds

Grand Canyon National Park has two shoulder seasons: spring (March-June) and fall (September-November). During September and October expect fewer people, cooler temperatures and cheaper lodging compared to the summer months.

However, it’s not uncommon to have a fall thunderstorm roll in during the afternoon. If safe to do so, embrace these storms as they thin out the crowds and can make the snaps of a lifetime for photographers. If it’s a non-stormy day, a hike to Phantom Ranch , located deep within the canyon, makes for a prime day trip or stay.

A female hiker stands atop a snow-covered rocky high point while bathed in the colors of sunset at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

November through February is the best time for a budget-friendly adventure

Beyond the $35, year-long vehicle permit (plus your equipment and supplies), the Grand Canyon National Park is generally budget friendly. To save some extra bucks, book flights between November and February. This is when options to/from nearby major airports like Flagstaff , Phoenix , and Las Vegas tend to dip.

Additionally, you may find yourself saving big-time on local hotels – like the Shash Diné eco-retreat and super-cozy El Tovar lodge – as many travelers opt to visit during the summer. Expect icy roads and some snow. 

If you can tolerate the cold – nighttime lows below 40°F (4.4°C) – you’ll be rewarded with both lower costs and fewer people. This can be a prime time for visiting some of the more popular viewpoints, like Hopi Point and Mather Point , without a selfie stick in sight.

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Everything to Know Before Visiting Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a must-visit — here's what you need to know before you go.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

best time to visit grand canyon

Know Before You Go

Best time to visit, how to get there, best things to do, places to stay, places to eat.

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

There are few natural wonders that can challenge the great jaw-dropping size and beauty of the Grand Canyon. It is a mile deep and 10 miles across, showcasing an eye-catching array of layered red rock that reveals millions of years of geological history in a single glance. It is a wonder that is so bold, big, and beautiful that it marks planet Earth in a scar that can be seen from space. 

To see the 277-mile canyon, you should visit Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona, a protected area that contains most of the canyon and the Colorado River that runs through it.

“The canyon landscape itself is the main draw for visitors from all over the world,” said Joelle Baird, a public affairs officer at Grand Canyon National Park, in an email interview with Travel + Leisure . She has lived and worked at the Grand Canyon for 12 years and says the landscape is special for many reasons. 

“Many visitors are surprised by how high in elevation we are here (7,000 feet on the South Rim, 8,000 feet on the North Rim), so we have ponderosa pine and juniper/pinyon pine forests that encompass the high desert landscape as well.”

To provide you with a comprehensive guide to the park, we leaned into Baird’s expertise. After 12 years working in and along the canyon — as a biological science technician, preventative search and rescue ranger, and now a public affairs officer — she offers a wealth of inside knowledge. Below are her recommendations on everything from when to visit to where to hike.

Don Eim/Travel + Leisure

Grand Canyon National Park straddles the canyon itself and is broken into two sections: the South Rim and the North Rim. 

Most people see the canyon from the South Rim, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round and is home to the main Grand Canyon Visitor Center. The South Rim also has a second visitor center, Verkamp's Visitor Center, which focuses on the people who have lived along the canyon and showcases what it was like to live and work in the park. To get to the South Rim, you can enter at the South Entrance near Tusayan, Arizona or the East Entrance (Desert View) near Cameron, Arizona. Most people use the South Entrance.

“I would recommend visiting the South Rim for at least a few days if it's your first trip to the canyon. The South Rim has a lot of visitor services including hotels, restaurants, and ranger programming that is definitely worth checking out,” said Baird.

Meanwhile, the North Rim near the Arizona-Utah border is quiet and remote, and completely closed to visitors between Dec. 1 and May 14. It is quiet and beautiful on the North Rim, but it also has fewer services, even in the summer. The North Rim Visitor Center and Park Store is open from May 15 to Oct. 15.

If you want to visit both rims, you have to take a five-hour drive around the canyon. For that reason, most visitors choose to just visit one of the canyon’s rims.

To enter the park from any entrance, you’ll have to pay $35 per day, per vehicle, or purchase the $70 annual park pass. Grand Canyon National Park does not require reservations or time-entry passes to enter the park.

Most people visit Grand Canyon National Park between late May and early September. June, July, and August tend to be the busiest months. The quieter “shoulder seasons” run from March to May and September to October, while the low season runs November to March.

The South Rim, which is open year-round and is easier to get to, is always busier than the North Rim of the canyon, which is only open between May 15 and Oct. 15, weather dependent. If you’re planning to visit the South Rim over school holidays, summer break, or fall weekends, you should expect long lines, limited parking, and crowded viewpoints. To lessen wait times, you can buy your park pass in advance in Tusayan, the South Entrance gateway town; enter the park at the less-busy East Entrance; or take the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim. 

According to Baird, if you don’t need to visit the North Rim, winter can be an extra-special (and quiet) time at the South Rim. “As a resident of Grand Canyon, my favorite time is the winter! We typically receive low visitation and many of the popular viewpoints are uncrowded. It is a much quieter time and the contrast between the red rocks of the canyon and snow on the rim is a magical sight.” 

The best time to see and photograph the Grand Canyon is typically at sunrise and sunset . Sunrise is between 5:11 and 7:40 a.m., depending on the season, while sunset fluctuates between 5:14 and  7:49 p.m. 

Related: The Best Times to Visit the Grand Canyon

The closest town to the South Rim is Williams, Arizona, which is a direct one-hour-and-20-minute drive on Route 64. From the larger city of Flagstaff, the South Rim is one hour and 45 minutes via Route 180. Phoenix is the closest major city (and airport) and is three hours and 45 minutes away by car. Las Vegas is around four hours and 45 minutes from the South Rim.

Once you’re in the South Rim “village,” there are several free shuttle buses that take you to various viewpoints, sites, and trailheads around the rim. Some routes run year-round, while others are seasonal. Check the schedule on the website .

You can also get to the South Rim on the Grand Canyon Railway , which departs from Williams, Arizona. By taking the train, you can avoid entrance line waits and parking headaches. 

The North Rim, which is typically open between May 15 and Oct. 15, is around two hours south of Jacob Lake, Arizona on Highway 67. Las Vegas, which is over 5 hours away by car, is the closest major city and airport to the North Rim. And as we previously mentioned, driving between the two rims takes a full five hours. 

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

Scenic Drives

One of the best ways to experience the size and beauty of the canyon is to drive the Desert View Drive along the South Rim. The road takes off near the South Rim village and continues along the canyon rim for 23 miles, passing six viewpoints and a Tusayan Pueblo site. A shuttle bus also runs along this route.

Hermit Road (formerly West Rim Drive) runs in the opposite direction of Desert View Drive on the South Rim and offers a completely different look at the canyon (with nine viewpoints). Hermit Road is closed to private cars from March 1 to Nov. 30. During that time, there is a free shuttle bus that runs along the road.

On the North Rim, you can drive between Cape Royal and Point Imperial on a scenic road with plenty of pullouts and viewpoints, including Walhalla Overlook and Roosevelt Point. Keep in mind the North Rim and its scenic roads are closed in the winter. 

Related: Best Grand Canyon Viewpoints

If you’re interested in going down inside the canyon, a raft trip is a must. There are full and half-day river trips that can be arranged through lodging accommodations on the South Rim, along with multi-day excursions down the Colorado River (for the latter, you need to secure a permit in advance). 

Merrill Images/Getty Images

Road Biking

On the South Rim, there are around 13 miles of bike-friendly road and greenway trail (including Hermit Road, formerly known as West Rim Drive). The shuttle buses have bike racks so you can bike out and ride the bus back. There are regular and e-bike rentals available from the Bright Angel Bicycles shop adjacent to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim.

Cultural Demonstrations

There are ongoing cultural demonstrations at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim. These free demonstrations allow park visitors to meet members of the area’s 11 Indigenous groups and watch how traditional and modern crafts are made. 

Best Hikes 

Canyon rim trail.

This flat route runs right along the rim of the canyon and is a great introduction to the park. It starts at the visitor center at the South Rim and follows the edge of the canyon, eventually running alongside Hermit Road, which has nine exceptional overlooks.  

Trail of Time

The Grand Canyon has a long and beautiful geological history, and it’s showcased along the Trail of Time, which runs almost three miles round-trip along the canyon rim between the Yavapai Museum of Geology and Verkamps Visitor Center on the South Rim. Each meter walked on the timeline trail signifies one million years of Grand Canyon's geologic history, and there are samples of rock and exhibits that explain how the Grand Canyon was formed.

South Kaibab Trail

Baird says, “Day hikes into the canyon should definitely be on your list if it's your first time.” She recommends hiking along the South Rim’s South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge (three miles round-trip) or Skeleton Point (six miles round-trip). Just keep in mind, the trail descends into the canyon and is extremely steep. The national park notes that “the openness of this trail lends itself to extreme heat during the summer months and little to no protection from passing storms.”

Bright Angel Trail

Another in-canyon hike on the South Rim that Baird recommends is the Bright Angel Trail to the 1.5- mile rest house or the three-mile rest house. This route follows in the footsteps of the canyon's Indigenous people, miners, and early tourists.

Transept Trail

This route on the North Rim follows the canyon rim from the Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Rim Campground. The canyon views are plentiful on this three-mile round-trip hike. 

North Kaibab Trail

This is the only maintained trail that goes into the canyon from the North Rim. You can go as far as you want, with the Coconino Overlook and Supai Tunnel just 1.5 miles and four miles round-trip, respectively. The North Kaibab Trail goes all the way from the rim to the river at the bottom of the canyon, but the park warns that “Under no circumstances should you attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day” as the route is 28 miles round-trip with a steep 6,000-foot descent.

Hotels and Lodges

On the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, there are seven year-round lodging options. Five are in the historic district and are bookable online at grandcanyonlodges.com . The other two are located on Market Plaza near the visitor center and can be booked on visitgrandcanyon.com . 

Standouts include El Tovar Lodge in the historic district, which is located directly on the rim and is a National Historic Landmark. El Tovar has hosted park visitors like Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Oprah Winfrey. Maswik Lodge South just opened in June 2022 for visitors looking for a modern take on traditional national park lodging. And Yavapai Lodge on the Market Plaza is notable because it has clean, simple rooms and is pet friendly.

There are also plenty of places to stay outside the park near the South Rim, including the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel in Williams, Arizona where the train to the Grand Canyon departs from. Baird notes that “staying close to the park during your visit ensures you can make sunrise and sunset times more convenient.”

On the North Rim, the only lodge within the park is the Grand Canyon Lodge , which fills quickly during the North Rim’s opening window of May 15 to Oct. 15.

Campgrounds

There are four campgrounds along the South Rim, including the year-round Mather Campground for tent camping and Trailer Village for RVs. The South Rim also has two seasonal campgrounds that open for the spring, summer, and fall: Desert View near the East Entrance and Ten-X Campground.

There are also two seasonal campgrounds on the North Rim of the canyon, the North Rim Campground and the DeMotte Campground. Neither have hookups.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Camping at the Grand Canyon

On the South Rim, there’s everything from grab-and-go lunch options (check out the Bright Angel Bicycle Rental and Café ) to full-service dining at places like the Arizona Steakhouse in the Bright Angel Lodge and the El Tovar Dining Room and lounge inside the El Tovar Lodge. You can also pick up groceries at the Canyon Village Market general store.

When the North Rim is open, you’ll find a general store adjacent to the campground as well as a saloon, deli, and full-service dining room in the Grand Canyon Lodge.

Best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon – Weather by Month

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Are you planning your adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Grand Canyon National Park? Well, let’s start by considering the best time to visit the Grand Canyon . This iconic natural wonder is a year-round destination with a multitude of experiences that are influenced by its ever-changing weather. So, when you’re gearing up for your Grand Canyon journey, timing is key to making the most of your visit!

In this guide, I will delve into the nuances of each season to discover the secrets of the canyon’s climate month by month. From the crisp air of winter in the North Rim to the scorching heat of summer at Phantom Ranch, I’ll explore every part of the Grand Canyon based on metrics like the average temperatures , precipitation levels , and other factors that define each period. Please note that while I’ll mention the North Rim and West Rim here and there, the statistics presented here are exclusively related to the South Rim as it is the most popular part of Grand Canyon National Park.

After discussing the best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park , I’ll walk you through the optimal time for your desired activities, whether it’s hiking along the rim, capturing breathtaking photographs, or stargazing under the vast Arizona sky. Armed with practical tips for visiting the Grand Canyon , you’ll be able to make memories that last a lifetime. So, let’s dive in:

Best time to visit the Grand Canyon – Weather by month

Forget the stereotype of the Grand Canyon being just a hot desert. The weather here is like a box of assorted chocolates – surprising, diverse, and sometimes downright chilly. People wonder about the best time to visit the Grand Canyon , thinking it’s always warm. But, hold your hats – each part has its own vibe!

While some areas enjoy a warmer climate, other areas, especially the North Rim, tend to be cooler throughout the year. So, choosing which Grand Canyon rim is best for you requires you to understand the unique characteristics of the canyon’s environment. But first, let’s check this chart that breaks down the Grand Canyon Village’s monthly weather as a reference:

Average temperature in the Grand Canyon

It’s important to understand the distinct climates of the North Rim versus the South Rim . When choosing the best time to visit the Grand Canyon , the temperature variations play a pivotal role. The South Rim boasts summer highs ranging from 80°F-90°F and winter lows of 15°F-25°F, creating a diverse climate suitable for various activities.

On the other hand, the North Rim experiences cooler summers, with highs between 70°F-80°F, and colder winters with lows ranging from 10°F-20°F. It’s a refreshing escape during the warmer months. However, it become inaccessible during the winter due to the snow.

Weather and temperature Grand Canyon

The West Rim is an inviting destination, but avoid the summer since it brings scorching temperatures exceeding 100°F. Winter offers pleasant temperatures with lows ranging from 30°F to 40°F, but the best time to visit the Grand Canyon West Rim is spring and fall when temperatures range from the mid-70°Fs to high-80°Fs.

Below the rim temperatures are also important to consider when planning to hike the rim-to-rim trail . Avoid the summer, with temperatures that can reach the 100°Fs. At the bottom of the canyon the lower you can get in the winter is 30°F.

As you see, choosing the best time to visit the Grand Canyon also depends on individual preferences and tolerance for temperature extremes. Whether basking in the warmth of the South Rim’s summer or visiting the North Rim in a cooler ambiance, each season offers a unique and captivating experience amidst the canyon’s unparalleled beauty.

Average precipitation in Grand Canyon

The average precipitation in the Grand Canyon varies by elevation and location. Elevated forested rims witness winter snowfall, similar to the high desert climates of Tucson. The Inner Gorge, along the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon, mirrors temperatures akin to low-elevation Arizona deserts. Grand Canyon National Park swings between dry spells and two annual precipitation peaks in winter and late summer.

When to visit Grand Canyon National Park

On the South Rim, annual precipitation is under 16 inches, complemented by 60 inches of snow. The North Rim experiences 27 inches of rainfall and 144 inches of snow. Phantom Ranch, located at an elevation of 2,500 feet, has less than 10 inches of annual precipitation. So, based on this information, the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon South Rim is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild. For the North Rim, the ideal window is between mid-May and mid- October, since they close during the winter due to heavy snowfalls.

In any case, if you don’t want to see the canyon in the rain, I recommend avoiding the Grand Canyon monsoon season, which typically falls between mid-June and mid-September.

Spring weather in the Grand Canyon

Many believe that spring is the best season to visit the Grand Canyon , offering a sweet spot between comfortable temperatures and captivating scenery. With daytime highs ranging from 50°F to 70°F, it provides an ideal climate for exploration.

Spring, best time to visit the Grand Canyon

Weather in Grand Canyon in March

March is the best time to visit Grand Canyon AZ , especially for those who love exploring nature, since the wildflowers are in bloom along the iconic Bright Angel Trail . With temperature ranging from 15°F to 50°F, it’s an ideal month to get outside and enjoy the serene ambiance.

Also, March is a good time to visit the Grand Canyon if you want to avoid crowds and explore the trails, as the cool mornings and comfortable afternoons provide an ideal backdrop for avid hikers.

  • Hours of daylight : Approximately 12 hours
  • Average low temperature : 15°F
  • Average temperature : 33°F
  • Average high temperature : 51°F
  • Average days with precipitation : 5 days
  • Average precipitation : 1.38 inches

Weather in Grand Canyon in April

April in the Grand Canyon brings a transition from winter to spring, offering mild temperatures that range between 32°F to 60°F. This pleasant climate makes it the best time of year to visit Grand Canyon National Park for those interested in outdoor activities such as rafting in the Grand Canyon . Additionally, April is an excellent time for birdwatching , as migratory birds return to the region.

  • Hours of daylight : Approximately 13 hours
  • Average low temperature : 32°F
  • Average temperature : 46°F
  • Average high temperature : 60°F
  • Average days with precipitation : 4 days
  • Average precipitation : 0.93 inches

Weather in Grand Canyon in May

May graces the Grand Canyon with mild temperatures ranging from 39°F to 70°F, making it the best time to visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk . The comfortable weather allows for an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation. Keep in mind that the Grand Canyon Skywalk is open year-round, but if you want to avoid the peak summer heat and crowds, plan your visit for late spring or early fall.

As the best time to visit the Grand Canyon West Rim , May attracts many camping enthusiasts who wish to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Grand Canyon. If you want to make the most out of your time, I highly suggest opting for one of the West Rim helicopter tours and immersing yourself in the splendor of the canyon from both ground and air.

  • Hours of daylight : Approximately 14 hours
  • Average low temperature : 39°F
  • Average temperature : 54°F
  • Average high temperature : 70°F
  • Average days with precipitation : 6 days
  • Average precipitation : 0.6 inches

Summer weather in the Grand Canyon

Summer in the Grand Canyon brings soaring temperatures, typically ranging from 50°F to 90°F. During this time, the Canyon gets intense sunlight, creating a striking interplay of shadows and colors. While the North Rim enjoys cooler temperatures than the South Rim, both regions offer spectacular views.

Summer, average temperature Grand Canyon best time to visit

Summer is the busiest time for visitors seeking the Grand Canyon’s iconic vistas and hiking trails. I highly recommend keeping hydration and sun protection a top priority since the heat can be quite intense.

That said, mid-June to mid-September is monsoon season in the Grand Canyon , so be prepare to get wet as the summer advance .

Weather in Grand Canyon in June

June can be the best time to visit the Grand Canyon , especially if you are interested in observing the incredibly diverse flora and fauna. With temperatures ranging from 47°F to 81°F, the climate strikes a perfect balance for outdoor enthusiasts. When considering when to visit Grand Canyon National Park , the beginning of June shines with clear skies that amplify the canyon’s breathtaking panoramas.

This month is particularly good for wildlife spotting in the Grand Canyon , with diverse species making appearances amidst the rugged terrain. From bighorn sheep to coyotes, mule deer, and elusive birds, the National Park becomes a natural spectacle.

If you find yourself in the Grand Canyon early in June, consider embarking on one of the best hiking routes, the Rim-to-Rim Trail . This challenging yet rewarding trek spans approximately 25 miles, taking hikers from the South Rim to the North Rim, or vice versa, offering many points of interest, including Ooh Aah Point , Roaring Springs , and Plateau Point .

  • Hours of daylight : Approximately 15 hours
  • Average low temperature : 47°F
  • Average temperature : 64°F
  • Average high temperature : 81°F
  • Average precipitation : 0.66 inches

Weather in Grand Canyon in July

In July, summer is at its peak at the Grand Canyon, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 97°F.

While the South and West Rim can be scorching at this time, July is probably the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon North Rim and enjoy its diverse landscapes, forests, and expansive views. Plus, it’s a great time for taking Grand Canyon helicopter tours and treating yourself to an exhilarating and panoramic perspective of the majestic Grand Canyon.

  • Average low temperature : 54°F
  • Average temperature : 69°F
  • Average high temperature : 85°F
  • Average days with precipitation : 12 days
  • Average precipitation : 1.81inches

Weather in Grand Canyon in August

August in the Grand Canyon offers a mix of warmth and adventure with temperatures ranging from 53°F to 82°F. Despite the canyon’s reputation for scorching heat, the mountainous rims maintain a pleasant summer climate. The North Rim, accessible only for a brief period, becomes a less touristy escape in August.

Additionally, August is a good time to visit Arizona’s Grand Canyon if you love stargazing and night sky photography. As long as you get clear skies, what is not always easy during the monsoon season, you will be able to unveil a celestial spectacle, offering an excellent opportunity to marvel at the Canyon’s beauty not only during the day but also under the enchanting night sky.

  • Average low temperature : 53°F
  • Average temperature : 67°F
  • Average high temperature : 82°F
  • Average precipitation : 2.25 inches

Fall weather in the Grand Canyon

For many nature enthusiasts, fall is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon , with the summer heat gracefully giving way to a cooler and more pleasant period. Average high temperatures gradually decline from the 60s in September to the 50s by November along the Rim. Along the river, temperatures shift from the 90s in September to nearly 70°F by November.

Best time of year to visit Grand Canyon National Park

While freezing temperatures are common on the Rim in the fall, the river area enjoys milder temperatures in the 50s and 70s. Fall brings drier conditions, especially after mid-September, creating a serene and visually stunning landscape. The best time to visit the Grand Canyon in the fall , in my opinion, is during October , when you’ll find a spectacular display of warm hues, transforming the landscape into a captivating canvas of reds, yellows, and oranges .

Weather in Grand Canyon in September

Is September a good time to visit the Grand Canyon ? Of course! September offers a golden window to experience the Grand Canyon, blending the best of summer and fall. The scorching summer temperatures gradually subside, offering a more comfortable range from the 60s to 80s along the Rim and the 70s to 90s along the river.

The canyon’s interior retains its summer warmth, so consider joining one of the thrilling Grand Canyon tours . Moreover, September sees fewer crowds due to schools being back in session, so you’ll have the canyon all to yourself! Embracing fall, September brings cooler temperatures for hiking and backpacking, making it one of the best months to visit the Grand Canyon, AZ .

  • Average temperature : 62°F
  • Average high temperature : 77°F
  • Average days with precipitation : 7 days
  • Average precipitation : 1.56 inches

Weather in Grand Canyon in October

Is October a good time to visit the Grand Canyon ? Absolutely, and many avid travelers and locals believe it is the best time of year, particularly for visiting the South Rim . The transition from summer warmth to cooler temperatures in the 40s to 70s along the Rim creates an ideal climate for hikers and sightseers who wish to appreciate the canyon’s grandeur in the soft autumn light.

Additionally, October provides an excellent opportunity for wildlife spotting. It’s rutting season, and elk on both rims, along with bison exclusive to the North Rim, engage in mating rituals. The quieter atmosphere with fewer crowds enhances the chances of spotting elusive species like bobcats, javelinas, and ringtails, making October the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon South Rim .

  • Average low temperature : 36°F
  • Average temperature : 50°F
  • Average high temperature : 65°F
  • Average precipitation : 1.1 inch

Weather in Grand Canyon in November

November, while often overlooked, is considered by many to be the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon . With temperatures gracefully descending from the 30s to 50s along the Rim, it offers an invigorating atmosphere for exploration. With winter on the horizon, the park transforms into a peaceful destination. Say goodbye to long lines, crowded museums, and skyrocketing accommodation costs as November offers a quieter and more intimate Grand Canyon experience.

But it’s not just about the weather. November is a good time to visit the Grand Canyon as it invites you to savor traditional Thanksgiving dinners against the breathtaking canyon backdrop. For those fortunate enough to witness it, November might usher in the first snow of winter, creating a postcard-worthy scene.

While the canyon itself might not be heavily blanketed in snow, the higher elevations, especially along the North Rim, can experience winter weather, which allows you to engage in exhilarating activities such as snowshoeing and winter hiking.

  • Hours of daylight : Approximately 11 hours
  • Average low temperature : 27°F
  • Average temperature : 39°F
  • Average high temperature : 52°F
  • Average days with precipitation : 2 days
  • Average precipitation : 0.9 inches

Winter weather in the Grand Canyon

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, winter reveals a quieter side of this natural wonder, especially at the South Rim. While the Grand Canyon North Rim remains closed throughout winter, Grand Canyon West, home to the Skywalk, welcomes visitors.

Winter is the best season to visit Grand Canyon? weather

The South Rim is also open during winter. Despite the chill, the crisp air enhances the canyon’s beauty, transforming it into a mesmerizing winter wonderland. But you should keep in mind that visiting the Grand Canyon in the winter requires necessary preparations, including weather-appropriate clothing and winter gear .

Weather in Grand Canyon in December

For many folks, December is the best month to visit Grand Canyon National Park , and for good reason. Although temperatures can be chilly, the crisp air adds a refreshing touch to the breathtaking landscapes. The sparse crowds allow you to enjoy a more intimate experience and savor the iconic vistas without the usual hustle. While the North Rim is closed until mid-May, you can still head to the South Rim and celebrate Christmas at the Grand Canyon .

So, is December a good time to visit the Grand Canyon ? I believe so! While some facilities may adjust their operating hours, the quieter atmosphere enhances the magic of the canyon. December is a great time for hiking and backpacking in the South Rim and Phantom Ranch area. You can also opt for van and bike tours along Hermit Road and enjoy the magnificent scenery. And for photography enthusiasts like us, December offers a perfect opportunity to capture stunning winter landscapes.

If the weather calls for indoor activities, there are plenty of options. For instance, you can explore the Yavapai Geology Museum or the Grand Canyon Visitor Center . However, the crown jewel of December is the Grand Canyon Railway departing from Williams, which magically transforms into the enchanting Polar Express . I highly recommend taking this exceptional journey, especially if you are traveling with children. It’s a lovely trip with carolers, fabulous views, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus!

  • Hours of daylight : Approximately 10 hours
  • Average low temperature : 20°F
  • Average temperature : 31°F
  • Average high temperature : 43°F
  • Average days with precipitation : 8 days
  • Average precipitation : 1.6 inch

Weather in Grand Canyon in January

January is also a good time to visit the Grand Canyon , as it’s an opportune moment to explore this world wonder in the off-season for an entirely different perspective. With average temperatures ranging from the 20s to 40s, January offers a unique setting to enjoy the serene beauty of the Grand Canyon and  diverse activities. If you are an experienced hiker, I highly recommend exploring iconic trails like the South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trail . Just ensure that you have appropriate footwear, clothing, and equipment.

There are tons of exciting adventures you can consider in January, making it one of the best times to visit the Grand Canyon in Arizona . In addition to traversing some of the best hiking routes in the Grand Canyon South Rim , you can visit various overlooks such as Yaki Point , Hopi Point , and Mather Point , each offering unique perspectives of the Grand Canyon’s spectacular landscapes.

  • Average low temperature : 18°F
  • Average temperature : 29°F
  • Average high temperature : 41°F
  • Average precipitation : 1.3 inches

Weather in Grand Canyon in February

If you are looking for a quieter and more intimate vacation, February is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon . Beyond hiking, sightseeing takes the spotlight, offering unparalleled views of the majestic canyon. If snow doesn’t impede, you can drive along much of the South Rim, even on roads restricted to shuttle bus transportation in the summer, and take picturesque photos of Mather Point , Yavapai Point , Desert View ,  Grandview Point , Pima Point , and Hermit’s Rest , some of the best viewpoints in the Grand Canyon South Rim .

In addition to exploring the many things to do near the Grand Canyon , I highly recommend visiting Eagle Point . Located in Grand Canyon West, it’s home to an incredible viewpoint and a Native American village of the Hualapai Tribe. There’s an outdoor amphitheater at the village where various Indigenous tribes from across the region present their traditional performances. It’s quite an enriching experience.

  • Average low temperature : 21°F
  • Average high temperature : 45°F
  • Average precipitation : 1.6 inches

When is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon?

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is during spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when temperatures are mild, and crowds are smaller. While winter is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon to avoid crowds , many areas and facilities might be closed.

The most popular time to visit the Grand Canyon

The most popular time to visit the Grand Canyon is during the summer months, from June to August when many tourists take advantage of vacation time.

However, these are the months I recommend avoiding due to the extreme heat, the cost of the accommodations and the crowds.

The cheapest time to visit the Grand Canyon

The cheapest time to visit the Grand Canyon is typically during the winter months, from December to February. While temperatures can be cooler, you’ll enjoy lower prices on accommodations, airfare, and tours.

The best time to go hiking in the Grand Canyon

For hikers, the best month to visit the Grand Canyon South Rim is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Mild temperatures make hiking more enjoyable, and you can avoid the extreme heat of summer.

What is the best time to visit Grand Canyon AZ to go hiking

The least crowded time to visit the Grand Canyon

The least crowded time to visit the Grand Canyon is during the winter months, particularly from December to February. With fewer crowds, you can appreciate the stunning beauty without the hustle and bustle. Just pack warmly as temperatures are cooler during this time.

The worst time to visit the Grand Canyon

The worst time to visit the Grand Canyon is typically during the peak of summer, from June to August. During this period, the temperatures can be extremely hot, the crowds overwhelming, and finding accommodations might be a challenge. Plus, it may not be the most comfortable time for outdoor adventures, and popular viewpoints tend to get quite crowded.

You can also check out the table below featuring the best activities to enjoy at the Grand Canyon throughout the year:

FAQs – The best time to visit the Grand Canyon

Now that you’ve got all the information about the weather conditions in the Grand Canyon throughout the year, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions:

When is the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon?

The best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon is subjective and depends on your preferences. However, many visitors find the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons to be ideal. During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant, with milder temperatures, and the canyon is less crowded.

What is the best month to hike in the Grand Canyon?

The best time for hiking in the Grand Canyon is from March to May and September to November. During these periods, temperatures are more moderate, which makes hiking more enjoyable.

What is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon to avoid crowds?

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon to avoid crowds is during the off-season, typically in the spring or fall. Weekdays also tend to be less busy compared to weekends, regardless of the season.

What is the best time to go camping in the Grand Canyon?

The best time to go camping in the Grand Canyon is during the spring and fall. If you want to stay at one of the RV parks at the Grand Canyon , you’ll need to request a special permit for certain campsites or make reservations in advance, especially during the peak travel season.

Is winter a good time to visit the Grand Canyon?

For many people, winter is the best season to visit the Grand Canyon since accommodations are generally cheaper and there are fewer crowds. However, some facilities and services may not be open to visitors.

What is the best time of day to visit the Grand Canyon?

The best time of day to see the Grand Canyon is during the early morning or late afternoon when there are fewer crowds. Sunrise and sunset at the viewpoints are particularly phenomenal, too. Just make sure to check the Grand Canyon hours beforehand.

What is the rainiest month in the Grand Canyon?

The rainiest month in the Grand Canyon is typically July , during the monsoon season. I highly recommend checking the weather conditions before heading out.

What is the snowiest month in the Grand Canyon?

The snowiest month in the Grand Canyon is usually February . Winter in the Grand Canyon , particularly from December to February, can bring occasional snowfall, transforming the canyon, especially the North Rim, into a scenic winter landscape.

What months are monsoon season in the Grand Canyon?

The monsoon season in the Grand Canyon usually takes place from late June to early September, with July and August being the peak months. During this time, you might experience sudden and intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. You should always stay informed about the weather forecast and be cautious, as these storms can lead to flash floods and changing trail conditions.

And that wraps up our guide to the best time to visit the Grand Canyon ! Whether you’re captivated by the blooming wildflowers of spring, the thrilling adventures of summer, the vibrant foliage of fall, or the serene beauty of winter, the Grand Canyon’s diverse climate ensures you’ll have an enjoyable experience all throughout the year.

I hope this guide has provided valuable insights to help you plan an unforgettable Grand Canyon adventure. If you have any questions or wish to share your experience, feel free to leave me a comment. I’d be happy to hear from you!

Enjoy your time at the Grand Canyon!

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The Best Times To Visit the Grand Canyon [By Seasons & Interests]

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The Best Times To Visit the Grand Canyon [By Seasons & Interests]

The Grand Canyon at a Glance

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The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular and well-known attractions in the country. With almost 6 million visitors each year, it’s a favorite destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Located in the northwest part of Arizona, this huge mile-deep canyon was formed from 5 to 6 million years of erosion along the Colorado River.

With the rise of national park tourism during the pandemic, Grand Canyon National Park has become an even more popular place to visit. If you’re planning a trip there, you’re probably wondering when the best time to go is. This post will give you an idea of what you can expect each season and when you should visit based on your interests.

Let’s get to it!

In 1908, then-President Theodore Roosevelt declared the area now known as Grand Canyon National Park to be a national monument. It was then established as a national park in 1919 by then-President Woodrow Wilson.

What may surprise you, though, is that Grand Canyon National Park doesn’t include all of the Grand Canyon! The canyon itself covers almost 5,000 square miles, spread out over northwestern Arizona, while the park covers only about 1,900 square miles.

Map of Grand Canyon

The 2 main areas of Grand Canyon National Park are the South Rim and North Rim. The South Rim has an elevation of about 7,000 feet and is the most accessible and popular of the 2 areas. The North Rim has an elevation of about 8,000 feet and is more difficult to navigate.

A third area, the West Rim or West Grand Canyon , isn’t part of the national park but is a popular section to visit. Most notably, that’s where you’ll find the popular Skywalk attraction , a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends 70 feet into the canyon, giving visitors a direct view to the bottom, 4,000 feet below.

Hot Tip: Deciding which national park to visit? Check out our ultimate guide to all of the U.S. national parks , as well as our guide to virtual tours of iconic U.S. national parks .

The Best Times To Visit the Grand Canyon by Seasons

View of Grand Canyon with morning light

Spring can be a fantastic time to visit the Grand Canyon because temperatures are moderate and the hoards of people you may see in the summer haven’t arrived yet. Highs fluctuate between the low 50s to the low 70s while low temperatures can drop to the 20s and 30s, so you’ll need to pack plenty of layers to adapt to each day’s temperature changes.

While March can see some rain, April and May are some of the Grand Canyon’s driest months.

The North Rim is closed throughout the winter and can still be closed in early spring depending on the weather (it usually opens around March 15) so if you’re planning to visit that area, opt for a visit in the later spring months .

  • National Park Week (April)

Hot Tip: If you’re planning on doing some hiking during your visit to the Grand Canyon, don’t forget to pack sturdy hiking boots or shoes . You may also want to consider a hiking backpack to store essentials like sunscreen and water.

Mather Point in the South Rim Grand Canyon

Summer is the busiest season at the Grand Canyon since school is out and the weather is warm. That can lead to large crowds and limited availability at hotels and campgrounds. Summer is also the wettest season in the Grand Canyon with the most rainfall coming in July and August.

When visiting the Grand Canyon during the summer, be prepared for crowds and heat — daytime highs can reach the mid-80s. If you can, try to visit the park early in the day before the sun is scorching. Don’t forget to book your trip early as accommodations, including hotels and campsites, can fill up fast.

The North Rim is fully accessible to visitors during the summer months and it also tends to be a few degrees cooler and less crowded than the South Rim, so it’s a great area to check out during this time.

  • Grand Canyon Star Party (June)
  • 4th of July Celebration (July)

Hot Tip: The summer, particularly July and August, is the wettest season in the Grand Canyon, so don’t forget to pack waterproof shoes and a rain poncho in case you get caught in a downpour.

Grand Canyon in September

Autumn can be a great time to visit the Grand Canyon as temperatures start to cool and crowds start to thin . High temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-70s with low temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-40s. Again, you’ll need to pack layers if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon in the fall.

While fall, particularly September, can be a fantastic time to visit the Grand Canyon, keep in mind, that once the snow starts to fall, many areas of the Canyon will shut down , most notably the North Rim.

  • Grand Canyon Music Festival (September)
  • Grand Canyon Celebration of Art (September to January)
  • Native American Heritage Month (November)

Hot Tip: The Grand Canyon Visitor Center , located in the South Rim, can be a helpful resource to plan your Grand Canyon experience.

Grand Canyon in winter

Not surprisingly, winter is the least crowded time in the Grand Canyon. If you’d like to avoid crowds, this is the time to do it, although be prepared for some chilly temperatures. Highs only get up to the mid-40s with lows dipping into the teens.

The North Rim is closed during the whole winter season, but the South Rim and West Rim (home of the Skywalk) are still open during this time.

Bottom Line: Overall, the best times to visit the Grand Canyon for the best balance between decent weather and minimal crowds are late spring (April, May) and early fall (September).

The Best Times To Visit the Grand Canyon by Interests

If you’d like to visit Grand Canyon’s North Rim, don’t go in the winter because it completely shuts down for the entire season . The North Rim is only open from about May 15 to October 15 each year. While this is a busy tourist time, the North Rim is more isolated than other areas of the park so it tends not to be as crowded. Plus, because it’s a little bit cooler than other areas the summer heat won’t be as oppressive.

The South Rim is one of the most popular areas in Grand Canyon National Park and remains open year-round. It’s here you’ll find the visitor center, bus service, an airport, and plenty of accommodation options. For the best balance of weather and crowds, visit the South Rim during the late spring or early fall . You’ll miss the summer crowds and while the weather is cooler, it’s not as frigid as the winter months.

Grand Canyon South Rim entrance

The West Rim, or West Grand Canyon, isn’t actually part of the national park, but it’s still a popular area for tourists. Its most recognizable attraction is the Skywalk which stands 4,000 feet in the air. The spring is the best season to visit the West Rim to avoid crowds and extreme heat.

If you’d like to avoid crowds when visiting the Grand Canyon, go during the cooler winter months. While you’ll need to dress warmly and take extra precautions, you’ll have the park practically to yourself.

Prices will be the least expensive during the Grand Canyon’s low season, which is approximately November through February. While the park will be uncrowded during this time, the weather tends to be cold and parts of the canyon are closed during these months.

Not surprisingly, the best times to camp in the Grand Canyon are during the shoulder months in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and crowds are lower. There are more options for camping in the South Rim, but if you’re looking for seclusion, head to the North Rim. Keep in mind the North Rim is only open from mid-May through mid-October.

Hot Tip: If you’ll be camping in the Grand Canyon, don’t forget to pack the essentials you’ll need to make your trip as comfortable as possible.

Cost of Visiting Grand Canyon National Park

You’ll have to pay an entrance fee to enter Grand Canyon National Park.

  • Vehicle Permit : $35
  • Motorcycle Permit : $30
  • Individual Permit (For Entrance by Foot, Bike, Bus, Rail, Raft) : $20

Kids 15 and younger are always free.

There are a variety of passes that visitors can purchase to save money on national park entrance fees.

America the Beautiful annual pass

Frequent park visitors might consider getting an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass for $80 per year which grants access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including National Parks which usually charge an entrance fee.

Discounted passes are available to seniors ages 62 and older for $20 per year or $80 for a lifetime pass.

Free passes are available to select groups including:

  • Current military members and their dependents, veterans, and Gold Star Family members
  • Fourth-grade students and their families
  • U.S. citizens and permanent residents with permanent disabilities (lifetime access pass)
  • Volunteers with over 250 service hours with participating agencies in the Interagency Pass Program

All National Parks that charge an entrance fee are free on the following days in 2022 .

  • January 17, 2022 : Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • April 16, 2022 : First day of National Park Week
  • August 4, 2022 : Anniversary of Great American Outdoors Act
  • September 24, 2022 : National Public Lands Day
  • November 11, 2022 : Veterans Day

The free entrance fee days don’t cover amenity fees or activity fees such as camping, boat launches, tours, etc.

The Grand Canyon is a popular place to visit for a reason — it offers spectacular views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Generally speaking, late spring and early fall offer the best mix of mild weather and smaller crowds. July and August are the hottest, wettest months and can have large crowds, so it’s best to avoid those months. The low season from November to February tends to be very cold and some of the park is closed, so it’s best to avoid those months unless you are after total seclusion.

Whenever you choose to visit the Grand Canyon, make sure to take time to slow down, put your phone away, and just enjoy the immense natural beauty this area has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to go to the grand canyon.

The best months to visit the Grand Canyon are April, May, and September when temperatures are mild and school is in session, so crowds are at a minimum.

When should you not go to the Grand Canyon?

July and August are the hottest and wettest months, plus they are crowded, so it’s not the best time to visit the Grand Canyon. November through February is also a time you may want to consider avoiding due to the harsh weather.

What is the best day of the week to visit the Grand Canyon?

Not surprisingly, the weekends are the busiest times at the Grand Canyon, so it’s best to go during the week. Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the least crowded days of the week.

Is June too hot for the Grand Canyon?

While the temperatures in June in the Grand Canyon can be warm, with high temperatures reaching the low 80s, it’s still a pleasant month to visit. Temperatures get really hot in July and August.

Is it cold at the Grand Canyon in February?

Yes, February is a cold month in the Grand Canyon, with high temperatures reaching only into the low 40s. Low temperatures can dip into the 20s or teens, and snow is a possibility.

Is it good to visit the Grand Canyon in January?

January in the Grand Canyon can be very cold, but the upside is that you won’t encounter any crowds. If you’re planning on visiting during the winter months, keep in mind that the North Rim is closed, so you’ll want to focus on the South Rim or West Grand Canyon areas.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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The Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon

best time to visit grand canyon

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Weather in Grand Canyon National Park

  • Peak Season

Most Affordable Ways to Visit

Tourist attraction availability.

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon National Park , which is open year-round, is between April and June, when the temperatures are pleasant, and the rainfall averages are low. The summer months are, arguably, the worst time to visit this 277 mile-long canyon due to a high number of tourists as well as unfavorable hot weather, especially if you're planning on hiking in the Inner Canyon. Winter is also not the optimal time to visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon due to road, restaurant, and hotel closures.

Whenever you decide to go, use this guide to help you plan your trip to this well-loved national park, known for its impressive deep canyons—with a depth of over a mile—carved by the Colorado River.

No matter what time of year or season you decide to visit the park, be sure to check the weather before your trip. The National Park Service provides up-to-date information on temperature warnings, rain, air quality, fire danger, and road conditions. A webcam at the South Entrance Station will let you see how much traffic you might encounter during your visit.

Late spring and early summer are the drier times of the year. Depending on where you are at in the park, or on the trails, the weather varies drastically. Precipitation and temperature are dependent on the variabilities in elevation, which ranges from 2,000 feet to over 8,000 feet. You’ll encounter the most rain on the North Rim, while Lees Ferry is the driest. Winter precipitation is usually exhibited as snow on the rims but turns to rain as it reaches the canyon’s bottom.

The highest temperatures are found at the lowest elevations—the further you go toward the bottom of the canyon, the hotter it gets. The average high on the South Rim during the month of July, for example, is 84 degrees F while the average low is 54 degrees F. The average high in the Inner Canyon during the month of July is 106 degrees F while the average low is 78 degrees F.

Conversely, in the winter months, you can expect an average high for the month of January to be 41 degrees F on the South Rim and 56 degrees F in the Inner Canyon. Be sure to dress appropriately for the changing weather and always bring enough water for your entire adventure.

Peak Season in Grand Canyon National Park

Millions of visitors set foot in the Grand Canyon each year, especially during the summer months when most people have time off from work and school. Early summer tends to be the busiest time of year. If you must go during this time, consider visiting the less populated North Rim. The South Rim is the most popular area of the park, making summer the least ideal time for a visit. If you can swing it, bundle up and aim to visit the South Rim in the fall instead.

Flights, lodging, and restaurants tend to be more affordable in the low season, between November and February. While the Grand Canyon National Park permit costs $35 per vehicle, no matter when you visit, there are six national park free entrance days , which will help you save money. If you plan on visiting more than two national parks in a year, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Annual Pass. It covers entrance, amenity, and day-use fees for a driver and all passengers in a car or for four adults.

The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular national parks in America and it’s well-visited throughout the year. The North and South Rims are accessed from opposite sides of the canyon, with the South Rim—this is where the main Visitors Center is located— being the most popular year-round. The North Rim is closed in the winter.

South Rim mule rides operate year-round and you can sign up for a day adventure or spend a night or two at the famous Phantom Ranch on the bottom of the canyon.

The South Entrance Visitors Center is where you’ll likely start your adventure on either Hermit Road, a 7-mile scenic drive on the canyon rim, open to private vehicles December—February, or Desert View Drive, a 22-mile popular route, open to cars any time of year.

This season can be quite lovely because all of the tourists, for the most part, have left. You’ll still enjoy the incredible views at the South Rim that folks see at busier times of the year. Keep in mind, the North Rim is inaccessible by car during these months and fewer resources are available.

Events to check out:

  • Trails may be accessed this time of year, however, you’ll have to plan for snowy and potentially icy terrain as well as cold weather. Using a guide is recommended.

Spring is an ideal season to visit the park, due to pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and better deals and availability for hotels, campgrounds, and tours. Be sure to pack an extra layer for warmth on the rims. This season is also the best time to hike down in the canyon before Inner Canyon temps soar over 100 degrees F. Spring and early summer are when you’ll see more color in the park—desert blooms and grasses.

  • Make plans to visit the Grand Canyon’s West Rim during the spring to experience the Skywalk, operated by the Hualapai Tribe, with fewer tourists. Extending a whopping 70 feet from the canyon’s ledge, the horseshoe-shaped walkway has a glass floor and sides so that visitors can see 4,000 feet down into the canyon.
  • Take a helicopter tour and see the Grand Canyon from above. There are many operators to choose from, with flights that are weather-dependent, ensuring that you have a safe and fun adventure.
  •  For North Rim ranger programs , including the North Rim Heritage Week, visit from May to October.

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Expect summer weather to be hot and sunny. Be sure to bring along proper sun protection—like hats and sunscreen—as well as plenty of water, especially if you plan on hiking the trails. If you do go hiking, plan to arrive earlier in the morning to beat the heat. This season has longer days of sunshine and faster moving weather patterns. Utilize the complimentary shuttle system during the summer months as parking will be difficult.

  • The multi-hued sunsets during the summer are quite spectacular. Make early arrangements to find a viewing spot and have your camera ready. Mather and Hopi Points are popular sunset watching sites.
  • The official rafting season on the Colorado River is from April to October, with the summer months being ideal. You’ll need to get a permit and book a guide so make sure you plan in advance for this popular activity, especially if you’re hoping to do it during the busiest time of year.
  • The Hikers’ Express Shuttle Bus operates each summer from the Backcountry Information Center to the South Kaibab Trailhead.

Like spring, fall is also an ideal time to visit the park, due to mild weather, fewer tourists, and better deals and availability for hotels, campgrounds, and tours. You’ll want to be sure to pack extra layers for warmth. This season, expect the weather to be quite dry as rain becomes less frequent.

  • With cooler temperatures in the Inner Canyon, spring and fall are the best times to hike the popular Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail via the South Rim.
  • Visit the Yavapai Museum of Geology , where you’ll enjoy stunning canyon views, peruse the bookstore and shop, and learn from park rangers during special programs each day.

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The Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon

By Cassie Shortsleeve

Image may contain Mountain Outdoors Nature Art Painting Valley and Canyon

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Grand Canyon is nearly 300 miles in circumference, but most visitors gather in a few spots. Go off the beaten path, though, and you’ll beat the crowds without sacrificing the experience. Here, the best time to visit the Grand Canyon—and how to avoid the crowds when you do.

Brave the cold. Seeing the grandeur of the Grand Canyon often comes down to timing your trip right, says Cory Lawrence, president and CEO of [Off the Beaten Path] (http://www.offthebeatenpath.com/). Peak season is Memorial Day to Labor Day, but a late September to early November visit frees up even the ever-crowded South Rim, he notes. Consider bundling up for a winter trip, too. December through early February, daytime temperatures float in the 40s. “In spite of this—and really, because of this—there are wonderful opportunities to be had in the Grand Canyon,” he says. “Wearing crampons while hiking on the rim or in the canyon in snow is really something special.”

Choose the North Rim. Open only from late May through November, the North Rim —a 4.5-hour drive from Las Vegas—is the “quieter” rim, says Lawrence. It receives a tenth of the visitors as the South Rim.

Stretch your days. Park crowds start to gather around 9 a.m., so seek the sunrise . “Popping a thermos of fresh coffee and enjoying the majesty of this great landscape as it turns from dark browns, purples, and deep reds to oranges, tans, and yellows with the rising sun is something words can’t properly capture,” says Lawrence. Alternatively, stay out late as crowds dissipate around 7 p.m., says Marty Behr, the founder and chief development officer of National Parks Revealed . Sunset is just as dramatic.

Stay overnight. It’s something less than 25 percent the six million annual visitors to the park do, says Justin Wood, manager of the adventure travel program development and operation at REI Adventures . Book about a year out to snag a room at the only below-the-canyon-rim lodge, Phantom Ranch .

Go further. “So many travelers skip along the surface of a place, being amazed at the views that are just steps away from their vehicle,” says Lawrence. Consider hiking a mile or two below the rim, on a trail like the North Kaibab. “It’s a bigger day hike, but you’ll be rewarded with beautiful sights like roaring springs and a waterfall ,” says Wood.

Raft. Even during high summer, rafting the Colorado River offers an epic (it's 227 miles long) experience. “This is further assured by the National Park Service who limits the embarkments allowed and the size of groups," says Lawrence.

Book a private tour. Guides have access to closed-to-the-public Hermit Road and trails down into the canyon, which means solitude in the peak of peak season, says Behr . Often, guides have immediate entry to the national park, too, a line that can sometimes be an hour long. “Most importantly,” he says, “our guides provide interpretation of the flora, fauna, geology and history of the canyon, bringing it to life for travelers.”

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When Is The Best Time of Year to Visit the Grand Canyon?

  • August 5, 2022

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If the Grand Canyon is at the top of your travel list, your first question may not be what Rim to visit or whether to drive yourself or take a guided tour —it’s when you should visit.

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon depends on what you want to do when you’re there. Before you book a flight, consider what activities appeal to you most. For example:

  • Would you rather hike along the Rim Trail or trek into the Grand Canyon?
  • Do you want to camp overnight or would you prefer a day trip?
  • Are you interested in an airplane or helicopter flight, or how about a floor landing?
  • Do you want to see the Skywalk?
  • Are you travelling with kids?
  • Are you keen to go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River ?

If your biggest priority is simply to see the sights and snap some photos, you’ll have a little more flexibility over your timeline, but some activities, such as camping, hiking, and rafting, are easier (and cheaper) to book during certain months. Whatever your preference is, our guide can help you choose the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon.

Spring (March-May)

Spring and fall (the “shoulder seasons”) are often considered the best times of year to visit the Grand Canyon because daytime temperatures are typically lower and crowds are generally thinner.

  • Moderate temperatures are ideal for hiking. Typical daytime highs on the South Rim range from 50-60°, and between the mid 70s and high 80s on the West Rim.
  • Crowds are much thinner than during the peak summer season.
  • There is usually less rain than in the fall.
  • It’s wildflower season on the South and North Rims. Bloom intensity varies according to how much precipitation falls in the winter, but it’s always a sight to behold.

Disadvantages

  • It gets very cold at night , with lows ranging from the mid 20s-low 30s.
  • The weather is somewhat unpredictable , with late-season snow and rain storms, which can make it hard to dress appropriately.
  • Some areas, including the North Rim, are inaccessible due to snow .

What to pack for a spring visit

In the spring, layers are key to managing the unpredictable weather. Wear or pack these items:

  • Light sweater or flannel button-down shirt
  • Mid-weight waterproof outer layer
  • Hat and scarf
  • Comfortable socks and footwear, especially if you plan to hike.
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottle

Your Guide to Visiting the Grand Canyon for Spring Break

  • August 25, 2021

Continue reading

Summer (May-August)

School is out, making summer the most popular time of year to visit the Grand Canyon. That means it’s also the most crowded season, as well as the hottest.

  • Summer holidays make it easier to plan and schedule a family vacation without taking time off school.
  • Long, sunny days are perfect for exploring the Canyon
  • Tourism services are in full swing , so there will be lots of activities to participate in while you visit.
  • The North Rim is open! North Rim temperatures are much cooler, averaging around the low 60s to high 70s during the day.
  • It’s the busiest time of year , so crowds are thick and you might have trouble booking lodging. If you are only available in the summer but want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting the North Rim.
  • Daytime temperatures can be very high , ranging from 70-mid 80s on the South Rim, mid 90s and above on the West Rim, and even hotter within the Canyon, which can make it very difficult to hike.
  • The sun can quickly cause sunburns if you don’t apply sunscreen or wear appropriate clothing, especially on breezy days when you won’t feel the warning signs.
  • It’s also easier to become dehydrated , especially if you’re hiking.
  • Summer is monsoon season. Heavy rainstorms are common from July through mid-September, but they don’t last long.

What to pack for a summer visit

It’s hot during the day, but it gets cool at night in the summer. Pack or wear these items:

  • Tank top and/or t-shirt
  • Long-sleeved tee or long-sleeved button-down
  • Mid-weight waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable socks and shoes
  • Water-friendly sandals

Visit the Grand Canyon North Rim this summer:

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  • August 27, 2021

Autumn (September-November)

Similar to spring, autumn ushers in smaller crowds and more comfortable temperatures.

  • Temperatures are starting to cool down , with average daytime temperatures ranging between 50° and 60°. Like the springtime, it can get very cool overnight.
  • Kids are back in school, so crowds are much thinner .
  • The autumn foliage can’t be beat.
  • Shorter days make it easier to catch a Grand Canyon sunset .
  • Same as springtime, the weather can change unpredictably , with the potential for rain or early snowfall, as well as warmer-than-usual temperatures, which can make it difficult to pack accordingly.

What to pack for an autumn visit

Your packing list for an autumn visit will look very similar to a spring suitcase:

  • Mid-weight waterproof outdoor layer

Winter (December-February)

Winter weather can cause delays and obstruct views, but with the smallest crowds of the year and the potential for a snow-covered Canyon, winter can be one of the most peaceful and picturesque times to visit.

  • Crowds are much thinner , which makes it easier to snap that perfect Grand Canyon photo, as well as book accommodations if you want to stay overnight.
  • It’s easier to find hotel deals , and hotels are likely to be cheaper than during peak season.
  • South Rim trails stay open —just make sure you pack the appropriate footwear and clothing so you can stay warm.
  • You might get treated to a view of a snow-covered Grand Canyon .
  • Snow and other winter weather may cause travel delays or obstruct your view. It can also make it difficult to hike, especially into the Canyon. If you plan to hike, pack appropriately.
  • It’s much cooler , with daytime highs on the South Rim averaging around the low 40s, and into the teens and low 20s overnight. For a warmer wintertime visit, head to the West Rim —daytime highs average in the mid 60s to low 70s.
  • The North Rim is closed.

What to pack for a winter visit

With South Rim temperatures hovering around the low 40s, warm layers are essential for a winter visit:

  • Thermal underwear
  • Long-sleeved t-shirt and/or flannel button-down
  • Down vest or parka
  • Gloves or mittens
  • Waterproof boots and wool socks
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses (days are often sunny, and thanks to the high elevation, it’s easy to burn in the winter too).

If you’re visiting the West Rim, you can probably pack similarly to how you’d pack for spring.

Visit the Grand Canyon South or West Rim any time of year:

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When you’re planning your trip to the Grand Canyon, thinking about what you want to see and do while you’re there can help you decide when is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon.

  • Spring and Fall: Moderate temperatures and fewer crowds make the shoulder seasons an ideal time to visit, especially if you’re hoping to get in some hiking. Rafting tours are also available, and it may be easier to find accommodation if you want to stay overnight.
  • Summer: Despite high temperatures and heavy crowds, summer is the most popular time of year to visit. If you plan to hike, dress accordingly and be sure to pack sunscreen and sunglasses. The North Rim is also open and is typically cooler and less crowded than the South Rim.
  • Winter: It may be cool and there may be a greater possibility of winter weather, but the crowds are at their lowest, and winter (aside from the holiday season) is also the easiest, and probably cheapest, time of year to find accommodation. If you’re keen to hike, the Rim Trail is open year-round. However, the North Rim is closed, and rafting tours are not offered.

Whatever time of year you decide to visit, you can look forward to spectacular sites, unparalleled photo ops, and memories to last you a lifetime.

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best time to visit grand canyon

Where Are Those Morgans

Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon National Park By Month And Season

By: Author Mark and Kristen Morgan

Posted on Published: January 17, 2022  - Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Travel Planning Blog

Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon National Park By Month And Season

Spring and Fall are widely regarded as the best times of year to visit Grand Canyon South Rim . But the best season and even month for you really depends on the reasons for your visit to the legendary landscape in northern Arizona. We’re going to break down each season month by month to find the best time to visit Grand Canyon.

Do you want to hike down to the Colorado River ? Are you just day tripping to admire the best Grand Canyon viewpoints ? Or are you planning to be out for unrivaled Grand Canyon sunrises and sunsets with your camera?

Activities like hiking, driving to viewpoints and canyon photography are important but there are three major factors playing a crucial role in determining the best time of year for you to visit Grand Canyon. They are crowds, cost and perhaps most importantly – weather.

Let’s get stuck into the details and find the perfect time for you to visit the mighty Grand Canyon!

What Do We Mean By The “Best Time”

Hazy and smoky weather conditions causing issues with air quality in northern arizona

There is never going to be one size fits all “best time” to visit anywhere and that includes Grand Canyon National Park. Everyone has different preferences and priorities.

Some may look for best value whereas others will base a trip around weather. Similarly, hiking into the Grand Canyon may be a top priority for some but avoiding crowds at all cost could be another visitors’ main driving factor.

In this guide we will cover a wide range of topics and hone in on the best time for you to visit Grand Canyon National Park.

Remember, the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular and best USA national parks so you need to consider many factors.

Our Typical Considerations

What are some of the aspects we consider when deciding the time of year we want to visit a new place?

  • Crowds – If it’s going to be crazy busy, we personally want to avoid it but others may prefer the busy atmosphere.
  • Cost – The price of rooms, activities, food, rental cars etc have to be in line with all of other aspects. For example if prices are higher, we want the best weather, photography and hiking opportunities. If costs are lower, we know to expect questionable weather or hiking trails to be closed.
  • Weather – Plays a huge role in how enjoyable a trip turns out. At Grand Canyon, you don’t want to be hiking all day in the middle of Summer.
  • Hiking – Are trails accessible, are they safe and are they going to be packed full or empty? What are the best hikes at Grand Canyon ? We would look into both Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail for day hiking information.
  • Photography – Are sunrises and sunsets good at this time of year? Can we shoot astrophotography easily? Is there a chance of snow on the ground? What about Fall colors?
  • Location – What else is nearby that we can visit at this time of year?
  • Specifics – What is unique to the place? For example, haze and smog sometimes impacts views and air quality at Grand Canyon. See image above we took one morning in October of thick haze near Desert View watchtower.

South Rim vs North Rim

Despite Grand Canyon’s obvious popularity, just 10% of all visitors to the national park visit North Rim.

South Rim is the quintessential touristy side. In part because it is much easier to access from many of the closest airports to Grand Canyon , but also because it can stay open all year safely.

As we discuss the best time to visit Grand Canyon in this guide, we are referring to (and will provide statistics for) South Rim which receives almost all visitors.

Fun Rim Facts

  • Did you know it is approximately 10 miles as the crow flies between South Rim and North Rim?
  • South Rim elevation is around 7,000 ft but North Rim sits at a whopping 8,300 ft.
  • Therefore North Rim is colder, wetter and snowier than South Rim.
  • The vast and enormous expanse between the towering walls can create turbulent and changeable weather.

How Many People Visit Grand Canyon South Rim Each Month?

Infographic showing monthly visitor numbers at Grand Canyon South Rim between 2016 and 2019

June and July are consistently the two busiest months of the year at Grand Canyon South Rim. Conversely, January and February are consistently the two quietest months of the year to visit Grand Canyon South Rim.

But if you look at the data in the table above, you can see a fairly reasonable spread of visitors throughout the year. This is because South Rim is one of the top USA vacation spots and it is open year round with full access to every part of the park.

Other popular US parks like Yellowstone National Park and Mt Rainier National Park are seasonal, which mean the overwhelming majority of visitors to each park are in July and August.

The best part of visiting a park like Grand Canyon South Rim is that you have options. You can choose to visit any month of the year depending on your preferences.

Note : We only included data up to 2019 because statistics during the coronavirus pandemic are skewed.

Need help organizing your visit to Grand Canyon South Rim? Our popular 30+ page Grand Canyon South Rim Guidebook can help you with planning every aspect of your trip.

How Do You Avoid Crowds At Grand Canyon South Rim?

If you want to avoid crowds during your visit to Grand Canyon South Rim, you should visit in December, January or February. However, March and November are also reasonably low on crowds and have more comfortable weather conditions.

April through October you’re going to be sharing South Rim with a lot of other tourists. You’ll be surprised by how small the Rim is, and how quickly it can fill up in peak season.

More people will be taking day trips from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon in the summer months.

It’s all about compromising and finding the right balance.

If your sole purpose is to spend time at South Rim when barely anyone else is around, you need to start planning a visit to Grand Canyon South Rim in Winter .

Annual Weather Conditions At Grand Canyon South Rim

Annual weather conditions at grand canyon south rim consideration for the best time to visit

Weather can play an important role in how enjoyable your overall experience is during your visit to Grand Canyon South Rim, especially if you’re planning to hike exposed trails into the canyon.

What is the first thing you notice when looking at the average monthly temperatures table above?

The first thing we notice is that even in the middle of Summer throughout June, July and August on the South Rim of Grand Canyon, the average high temperatures don’t seem like too much of a concern.

But the average low temperatures in the Winter months of December, January and February appear to be alarmingly low.

Well, that’s because the touristy area along Grand Canyon South Rim is over 7,000 ft above sea level.

There are two key things to know about weather for your visit:

  • The temperature increases dramatically when you hike down into the canyon.
  • You need to pack for colder weather if you plan to sightsee along the Rim.

Key Takeaway Weather Statistics

Let’s take a look at some of the stand out weather statistics on Grand Canyon South Rim:

  • July and August are the two hottest months of the year on Grand Canyon South Rim.
  • January is the coldest month of the year, but it is closely followed by December and February.
  • Mornings and evenings are cold in Zion from October through May.
  • Temperatures are comfortable on South Rim during the day from May through October.

Is Spring The Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon South Rim?

Hiking path on south kaibab trail on a beautiful spring like day

Spring is widely considered as one of the best times to visit Grand Canyon South Rim. There are no Spring blooming flowers or meadows, no waterfalls at their most powerful and no special geological event. But fewer crowds and more hotel rooms available make the park more accessible compared to Summer.

What makes the Spring months of March, April and May such a firm favorite among tourists?

Well, let’s start with weather at Grand Canyon South Rim.

March Weather At Grand Canyon South Rim

Weather conditions in March at Grand Canyon South Rim are beginning to warm back above freezing on average but the mornings and evenings are still cold. Ground snow can cause fog but it usually burns away by morning. Winds can get a little gusty at times.

  • Average High – 51°F (10°C)
  • Average Low – 25°F (-4°C)
  • Precipitation – 1.38 Inches
  • Snowfall – Expected

April Weather At Grand Canyon South Rim

April at Grand Canyon South Rim welcomes more sunshine and a jump in average temperatures when compared to Winter, but snow can continue to fall and the occasional sub-zero temperature will be recorded. Expect winds to pick up on occasion. Overall a very comfortable month.

  • Average High – 60°F (15°C)
  • Average Low – 32°F (0°C)
  • Precipitation – 0.93 Inches
  • Snowfall – Occasional

May Weather At Grand Canyon South Rim

May is one of the best months for overall weather conditions at Grand Canyon South Rim. Along with June, May accounts for the driest time of year with very low relative humidity. May can also be quite breezy and even gusty at times.

  • Average High – 70°F (21°C)
  • Average Low – 39°F (4°C)
  • Precipitation – 0.66 Inches
  • Snowfall – Not unheard-of

Costs In Spring

Prices for rooms in park hotels on South Rim and hotels in towns nearby are going to start out the season with great value after a slower Winter season.

But every week closer to Summer you will notice prices increasing and availability decreasing. If you plan to visit in late April or May, we would suggest booking your hotel at least a few months in advance.

Rental cars at Phoenix, Flagstaff or Las Vegas are going to be increasing in price throughout Spring, with highest prices in May.

How Busy Is Grand Canyon South Rim In March, April and May?

Visitor numbers begin to grow rapidly throughout Spring. March is significantly busier when compared to February and by the end of May, visitor numbers are almost on par with Summer.

Overlooks along Desert View Drive and Hermit Road will start to become busy later in Spring but there should be little to no issues with parking or hopping on a shuttle bus earlier in Spring during March and April.

Hiking Grand Canyon South Rim In Spring

Popular hiking trails like Bright Angel and South Kaibab will be relatively free of foot traffic and hiking weather conditions will typically be perfect.

Just be sure to take care on any unusually hot days in May. Remember that North Rim doesn’t open until May, so you can’t hike Rim to Rim until the very end of Spring.

Photography At Grand Canyon South Rim In Spring

Photography is amazing any time of year at Grand Canyon. But Spring brings about milder mornings and evenings when compared to the depths of Winter.

Daylight hours will grow throughout Spring, which means earlier sunrises and later sunsets in May. The Milky Way core will begin to once again glow during the hours right before dawn.

You will notice popular sunrise and sunset photography spots like Mather Point, Yavapai Point and Hopi Point get busier and busier toward the end of Spring.

Is Summer The Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon National Park?

Where Are Those Morgans posing for a photo on a hot summers day in Grand Canyon national park but is summer the best time to visit?

Summer is the busiest season at Grand Canyon South Rim. If you have enough money in your travel budget, can get organized with bookings in advance and don’t intend to do any serious hiking, Summer could be the best time for you to visit the park.

However, we recommend you avoid Summer if you are planning any significant hiking, you’re traveling on a budget or you’re not a fan of big crowds.

The risk of not being able to hike due to high temperatures is enough to put us off a Summer visit alone.

June Weather At Grand Canyon South Rim

June is a transitional weather month at Grand Canyon South Rim with very warm highs, but occasional cool lows and even frosts or light snowfall. In June you will find a similar daytime warmth to July and August but noticeable differences early morning and late evening.

  • Average High – 81°F (27°C)
  • Average Low – 47°F (8°C)
  • Precipitation – 0.42 Inches
  • Storms – Occasional

July Weather At Grand Canyon South Rim

July is the hottest month of the year to visit Grand Canyon South Rim but frequent storms are common. Temperatures easily top 100°F (38°C) down at the canyon floor around Phantom Ranch. July has the mildest mornings and evenings of the year.

  • Average High – 84°F (29°C)
  • Average Low – 54°F (12°C)
  • Precipitation – 1.81 Inches
  • Storms – Frequent

August Weather At Grand Canyon South Rim

August weather is almost as hot as July at South Rim but there are far more frequent storms, often major ones causing flash flooding in the Colorado River. August is the best month to visit Grand Canyon for a chance of seeing lightening flash and fork above the canyon.

  • Average High – 82°F (28°C)
  • Average Low – 53°F (12°C)
  • Precipitation – 2.25 Inches

Costs In Summer

Hotels in and around South Rim are peaking at their highest prices of the year. You will have a hard time finding a room last minute and booking well in advance is the smart move.

Restaurants and eateries are limited on the Rim and in nearby Tusayan. In Summer, the few options you have will be packed full of tourists.

Rental cars at Phoenix, Flagstaff or Las Vegas will also be at maximum daily costs for the year. Overall you are going to pay a lot more to visit Grand Canyon in Summer.

How Busy Is Grand Canyon South Rim In June, July and August?

Crowds in June will be busier versus May but still tolerable when compared to July and August at Grand Canyon South Rim. If you have to visit in one of the Summer months, try to make it June.

Parking areas at overlooks on Desert View Drive are going to be full in July and August almost all day and you’ll have to circle waiting for spaces to open up.

Hiking Grand Canyon South Rim In Summer

Hiking can become very dangerous at Grand Canyon in Summer. You have to remember that even on a relatively cool day on South Rim, you are at 7,000 ft and it will be much warmer down in the canyon.

Attempting a day hike to the Colorado River and back to South Rim in Summer is not a good idea and we highly recommend you do not try this hike.

There are signs on the trails showing how heat exhaustion can quickly affect the body and each year there are a number of injuries to hikers.

Remember you can hike just a small portion of both Bright Angel and South Kaibab. Each trail has a 1.5 mile and 3 mile turnaround point.

No matter which trail you take on, don’t forget to take as much water as you can carry, particularly on the hottest Summer days. Pack hats, sunscreen and sunglasses for your hike.

Photography At Grand Canyon South Rim In Summer

If you are visiting Grand Canyon for photography alone, Summer is going to provide you with the most comfortable conditions to shoot sunrises, sunsets and stars.

However, daylight hours are longer and you will have to get an early start for sunrise. You will also have to fight for a prime position at Mather Point or the Rim nearby. There will be a lot of tripods here in Summer!

Similarly at sunset, you will have to arrive to your sunset spot of choice early to grab a great spot. We’ve seen hundreds of people lining the Rim at Hopi Point in October, so we shudder to think how busy it will be in July or August.

Is Fall The Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon National Park?

Beautiful golden yellow leaves on a tree deep inside grand canyon national park hiking bright angel trail in early winter

Cooler temperatures, lower costs and lighter crowds return to South Rim in Fall, making September, October and November one of the best times of year to visit Grand Canyon National Park.

Autumn effectively takes the negative aspects of a Summer visit and throws them right into the canyon.

September and October are our personal favorite months of the year to travel almost everywhere in the contiguous 48 US states, after the Summer rush when things are calmer.

Fall colors, better value, lighter crowds and perfect hiking conditions make these two months the sweet spot for US travel.

September Weather At Grand Canyon South Rim

September is the month with the most changeable weather conditions of the year in Grand Canyon with unexpected storms or early winter snow sometimes occurring. This means you could get lightening, snow and sun in one visit lasting a few days.

  • Average High – 76°F (24°C)
  • Precipitation – 1.56 Inches
  • Storms – Frequent early September

October Weather At Grand Canyon South Rim

October is an excellent month for hiking with pleasant daytime temperatures, and reasonable early morning and late evening temperatures. Also, very few potentially dramatic weather events that may cause hiking plans to change. October is our personal favorite month to visit Grand Canyon South Rim.

  • Average High – 65°F (18°C)
  • Average Low – 36°F (2°C)
  • Precipitation – 1.10 Inches
  • Snowfall – Infrequent
  • Storms – Not unheard-of

November Weather At Grand Canyon South Rim

Daytime temperatures plummet in November at Grand Canyon South Rim but during the day it is warm enough to hike in shorts and t shirts. However, mornings and evenings now turning cold and heavy coats required to stay warm if staying on the Rim.

  • Average High – 52°F (11°C)
  • Average Low – 27°F (-3°C)
  • Precipitation – 0.94 Inches

Costs In Fall

Hotels begin to lower prices after the school holidays in Summer. You can find good deals in Tusayan, Valle and at hotels in Williams as availability starts to open up, particularly on weekdays.

The further into Fall you go, the more chance of picking up a great price on a hotel room. You do not have to worry about a Fall foliage leaf-peeping season at Grand Canyon driving up prices in October.

Rental cars at Phoenix, Flagstaff or Las Vegas are going to slowly decrease in price throughout Fall, with lowest prices in November.

How Busy Is Grand Canyon South Rim In September, October and November?

Crowds begin to dwindle in Fall after a busy Summer season. September remains busy but noticeably quieter versus August and numbers continue to drop rapidly into October and November.

Autumn is still a busy season at Grand Canyon, but like Spring, the crowds are more tolerable.

Overlooks along Desert View Drive and Hermit Road will become less crowded the further into October and November you plan your visit.

Hiking Grand Canyon South Rim In Fall

Fall is the time to visit if you are going to the Grand Canyon to hike its most famous trails. Hiking temperatures are perfect in late September and early October, with slightly warmer mornings and evenings when compared to Spring.

Roads into and out of North Rim close in October, so if you plan to hike the Rim to Rim trail, do it in September or early October.

Photography At Grand Canyon South Rim In Fall

The Fall season is our favorite for photography at Grand Canyon National Park. The days are well into shortening so sunrise isn’t too early and sunset isn’t right at dinner time.

Colors in the sky burst into life during sunrise in Fall and sunset has a more calming feel at this time of year. There’s a very orangey glow as the sun casts its final rays on the canyon at dusk that illuminates the landscape.

Temperatures are comfortable throughout the day in September but mornings and evenings quickly become crisp as you enter November.

All of the popular photography locations are once more relaxing and there’s enough space to pick your ideal spot to set up.

Is Winter The Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon National Park?

Winter is the best time to visit grand canyon for snow and fog creating unique photography opportunities but it is cold and big coats are required

Winter is a surprisingly excellent time to visit Grand Canyon South Rim because crowds are minimal, hiking can be comfortable and nearby hotels are affordable.

Winter isn’t traditionally a great time to visit US National Parks if you’re looking to do the typical touristy things like hike and sightsee. Usually this is because the parks are closed or in a special Winter season, which is a completely different experience.

However, Grand Canyon South Rim is accessible all year and all roads, facilities, amenities and attractions are open in Winter.

Yes, it can be cold at times. But there are milder days among those colder temperatures. If you can time it right and with a bit of luck, Winter can actually have excellent hiking conditions.

Plus, who hasn’t always wanted to see the iconic Grand Canyon covered in a film of white powdery snow?!

December Weather At Grand Canyon South Rim

Frequent snowfall begins throughout December and it becomes extremely cold early morning / late afternoon into night at Grand Canyon South Rim. Lots of Winter sun helps warm you up but you’ll need to pack warm clothes. With that said, it can be perfectly pleasant during the day further down the canyon if hiking.

  • Average High – 43°F (6°C)
  • Average Low – 20°F (-7°C)
  • Precipitation – 1.64 Inches

January Weather At Grand Canyon South Rim

January is the coldest month of the year at Grand Canyon South Rim with the lowest highs and the lowest lows. It can be fairly bleak but on a good day you can have sun and reasonable temperatures. The best part is you’ll have the freedom of Grand Canyon National Park.

  • Average High – 41°F (5°C)
  • Average Low – 18°F (-8°C)
  • Precipitation – 1.32 Inches

February Weather At Grand Canyon South Rim

February is still very cold and frequent snowfall will occur on South Rim, but it will be extremely quiet, particularly at sunrise which could be perfect for a ‘lost world’ feel. Pack plenty of warm gear and hope for early Spring conditions.

  • Average High – 45°F (7°C)
  • Average Low – 21°F (-6°C)
  • Precipitation – 1.55 Inches

Costs In Winter

If you’re looking for the best bargains and lowest overall costs for visiting Grand Canyon, plan a visit in Winter. You will find excellent value with hotels in Tusayan, Flagstaff and Williams.

But perhaps the best aspect of visiting at this time of year is cheaper rooms in the park hotels along South Rim. You won’t get a better price than the deep Winter months of January and February.

Rental cars at Phoenix, Flagstaff or Las Vegas are also at their lowest price points of the year.

How Busy Is Grand Canyon South Rim In December, January and February?

December, January and February are the three quietest months of the year to visit Grand Canyon South Rim. This is the time to explore Grand Canyon if you want to avoid crowds and have the freedom of photography locations along the Rim.

You might want to read our in depth guide to visiting Grand Canyon in Winter , including 10 important things you need to know before you go.

Overlooks along Desert View Drive will be easily accessible without issue of overcrowding. It is so quiet at this time of year that Hermit Road is open to vehicle access.

Fewer people working through a bucket list of things to do in Las Vegas are likely to consider visiting Grand Canyon as a day trip in Winter.

Hiking Grand Canyon South Rim In Winter

Planning a hiking trip to Grand Canyon in Winter is a gamble, but if it pays off you will take all of the benefits and still have the same amazing experience of hiking in the canyon.

We day hiked down South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch and back up Bright Angel one Monday morning in December. The weather was perfect with a crisp but clear morning and a beautifully sunny day. We ended up hiking in shorts and t-shirts.

The next day we woke up to snowfall and half an inch of ground snow. When we made it up to Mather Point on the Rim, we couldn’t see into the canyon because the snow clouds were so dense and it was pretty cold. We wouldn’t have wanted to hike down that day.

Photography At Grand Canyon South Rim In Winter

If you’re visiting Grand Canyon in Winter for photography, there’s only one thing you want to see and that is snow on the ground.

We were on the Rim during a heavy snowfall but we missed out on what would have been an incredibly beautiful canyon view the following day with no clouds but all the ground snow.

Even without snow, Winter conditions give the entire canyon a gorgeous pink hue at sunrise and you’ll have the place almost exclusively to yourself.

Daylight hours are shortest which means you can sleep in and still make sunrise, or stay out for sunset and still make a reasonable dinner time.

Don’t forget your fingerless gloves or mittens, they’re life savers in the harsh cold!

Spectacular views over Grand Canyon national park on a cloudy but moderately warm day in late fall the best time to visit the national park in northern arizona

When Is The Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon South Rim?

March, April, May, September, October, November and December are the best months to visit Grand Canyon National Park to get the perfect blend of costs, expenses and crowds.

To summarize: It’s hard to beat shoulder seasons

Now, we know much of the reasoning behind this is kids only getting time off school in the Summer months. But if you don’t have school term times to worry about, you’re better off avoiding Summer. Especially if you want to hike.

You’ll benefit from lower costs across the board, fewer crowds and more comfortable weather conditions for sightseeing and hiking in shoulder seasons.

In an ideal world you could visit once in Winter to try capturing a snow day, once in late Summer in hopes of seeing a lightening storm and once in Spring or Fall for perfect hiking conditions.

But in reality, three visits to the Grand Canyon are highly unlikely. Therefore we would suggest taking your pick between Spring and Fall based on the information provided in this guide.

Whichever you choose, we hope you have an amazing time at one of the world’s most iconic landscapes.

Perfect Season For …

  • Hikers – Spring, Fall or even some Winter days.
  • Photographers – All year but Fall is our favorite.
  • Storm Chasers – Late Summer months.
  • Budget Conscious – Winter, early Spring and late Fall for the best deals.
  • Families – Late Spring and Fall for comfortable conditions, slightly lower prices and fewer crowds.

best time to visit grand canyon

Need Help Planning A Trip To Grand Canyon South Rim?

Grand Canyon is one of the most visited National Parks in the US and it’s a stunning landscape that will genuinely blow you away.

But we also know how important it is to get your trip off to the best possible start by planning in advance.

We have been lucky enough to visit Grand Canyon South Rim twice, at different times of year and with different goals:

  • First to sightsee, shoot sunrises and sunsets and see the canyon from every single viewpoint on the Rim.
  • Second to day hike Rim to River, South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch to Bright Angel in one day.

If you are planning a trip to Grand Canyon South Rim and want to know:

  • Where to stay and eat
  • How to get there and use the shuttles
  • The best hikes in the area
  • Which overlooks to visit
  • Where to watch sunrise and sunset

Our 30+ page Grand Canyon South Rim Guidebook with 4 example itineraries will tell you all this information plus more so you can plan the perfect trip to Grand Canyon South Rim National Park.

Our Popular Grand Canyon Guides

  • Itinerary –  Grand Canyon South Rim one day itinerary
  • Best Hikes –  Best hikes at Grand Canyon National Park
  • Photography –  Sunrise and Sunset spots at the Grand Canyon
  • Hotels –  Where to stay at Grand Canyon National Park
  • Winter –  Important things to know about Grand Canyon in winter
  • Viewpoints –  Famous viewpoints along Grand Canyon South Rim
  • Transport –  Closest airports to Grand Canyon National Park

More Arizona Hiking Guides

  • Day Hike –  South Kaibab to Bright Angel day hike
  • South Kaibab –  How to hike South Kaibab Trail at Grand Canyon
  • Bright Angel –  How to hike Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon
  • Sedona –  20 stunning hikes in Sedona, Arizona
  • The Wave –  Everything you need to know about hiking the Wave
  • Wave Permit –  How to win a permit to hike the Wave

Want more Arizona content?  Head over to our  Arizona Travel Guides  to explore the best of Grand Canyon, Sedona and beyond.

We hope this guide explaining the best time to visit helps you plan your trip to Grand Canyon National Park!

Please let us know if you have any questions for the different seasons at Grand Canyon South Rim in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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best time to visit grand canyon

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best time to visit grand canyon

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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view of grand canyon in winter

The Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park

Planning a visit to the Grand Canyon, Arizona? Find out when is the best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park.

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the busiest national parks in the United States with an average of five million visitors per year. It’s easy to see why- you won’t forget that unique, jaw-dropping scenery in a while.

The Grand Canyon also offers a variety of activities such as hiking, photography, rafting, and camping.

When to visit the Grand Canyon largely depends on you and your interests. While spring and fall and normally seen as the best times of the year to visit Grand Canyon National Park, you might find the ideal time to be outside of those seasons. 

Considering when to visit the Grand Canyon in AZ, it’s important to factor in the weather, trip costs and even the crowds.

In this guide, we’ll consider each carefully and break down what each month and season at the Grand Canyon looks like.  You’ll then be able to find the best time of the year to go to Grand Canyon, for you. 

view of grand canyon in winter

*This ‘ best time to visit Grand Canyon ’ guide contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.

Read More:  Visiting Grand Canyon in Winter: Everything You Need to Know

Why Visit the Grand Canyon?

So you’ve heard all about the Grand Canyon AZ, from friends, in magazines, TV, but why should you pack your bags and head to this iconic Wonder of the world? 

Simply put, there’s no place in the world like it. The sheer magnitude of this place is awe-inspiring and the views are nothing short of spectacular. If you’re an early riser then catching the sunrise casting a warm glow over the rugged terrain is a sight to not forget in a hurry. 

There are also all the activities you can do here for the outdoorsy types. With many different hiking trails and Grand Canyon viewpoints to explore, there’s plenty to keep you busy during your visit. 

North Rim vs South Rim?

Given the Grand Canyon’s magnitude, you’ll be right to think there are many great places to view it from. Generally, however, when people refer to the Grand Canyon, they mean Grand Canyon South Rim. 

South Rim is the popular, touristy side that sees over 80% of the park’s visitors annually. It’s more popular because it’s easier to access and it’s closer to Arizona’s major cities and airports. 

Grand Canyon South Rim also stays open all your round while North Rim closes during the winter. 

In this guide, we’re talking about the best time to visit Grand Canyon South Rim as that’s where travelers tend to visit more. 

Ultimately you can choose to visit the South Rim or North Rim or both if you have more time as they both offer different vantage points of the canyon. Note however that if you are visiting the Grand Canyon in winter, South Rim is your only option as the North Rim is closed. 

Grand Canyon West Rim is another possibility and due to it’s proximity to Las Vegas , it can be the best choice if you’re basing yourself there. 

Grand Canyon viewpoint

When is the Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon?

In general, the best times to visit the Grand Canyon for pleasant weather and fewer crowds are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) . 

These seasons offer comfortable daytime temperatures and beautiful scenery, making them ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. 

Spring is particularly appealing with wildflowers in bloom, while fall showcases the changing colors of the foliage.

For those wanting the best time to travel to Grand Canyon South Rim with very few crowds and low prices, winter is also a great time but you’ll need to be more prepared for cold weather and abrupt weather changes. 

The Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon, Month by Month and Season

There are many great times of the year to visit Grand Canyon. Whether your priority is good weather, avoiding the crowds to have viewpoints to yourself or visiting the Grand Canyon on a budget, there’s a best season and month for you.

Keep reading to find the Grand Canyon temperatures by month.

The best time of year to visit Grand Canyon at a glance:

The spring months (March-May):   Spring tends to be fairly warm during the day but cool at night. March and April are still fairly quiet but crowds start to really increase in May. Spring is the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon. 

The summer months (June-August):  They tend to be the hottest and wettest time of year, with temperatures reaching 90+ degrees Fahrenheit during the day. It’s the most expensive time to visit and crowds are at their highest. 

The fall months (September-November) : The fall is a great time to visit Grand Canyon as crowds start to disperse, the weather gets chillier and accommodation rates come down. 

The winter months (December – February):  The winter season is the driest time of year but temperatures can still easily dip below freezing. Weather is unpredictable but there are no crowds and you’ll find the cheapest hotel rates. 

best time to visit Grand Canyon at sunset

Winter Season in the Grand Canyon

Winters at Grand Canyon are cold, quiet and most probably snowy. During the day, temperatures are pretty comfortable but at sunrise, sunset and at night, they drop well below freezing so you’ll need to come prepared with plenty of layers and warm clothes. 

Snow is expected and roads in the park can close due to heavy snowfall. 

Grand Canyon North Rim is closed, so South Rim sees all the few visitors that come through. 

Visiting Grand Canyon in winter  is perfect for budget-conscious travelers and for escaping the crowds. If you’re lucky with the weather and you don’t mind the cold, winter can be the best time to go to the Grand Canyon. 

Providing there isn’t too much snow and ice on the ground, winter is also a great time for hiking, especially the long trails that are just too hot to tackle in the summer months. 

December in Grand Canyon Weather

Average High:  44°F (7°C)

Average Low:  17°F  (-8°C)

Precipitation:  1.64 inches of rain with snowfall highly likely

December marks the start of winter at the Grand Canyon, and it can get quite cold during this time. 

Average highs are 43°F (6°C) and lows drop to 20°F (-7°C). There is also an average of 1.64 inches of snowfall, so be sure to bring appropriate clothing for the winter weather if you plan to hike. 

Despite the colder temperatures, there’s still plenty of sunshine to warm you up during the day and visiting Grand Canyon in December is very doable. 

January in Grand Canyon Weather

Precipitation:  1.31 inches of rain with snowfall highly likely

The Grand Canyon is a beautiful place to visit in the winter. January brings cold temperatures with average highs of 44°F (7°C) and lows of 18°F (-8°C). 

But it’s worth braving the chill for a unique, serene experience when visiting Grand Canyon in January. With few visitors in the park, one can truly take advantage of the pristine beauty and solitude.

It’s best to prepare for snow and come with warm clothing, as bone-chilling temperatures are not uncommon.

Thinking about visiting the Grand Canyon in January? Read our  guide to Grand Canyon in Winter . 

February in Grand Canyon Weather

Average High:  46°F (8°C)

Average Low:  19°F  (-7°C)

Precipitation:  1.55 inches of rain with snowfall highly likely

Grand Canyon weather in February brings an even colder chill, but also tranquil atmospheres ideal for those looking for a ‘lost world’ feel. 

Average highs of 45°F (7°C) and lows of 19°F (-7°C) are to be expected. 

Precipitation averages 1.55 inches, with snowfall also occurring on occasion. The park is especially quiet during this time, offering a great opportunity for introspection and reflection while admiring the breathtaking landscape that surrounds you.

Visiting Grand Canyon in February is a budget-friendly and quiet experience. 

Is winter a good time to visit the Grand Canyon?

Winter is surprisingly a very good time to visit the Grand Canyon. When visiting in winter you take a big risk with the weather which is why when planning a trip, make sure to schedule a few more days in the area, just in case. 

With crowds virtually nonexistent, and accommodation rates at their lowest it’s the time to visit for budget travellers. 

We visited in January and there were times it felt like we had the park to ourselves. Sunrise and sunsets were freezing but we had two beautiful sunny days. We were very lucky indeed. 

visiting grand canyon in December

Spring in the Grand Canyon

Spring is another good time to visit the Grand Canyon as days get warmer and longer. 

As the season progresses accommodation rates increase and so do crowds. There’s quite a big difference between costs and crowds in March vs May.

May is more similar to summer rates and visitor numbers whereas in March you’ll benefit from more winter-like factors. 

Spring also brings plenty of wildflowers to Grand Canyon National Park. It’s also the perfect time for hiking as temperatures aren’t too hot. 

Grand Canyon in March Weather

Average High:  53°F (12°C)

Average Low:  25°F  (-4°C)

Precipitation:  1.38 inches of rain with potential snowfall expected

Visiting Grand Canyon in March is a great idea as temperatures start to get warmer, with average highs of 53°F (12°C) and lows of 25°F (-4°C). 

Weather conditions can be unpredictable in March, however, with frequent gusty winds. It’s best to come prepared for both warm and cold weather, as the temperatures can drop quickly with the onset of the wind. 

Backpacking Grand Canyon in March becomes a possibility again after the cold and harsh winter. 

There’s a chance of snow at night and in the morning, but it typically melts before noon- ideal for those planning Grand Canyon vacations in March. 

Grand Canyon April Weather

Average High:  60°F (16°C)

Average Low:  28°F  (-2°C)

Precipitation:  0.93 inches of rain with possible snowfall

April is an ideal season to plan your visit to the Grand Canyon South Rim. With average highs of 60°F (15°C) and lows of 33°F (1°C), the temperatures are just right for outdoor activities. 

It’s also a relatively dry month with 0.93 inches of precipitation making it a great time for visiting the Grand Canyon in April

On clear days, you can witness unrivalled sunsets and stunning canyon views that will take your breath away. In my opinion, April is the best month to visit Grand Canyon for the perfect balance between crowds, weather and costs. 

Grand Canyon May Weather

Average High:  71°F (22°C)

Average Low:  35°F  (2°C)

Precipitation:  0.66 inches of rain with potential snowfall expected

May is one of the most perfect times to visit the Grand Canyon. When visiting the Grand Canyon in May, you’ll generally experience mild and dry weather, with high temperatures reaching around 70°F (21°C) and low temperatures only dropping to 39°F (4°C). 

It’s usually a great time for outdoor activities like sightseeing or hiking due to its low humidity and pleasant temperatures. Plus, although there is an average of 0.66 inches of precipitation in May, it’s usually relatively dry. 

However, be aware that strong winds can occur at this time of year, so pack accordingly to stay comfortable during your visit.

Is Spring the best time to visit the Grand Canyon?

Spring is a fantastic time to visit the Grand Canyon AZ as the weather gets milder in March, April and May. Days also start to get longer throughout spring with earlier sunrises and later sunsets. Mornings and evenings are milder too. 

Visitor numbers start to increase as spring progresses but you still shouldn’t have problems with finding parking or getting on one of the park’s shuttle buses for Hermit Road. 

There is a big difference in visitor numbers between March and May, with May being significantly busier than March. 

At the end of spring, as North Rim opens, it becomes possible to hike Rim to Rim again. 

details of the Grand Canyon South Rim

Summer at Grand Canyon

Summer is the season of scorching temperatures, endless sunshine, and a constant wave of visitors from across the globe. It’s the hottest, busiest and most expensive time. 

Summer days are nice and long, however, giving you endless hours to hike and explore the park. If you are planning to catch a sunrise, you’ll need to get up super early though! 

Grand Canyon June Weather

Average High:  82°F (28°C)

Average Low:  43°F  (6°C)

Precipitation:  0.42 inches of rain, possible storms

June marks the beginning of summer at the Grand Canyon South Rim, and it’s a great time to visit for those looking to experience both warm and cool temperatures. 

Grand Canyon weather in June sees high temperatures of about 81°F (27°C), while the low temperature is only 47°F (8°C). Although there’s less precipitation than in May, with an average of 0.42 inches, there is the potential for occasional storms to occur in June. 

It’s always wise to be prepared with a raincoat or umbrella before heading out on any outings in the Grand Canyon in June.

Grand Canyon in July Weather

Average High:  86°F (30°C)

Average Low:  50°F  (10°C)

Precipitation:  1.81 inches of rain with some rain storms

Grand Canyon in July sees the hottest temperatures of the year at the Grand Canyon South Rim.  Grand Canyon temperatures in July average at 84°F (29°C) and see lows of 54°F (12°C). 

Not only that, but July is also one of the wettest months with an average of 1.81 inches of precipitation. Storms are quite frequent during this time, especially in the late afternoon and evenings. 

When visiting the Grand Canyon in July, it’s important to be prepared for intense heat during the day and occasional thunderstorms.

Grand Canyon August Weather

Average High:  82°F (28°C)

Precipitation:  2.25 inches of rain with frequent rainstorms

Grand Canyon in August is much like July in terms of weather conditions, with average highs of 82°F (28°C) and lows of 53°F (12°C).

The main difference between the two months is that Grand Canyon weather in August can be a little more unpredictable.

August sees more frequent and often major storms, with 2.25 inches of rainfall on average. 

This can lead to flash flooding in the Colorado River, so be sure to avoid this area if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon in August. This month is also a great time for witnessing spectacular lightning displays at night.

Is summer the best time to visit the Grand Canyon?

Summer is the busiest time to visit the Grand Canyon. It’s also the most crowded and the most expensive so it’s best avoided. 

However, if you can only visit during the summer months, try to visit in June rather than July or August as visitor numbers in June are still a little lower than the peak summer months. 

The summer months also make daytime hiking difficult, the dry and super hot temperatures aren’t ideal for comfortable hiking and illnesses like heat stroke or sunstroke become real issues. 

If you’re hiking in the summer months make sure to bring out plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat and start out early.

expansive view of the grand Canyon

Fall at Grand Canyon

Grand canyon september weather.

Average High:  75°F (24°C)

Average Low:  42°F  (6°C)

Precipitation:  1.52 inches of rain with possible rain

September is known for bringing some of the most unpredictable weather conditions to the Grand Canyon.

Average highs reach 76°F (24°C) and average lows drop to 42°F (6°C), but you can still get some unexpected storms or even early winter snowfall during this time. 

While it’s not a common occurrence, it does provide an amazing sight to witness while visiting Grand Canyon in September.

Grand Canyon October Weather

Average High:  64°F (18°C)

Average Low:  33°F  (1°C)

Precipitation:  1.10 inches of rain

October is a great month for hiking, as it offers more comfortable temperatures during the day and relatively stable weather conditions. 

Grand Canyon in October sees average highs reach 65°F (18°C) and average lows drop to 36°F (2°C). The amount of rainfall is significantly lower than in previous months, only reaching 1.10 inches, and dramatic weather events are rare during this time of year.

October is a very good month to visit Grand Canyon. 

Grand Canyon November Weather

Average High:  52°F (11°C)

Grand Canyon in November Precipitation:  0.94 inches of rain with occasional snowfall 

November brings cooler temperatures to the Grand Canyon South Rim, with average highs falling to 52°F (11°C) and lows dropping to 27°F (-3°C). 

Even though it’s still warm enough to hike, when visiting the Grand Canyon in November it’s wise to bring warmer clothing with you as mornings and evenings can get quite chilly. 

There is an average of 0.94 inches of rainfall in November, and the occasional snow can be expected as winter begins to set in. 

Is fall the best time to Visit the Grand Canyon?

Fall is a great time to visit the Grand Canyon as summer visitor numbers begin to decrease. This will mean fewer people at viewpoints and on the most popular trails. 

Temperatures begin to decrease, however, which is great for hiking but you’ll need to come more prepared with layers and winter gear. 

The weather becomes a little more unstable with more days of cloud cover and even some snow towards the end of fall. 

the best time to go to Grand Canyon

The Best Time to Go To Grand Canyon on a Budget

If you’re prioritising costs on your visit to the Grand Canyon then you’ll want to visit at the cheapest time. 

While Grand Canyon National Park entry fees stay the same all year round ($35 per vehicle or free with an Interagency Pass like America The Beautiful), accommodation costs fluctuate a lot throughout the year. 

The best time to go to Grand Canyon is at the cheapest time aka the low season. The worst is the summer high season. 

Costs in Spring

Costs vary quite a bit depending on whether you visit at the beginning of spring compared with the end. After the winter, prices of accommodation begin to increase through spring until they peak in the summer months. 

Visiting the Grand Canyon in March is much cheaper than visiting in May. If you visit at the beginning of March you’ll still be able to pick up some good deals on hotel rooms near Grand Canyon South Rim. 

Costs in Summer

The most expensive time to visit is during the Grand Canyon peak season summer months of July and August. 

Not only that you’ll need to book accommodation and car rentals months in advance as it tends to sell out quickly. 

If you’re visiting on a budget but want to visit in the summer, try to plan your visit for June. Otherwise, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall or even winter are better bets for a more budget-friendly trip. 

Costs in Fall

Travel costs in fall begin to slowly decrease after summer. They will remain quite high still in September, however in November you’ll once again be able to pick up some great deals. 

I’d still suggest booking your hotel a few months in advance.

While rental cars in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Flagstaff will be increasingly more available through the fall, it’s still a good idea to book in advance. 

Costs in Winter

Winter is the most cost-effective season at Grand Canyon. With the fewest people visiting it’s in the winter that you’ll be able to get some great deals. Good accommodation near the park can be found for less than $120 per night and it’s readily available. 

Rental cars too are readily available with some great deals to be snapped up- just make sure to have snow chains or snow socks with you. 

Due to the low number of visitors, there’s no need to book accommodation months in advance. For those who love spontaneous trips, they are certainly doable with little notice when visiting Grand Canyon in the winter months. 

the best time to visit the Grand Canyon

The Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon to Avoid the Crowds

The Grand Canyon is a beautiful place that naturally lots of people visit. Sometimes, it can get very crowded, and that might not be what you want. If crowd control is a priority for you, here’s when to visit Grand Canyon and when to avoid it. 

Less Crowded:  The best time to see Grand Canyon when it’s quiet is in the low season or in December, January, or February. There aren’t as many people, and you get to see the Grand Canyon with a little bit of snow, and you’ll have many of the viewpoints pretty much to yourself. 

March and November are also not too crowded, and the weather is okay. It’s not too hot or too cold, so you can enjoy your visit more but expect more people than in the winter months. 

Crowded:  From April to October, the Grand Canyon gets super busy. Lots and lots of tourists come during these months. The South Rim can feel very crowded, especially at popular sunrise and sunset spots. Hiking trails at this time will also be crowded. 

Busy:  During the summer months of July and August in particular, many folks come from Las Vegas just for the day. This makes it even busier. The park sees most of its visitors in July and August so if you’re not one for crowded, avoid this time. 

If you want to visit in the summer but don’t want the crowds, another option is to visit the North Rim instead of the South. The Grand Canyon North Rim gets far fewer visitors than the South Rim so this might be a better option. 

The Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon for Hiking and Outdoor Activities

The best time to hike Grand Canyon largely depends on your preferences and tolerance for weather conditions.

In general, spring and early fall are the best times for hiking and outdoor activities as temperatures are cooler and more tolerable. 

Winter can also be a great time for hiking if conditions are right, however, you’ll need to pay close attention to snow and ice on the trails. 

If you’re visiting in summer it’s best to start hikes early in the morning to beat the summer heat, carry plenty of water with you and avoid the especially long trails. 

woman watching sunrise at the Grand Canyon

Best Times to Visit the Grand Canyon for Good Weather

You never can be 100% certain of the weather, especially nowadays as the climate in general gets more and more unstable. However, the best times to visit the Grand Canyon for good weather are generally during the spring and fall.

During both spring and fall, you can generally expect clear skies and lower chances of precipitation. These seasons are ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the stunning vistas the Grand Canyon has to offer. Additionally, you’ll encounter fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season.

Winter (December to February) can be a challenging time for weather, but if you’re lucky enough to have clear skies you might be able to capture the Grand Canyon blanketed in snow. 

When to Avoid Visiting Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon is best avoided in the summer months. The summer months are the hottest, most expensive and the most crowded. 

Viewpoints and shuttle buses are crowded, there’s often traffic on Desert View Drive and hiking trails are full. The oppressive heat doesn’t make for comfortable hiking or sightseeing either. 

Given the summer vacation, this is the best time of year to go to Grand Canyon for many. If you can only visit in the summer months, but to avoid the worst of the crowds, try to visit in June rather than July or August. 

Top Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Visit to the Grand Canyon

Avoid Peak Periods  – Peak season in Las Vegas and Grand Canyon runs from April to September. The prices for flights, hotels, and attractions tend to be higher during these months so it’s best to avoid it if you can.

Look out for Off-Season Deals  – June to August is considered the off-season in Las Vegas, while October to April is best for Grand Canyon. During this time, you can get great deals on flights , hotels and attractions due to the lower demand.

Pack for all weather  – The Grand Canyon generally sees warmer temperatures during the day and cool temperatures at night- even in the summer. This means you’ll need adequate clothing for all seasons. Make sure to pack well and include plenty of layers and warm clothes. 

Book early – If you’re visiting in the busier spring and summer months, make sure to book car rentals  and  hotels  far in advance as they tend to book up fast. 

​Check the NPS website – Before your visit, no matter the season, make sure to check the  National Park Service website  for road closures, weather reports and alerts to see what could be affecting your visit. 

Try a Helicopter Tour – This gives a very different vantage point over the Grand Canyon and provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the whole family. Check out  this Helicopter Tour of Grand Canyon South Rim  which includes a full refund in case of cancellation due to bad weather. 

When is the best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park for you? Have any questions or comments about your trip? Let me know in the box below.

Now more than ever, make sure not to leave home without travel insurance. For the last few years, I’ve been using  Safetywing Nomad Insurance  for all my individual trips and digital nomad lifestyle and there’s no better company for all my insurance needs. Cover starts from as little as $42 per month.  Get your quote below now .

Planning a trip right now? These are just some of my favourite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars!

Rentalcars.com  for quick and easy car rentals worldwide

Booking.com  for great deals on hotels

Agoda  also for great deals on hotels

Get Your Guide  and  Viator  for tours and adventures around the world

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Alex Wieteska

Alex Wieteska is a full-time travel writer and photographer. She has visited 50+ countries and lived in 4 long term. She's renowned for her ability to discover the world's most coveted destinations, chicest eateries, and unique accommodations. Her curated travel guides are read by thousands of people daily, whom she inspires to travel the world slowly and live more consciously. She visits every destination she writes about and handpicks all recommendations. Find out more about me

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Everything To Know Before Visiting Grand Canyon National Park

Grand canyon national park is a must-visit — here's what you need to know before you plan your visit with your family..

By: Evie Carrick Published: Mar 25, 2024 10:00 AM HKT

Everything To Know Before Visiting Grand Canyon National Park

There are few natural wonders that can challenge the great jaw-dropping size and beauty of the Grand Canyon. It is a mile (1.6 km) deep and 10 miles (16 km) across, showcasing an eye-catching array of layered red rock that reveals millions of years of geological history in a single glance. It is a wonder that is so bold, big, and beautiful that it marks planet Earth in a scar that can be seen from space.

To see the 277-mile (445 km) canyon, you should visit Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona , a protected area that contains most of the canyon and the Colorado River that runs through it.

“The canyon landscape itself is the main draw for visitors from all over the world,” said Joelle Baird, a public affairs officer at Grand Canyon National Park, in an email interview with Travel + Leisure . She has lived and worked at the Grand Canyon for 12 years and says the landscape is special for many reasons.

grand canyon national park

“Many visitors are surprised by how high in elevation we are here (7,000 feet on the South Rim, 8,000 feet on the North Rim), so we have ponderosa pine and juniper/pinyon pine forests that encompass the high desert landscape as well.”

To provide you with a comprehensive guide to the park, we leaned into Baird’s expertise. After 12 years working in and along the canyon — as a biological science technician, preventative search and rescue ranger, and now a public affairs officer — she offers a wealth of inside knowledge. Below are her recommendations on everything from when to visit to where to hike.

Know before you go

Grand Canyon National Park straddles the canyon itself and is broken into two sections: the South Rim and the North Rim.

Most people see the canyon from the South Rim, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round and is home to the main Grand Canyon Visitor Center. The South Rim also has a second visitor centre, Verkamp’s Visitor Center, which focuses on the people who have lived along the canyon and showcases what it was like to live and work in the park. To get to the South Rim, you can enter at the South Entrance near Tusayan, Arizona or the East Entrance (Desert View) near Cameron , Arizona. Most people use the South Entrance.

“I would recommend visiting the South Rim for at least a few days if it’s your first trip to the canyon. The South Rim has a lot of visitor services including hotels, restaurants, and ranger programming that is definitely worth checking out,” said Baird.

Meanwhile, the North Rim near the Arizona-Utah border is quiet and remote and completely closed to visitors between December 1 and May 14. It is quiet and beautiful on the North Rim, but it also has fewer services, even in the summer. The North Rim Visitor Center and Park Store is open from May 15 to October 15.

If you want to visit both rims, you have to take a five-hour drive around the canyon. For that reason, most visitors choose to just visit one of the canyon’s rims.

To enter the park from any entrance, you’ll have to pay USD 35 (HKD 273) per day, per vehicle, or purchase the USD 70 (HKD 547) annual park pass. Grand Canyon National Park does not require reservations or time-entry passes to enter the park.

  • Best time to visit

Most people visit Grand Canyon National Park between late May and early September. June, July, and August tend to be the busiest months. The quieter “ shoulder seasons ” run from March to May and September to October, while the low season runs from November to March.

The South Rim, which is open year-round and is easier to get to, is always busier than the North Rim of the canyon, which is only open between May 15 and October 15, weather dependent. If you’re planning to visit the South Rim over school holidays, summer break, or fall weekends, you should expect long lines, limited parking, and crowded viewpoints. To lessen wait times, you can buy your park pass in advance in Tusayan, the South Entrance gateway town; enter the park at the less-busy East Entrance; or take the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim.

According to Baird, if you don’t need to visit the North Rim, winter can be an extra-special (and quiet) time at the South Rim. “As a resident of the Grand Canyon, my favourite time is the winter! We typically receive low visitation and many of the popular viewpoints are uncrowded. It is a much quieter time and the contrast between the red rocks of the canyon and snow on the rim is a magical sight.”

The best time to see and photograph the Grand Canyon is typically at sunrise and sunset . Sunrise is between 5:11 and 7:40 am, depending on the season, while sunset fluctuates between 5:14 and  7:49 pm.

How to get there

View of Grand Canyon

The closest town to the South Rim is Williams, Arizona, which is a direct one-hour-and-20-minute drive on Route 64. From the larger city of Flagstaff, the South Rim is one hour and 45 minutes via Route 180. Phoenix is the closest major city (and airport) and is three hours and 45 minutes away by car. Las Vegas is around four hours and 45 minutes from the South Rim.

Once you’re in the South Rim “village,” there are several free shuttle buses that take you to various viewpoints, sites, and trailheads around the rim. Some routes run year-round, while others are seasonal. Check the schedule on the website .

You can also get to the South Rim on the Grand Canyon Railway , which departs from Williams, Arizona. By taking the train, you can avoid entrance line waits and parking headaches.

The North Rim, which is typically open between May 15 and October 15, is around two hours south of Jacob Lake, Arizona on Highway 67. Las Vegas , which is over 5 hours away by car, is the closest major city and airport to the North Rim. And as we previously mentioned, driving between the two rims takes a full five hours.

Best things to do

Scenic drives.

One of the best ways to experience the size and beauty of the canyon is to drive the Desert View Drive along the South Rim. The road takes off near the South Rim village and continues along the canyon rim for 23 miles (37 km), passing six viewpoints and a Tusayan Pueblo site. A shuttle bus also runs along this route.

Hermit Road (formerly West Rim Drive) runs in the opposite direction of Desert View Drive on the South Rim and offers a completely different look at the canyon (with nine viewpoints). Hermit Road is closed to private cars from March 1 to November 30. During that time, there is a free shuttle bus that runs along the road.

On the North Rim, you can drive between Cape Royal and Point Imperial on a scenic road with plenty of pullouts and viewpoints, including Walhalla Overlook and Roosevelt Point. Keep in mind the North Rim and its scenic roads are closed in the winter.

Rafting on Colorado river

If you’re interested in going down inside the canyon, a raft trip is a must. There are full and half-day river trips that can be arranged through lodging accommodations on the South Rim, along with multi-day excursions down the Colorado River (for the latter, you need to secure a permit in advance).

Road biking

On the South Rim, there are around 13 miles (20 km) of bike-friendly road and greenway trails (including Hermit Road, formerly known as West Rim Drive). The shuttle buses have bike racks so you can bike out and ride the bus back. There are regular and e-bike rentals available from the Bright Angel Bicycles shop adjacent to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim.

Cultural demonstrations

There are ongoing cultural demonstrations at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim. These free demonstrations allow park visitors to meet members of the area’s 11 Indigenous groups and watch how traditional and modern crafts are made.

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Canyon rim trail.

This flat route runs right along the rim of the canyon and is a great introduction to the park. It starts at the visitor centre at the South Rim and follows the edge of the canyon, eventually running alongside Hermit Road, which has nine exceptional overlooks.

Trail of Time

The Grand Canyon has a long and beautiful geological history, and it’s showcased along the Trail of Time, which runs almost three miles ( 4 km) round-trip along the canyon rim between the Yavapai Museum of Geology and Verkamps Visitor Center on the South Rim. Each meter walked on the timeline trail signifies one million years of the Grand Canyon’s geologic history, and there are samples of rock and exhibits that explain how the Grand Canyon was formed.

South Kaibab Trail

Baird says, “Day hikes into the canyon should definitely be on your list if it’s your first time.” She recommends hiking along the South Rim’s South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge (three miles round-trip) or Skeleton Point (six miles round-trip). Just keep in mind, the trail descends into the canyon and is extremely steep. The national park notes that “the openness of this trail lends itself to extreme heat during the summer months and little to no protection from passing storms.”

Bright Angel Trail

Another in-canyon hike on the South Rim that Baird recommends is the Bright Angel Trail to the 1.5-mile (2.4 km) rest house or the three-mile (4 km) rest house. This route follows in the footsteps of the canyon’s Indigenous people, miners, and early tourists.

Transept Trail

This route on the North Rim follows the canyon rim from the Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Rim Campground. The canyon views are plentiful on this three-mile (4 km) round-trip hike.

North Kaibab Trail

grand canyon national park

This is the only maintained trail that goes into the canyon from the North Rim. You can go as far as you want, with the Coconino Overlook and Supai Tunnel just 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and four miles (6 km) round-trip, respectively. The North Kaibab Trail goes all the way from the rim to the river at the bottom of the canyon, but the park warns that “Under no circumstances should you attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day” as the route is 28 miles (45 km) round-trip with a steep 6,000-foot descent.

Places to stay

Hotels and lodges.

On the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, there are seven year-round lodging options. Five are in the historic district and are bookable online at grandcanyonlodges.com . The other two are located on Market Plaza near the visitor centre and can be booked on visitgrandcanyon.com .

Standouts include El Tovar Lodge in the historic district, which is located directly on the rim and is a National Historic Landmark. El Tovar has hosted park visitors like Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Oprah Winfrey. Maswik Lodge South just opened in June 2022 for visitors looking for a modern take on traditional national park lodging. And Yavapai Lodge on the Market Plaza is notable because it has clean, simple rooms and is pet-friendly .

Book your stay at El Tovar via Agoda.com

Book your stay at Yavapai Lodge via Agoda.com

There are also plenty of places to stay outside the park near the South Rim, including the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel in Williams, Arizona where the train to the Grand Canyon departs from. Baird notes that “staying close to the park during your visit ensures you can make sunrise and sunset times more convenient.”

Book your stay at Grand Canyon Railway Hotel via Booking.com

Book your stay at Grand Canyon Railway Hotel via Agoda.com

On the North Rim, the only lodge within the park is the Grand Canyon Lodge , which fills quickly during the North Rim’s opening window of May 15 to October 15.

Campgrounds

There are four campgrounds along the South Rim, including the year-round Mather Campground for tent camping and Trailer Village for RVs. The South Rim also has two seasonal campgrounds that open for the spring, summer, and fall: Desert View near the East Entrance and Ten-X Campground.

There are also two seasonal campgrounds on the North Rim of the canyon, the North Rim Campground and the DeMotte Campground. Neither have hookups.

Places to eat

On the South Rim, there’s everything from grab-and-go lunch options (check out the Bright Angel Bicycle Rental and Café ) to full-service dining at places like the Arizona Steakhouse in the Bright Angel Lodge and the El Tovar Dining Room and lounge inside the El Tovar Lodge. You can also pick up groceries at the Canyon Village Market general store.

When the North Rim is open, you’ll find a general store adjacent to the campground as well as a saloon, deli, and full-service dining room in the Grand Canyon Lodge.

shop the best travel experiences here

(Feature Image Credit: Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure)

All currency conversions were done at the time of writing. 

This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

Related:  This Canadian National Park Has A Magical Canyon Lined With Stunning Frozen Waterfalls

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The Tourist Checklist

These are the Best Times to Visit the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon, a magnificent natural wonder located in Arizona, is renowned for its extraordinary geological features and diverse ecosystems. The canyon itself is a vast chasm, with some sections reaching depths of over a mile (around 6,000 feet or 1,800 meters) below the rim.

The Grand Canyon National Park, which covers the central portion of the canyon, showcases the river’s path from Lake Powell to Lake Mead, featuring striking peaks, buttes, gorges, and ravines within its broad and sculpted expanse​​.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Grand Canyon is its geological history, revealed through the exposed strata that rise over a mile above the river. This includes a variety of rock formations, such as gneiss and schist at the canyon’s base, dating back 1,800 million years.

Different habitats are found at various elevations along the 8,000-foot gradient, ranging from riparian communities along the Colorado River to desert scrub, pinyon-juniper woodlands, ponderosa pine forests, and spruce-fir forests at higher elevations.

The climate of the Grand Canyon varies significantly with elevation; the North Rim experiences heavy snowfall, while the South Rim and the canyon bottom have milder winters.

Summers are hot, with temperatures exceeding 100°F at lower elevations. The region experiences a monsoon season with thunderstorms, leading to potential flash floods and forest fires​.

Best Times to Visit the Grand Canyon for Smaller Crowds

Grand Canyon, Arizona during winter season

Visiting the Grand Canyon during less crowded times can significantly enhance your experience. Winter, particularly December, January, and February, is an excellent period for avoiding crowds.

These months offer unique and serene experiences with the possibility of snow, creating stunning contrasts against the canyon colors. The temperatures at the bottom of the canyon can be quite mild, often reaching the 60s or 70s, making winter hiking enjoyable​​.

Spring, specifically March, April, and May, is another great time to visit. In March, the weather starts to warm up, though it can still be unpredictable with occasional gusty winds.

Rafting in the Grand Canyon

April offers a balance between pleasant temperatures and relatively low precipitation, ideal for outdoor activities. May sees mild and dry conditions, perfect for hiking and sightseeing.

However, as spring progresses, visitor numbers and accommodation rates increase, with May resembling summer-like conditions in terms of visitor numbers and costs​​​​.

If you’re considering rafting, April through October is the best period, with May and September being prime times due to moderate temperatures. However, be prepared for cooler conditions in the shoulder months of April and October.

Best Times to Visit the Grand Canyon for Good Weather

Grand Canyon during Spring

The best times to visit the Grand Canyon for favorable weather are generally during spring and fall. In the spring, particularly from March to May, the weather at the South Rim begins to warm, with average high temperatures ranging from 51°F in March to 70°F in May.

While mornings and evenings can still be chilly, the overall conditions are pleasant for hiking and sightseeing. Do note that ground snow can cause fog in March, and occasional snowfall may still occur in April.

October is considered an excellent month to visit as it offers a balance between pleasant weather and smaller crowds. This “Goldilocks” month brings together mild temperatures, fewer visitors, and beautiful scenery, making it an ideal time for exploring the park.

The south and north rim part in grand canyon

The North Rim, which is open from May 15th to October 15th, offers a more solitary experience and showcases the natural beauty of the canyon with vibrant colors during the fringe months of May and October. 

Temperatures inside the canyon, particularly in summer, can reach extreme highs, so proper planning and caution are advised for those planning to hike.

Best Times to Visit the Grand Canyon for Lower Prices

Hike in Grand Canyon

If you’re looking to visit the Grand Canyon while keeping an eye on your budget, certain times of the year offer more affordable options. Winter, particularly from December to February, emerges as the most economical period.

During these months, the park experiences fewer visitors, leading to lower accommodation prices. However, it’s important to be prepared for winter weather conditions, which can include snow and icy trails.

Fall, encompassing September, October, and November, is another period where you can enjoy lower costs. This season brings cooler temperatures, lighter crowds, and more reasonable rates for hotels and other accommodations.

The natural beauty of the canyon during autumn, with its changing colors and comfortable hiking conditions, adds to the appeal of visiting during these months.

Best Times to Visit Grand Canyon West

Grand Canyon Skywalk, Hualapai Reservation

Grand Canyon West, being part of the Hualapai Reservation, offers unique cultural experiences and breathtaking views from attractions like the Skywalk, a cantilever glass bridge extending over the canyon. 

Visiting Grand Canyon West offers a unique experience distinct from the North and South Rims. The most favorable times to visit Grand Canyon West are from February to May and from September to November.

During these periods, you can avoid the peak visitor season, which typically runs from June to August, characterized by crowds, queues, and full shuttle buses.

The weather during these recommended periods is generally more pleasant, avoiding the extreme heat of the summer months. February offers comfortable temperatures, but be prepared for potential insect bites if you plan to walk around the canyon floor.

The end of September also provides warm but bearable weather conditions. Regardless of when you visit, it’s essential to wear appropriate clothing, use insect repellent, apply sunscreen, and stay hydrated.

Remember, ticket prices vary based on the activities you choose, and it’s advisable to check the current rates and options before your visit. Also, keep in mind that food and drink from outside are not allowed, but there are cafes and restaurants available on-site.

Worst Times to Visit the Grand Canyon

Grand Crayon during dark summer

The worst times to visit the Grand Canyon are typically during the summer months, specifically July and August. This period is characterized by intense heat, larger crowds, and wetter weather, making it a less ideal time for exploring the canyon.

The extreme temperatures during these months can make hiking and other outdoor activities exhausting and even dangerous. Additionally, the large crowds can lead to parking difficulties and long waits for shuttle buses, diminishing the overall experience.

It’s also worth noting that if you’re interested in exploring the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, it’s best to avoid the winter months when all roads, restaurants, and accommodations in that area are closed due to heavy snowfall.

Final Thoughts

The Grand Canyon, with its awe-inspiring vistas and unique geological formations, is a must-visit destination. However, the timing of your visit can greatly impact your experience.

Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer visitors, making these seasons ideal for exploring the canyon’s beauty comfortably. Winter offers a unique perspective, especially at the North Rim, but accessibility is limited.

Careful planning considering these factors can ensure a memorable and enjoyable visit to this natural wonder

Grand Canyon  Visitor Center

Grand Canyon: The Best Times to Visit, The Worst Times to Visit

There’s a reason why the Grand Canyon attracts over six million visitors every year. The Grand Canyon has a beautiful natural landscape and offers quality camping, fun rafting, and several other activities that make for memorable vacations. However, if you plan on taking a trip out to visit the Canyon, you’ll want to make the most of it.

Certain parts of the Canyon are prime for visitors at different times of the year. If you visit the Canyon during the wrong time, you might risk having a disappointing or frustrating vacation. Here are some suggestions for the prime times to visit certain areas of the Grand Canyon and some time frames for when you should just stay away.

Visit the North Rim Between May and October

The summer season is always the busiest for the Grand Canyon, but the majority of the tourists venture towards the South Rim at this time. If you visit the North Rim, you’ll be able to enjoy a more isolated and personal experience. As an added bonus, the North Rim tends to have cooler temperatures than other areas of the Grand Canyon, providing more relief from the summer heat. The North Rim is also closed during the winter months, so you’re better off planning on visiting this area between the spring and fall anyway.

Check Out the South Rim in the Fall

The most popular area of the Grand Canyon is bound to have crowds year-round, but you can avoid the biggest rush if you choose to visit the South Rim during the fall season. Not only is there less tourism because summer has ended, but the cooler weather can make nature hikes and biking less sweaty.

Visit the West Rim During the Spring

While not officially part of the Grand Canyon National Park, the West Rim has plenty of fun attractions such as whitewater rafting, quality dining, and the 4,000-foot high Skywalk. This area is the most accessible and enjoyable during the spring months before it gets too hot. While most attractions are offered year-round, some close down for the evening. Be sure to get tickets and make arrangements to visit during the daylight hours.

Other Quick Tips

If you are mostly concerned about weather, the Grand Canyon’s climate has cooler weather and less rainfall between April and June.

July and August are the worst months to visit the Grand Canyon due to larger crowds and hotter, wetter weather. You can get cheaper deals on lodging and activities between November and February.

The best way to decide what time of year is best to explore the Grand Canyon is to think about what you want to do when you’re there. You should definitely consider what activities appeal to you most. For example:

Do you want to hike a trail ? Do you want to hike into the Grand Canyon? Do you want to camp and stay overnight, or would you rather a day trip? Are you interested in a helicopter tour ? Do you want to experience the glass walk also known as Skywalk ? Are you traveling with kids ? Are you ready to whitewater raft on the Colorado River?

Hope this article helps with your decision on when to visit the canyon. If not, try out our Tripper Planner and we’ll send content straight to your inbox that will give you a good start in planning an amazing adventure at Grand Canyon. Happy exploring!

best time to visit grand canyon

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best time to visit grand canyon

The Best Grand Canyon Camping: Desert View Campground

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic and magical landscapes in the United States.

It’s not an overrated hole in the ground, despite what the naysayers would have you believe. And if you’re tired of hearing the word ‘breathtaking’ in conjunction with the natural landscape, you obviously haven’t been to the Grand Canyon.

Breathtaking is certainly an apt way to describe the Grand Canyon landscape; heart-stopping works if you’re afraid of heights.

You can eyeball the Grand Canyon from numerous viewpoints along the South Rim in an afternoon, but what’s the fun in that? Instead, reserve a spot at Desert View Campground and spend a few nights in the desert under a canopy of stars.

Quick Facts: Camping at Desert View Campground

Sites:  50 tent/RV sites

Length of vehicle: 30′ total

Amenities: Fire pit, picnic table, potable water, restrooms (no showers or hot water)

Season:  Mid-April to mid-October

Reservations:  Required, up to six months in advance

Dogs:  Yes

Cost:  $18 plus park entrance fee of $35 for a personal vehicle and passengers (good for seven days)

Make Camping Reservations

A Grand Canyon Camping camping trip is an immersive experience that you will never get in a hotel.

As the National Park Service likes to remind us, “half the park is after dark.” In 2019, Grand Canyon National Park was awarded International Dark Sky Park status, making it one of the best parks for stargazing in the United States.

A Grand Canyon camping trip also gives you front-row seats to mind-blowing sunrises and sunsets.

Ready to start planning your own Grand Canyon camping adventure? Here are some of the coolest things about camping in the Grand Canyon, and why, despite its popularity, you still need to plan a trip.

The Best Time of Year for Grand Canyon Camping

Technically, Grand Canyon camping is available year-round on the South Rim.

Mather Campground and Trailer Village (a private RV campground) are open in the winter. Desert View Campground and all North Rim services are closed. Unless you are prepared for winter camping and cold, snowy conditions, winter is not the best time for Grand Canyon camping.

Summer months are the busiest on the South Rim, with campgrounds filling up on most days.

Temperatures on the rim are warm, between the low to mid-80s (F) during the day, and in the 40s and 50s at night. If you hike into the canyon, you’ll find a different story. For every 1,000 feet you travel into the canyon, the temperatures rise by an average of 5.5 degrees.

In my opinion, the best time to visit the Grand Canyon is in April or between September and October. Late spring and early summer are very dry — perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities. Starting in September, the days become cooler, but the nights may be frosty.

Crowds are very manageable in both the spring and fall, and if you visit in winter, you won’t have to deal with crowds at all.

Desert View vs. Mather Campground

There are three front-country camping options on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Two, Mather Campground and Desert View Campground, are run by the National Park Service. Trailer Village is a privately run RV park in Grand Canyon Village. Here’s an overview of your Grand Canyon camping on the South Rim.

Mather Campground: Located in Grand Canyon Village, Mather Campground is close to amenities like shops and restaurants, as well as numerous trails into the canyon. From Mather Campground, you can easily hop on a shuttle, check out the visitor center, or embark on a train ride.

For access to conveniences, Mather Campground is hard to beat.

The trade-off is that it gets extremely crowded, especially during the summer — there are 319 campsites at Mather Campground! Tents and RV camping are both available (30-foot maximum), but there are no hookups. Laundry and showers are available at the campground entrance, and pets are permitted.

Reservations at Mather Campground are strongly recommended from March through November. Sites are $18 per night.

Trailer Village: If having full hook-ups is important to you, book your stay at the privately run Trailer Village in Grand Canyon Village. Paved pull-through sites are available for RVs up to 50-feet long. Pets are permitted on-leash and wood fires are not allowed (charcoal only).

RV sites start at $49 per night. Note that sites within Trailer Village are very close together, and don’t offer much in the way of privacy.

Desert View Campground: Saving the best for last. Desert View Campground is located 25 miles from the hustle and bustle of Grand Canyon Village. Reservations are required.

The season usually runs from mid-April to mid-October. The 50 sites at Desert View Campground can accommodate tents or RVs (maximum 30 feet), and the cost is $18 per night. There are no hookups, showers, or laundry. Pets are permitted as long as they are kept on a leash.

Desert View Campground may sound like another run-of-the-mill camping spot, but this tiny campground is special for a few different reasons. Keep reading!

Psst… Have you seen those groovy campervans meandering around America? They’re Escape Campervans and you can rent one for all of your Grand Canyon explorations.

There’s an Escape Campervan rental center in Las Vegas, which is just four hours from the Grand Canyon and Desert View Campground.

These iconic vans include everything you need (and a kitchen sink) for your van camping adventure. Talk about a memorable experience!

Our Review of Desert View Campground on the South Rim

If you don’t mind craziness and crowds, both Mather Campground and Trailer Village will serve you well, but if you want to escape the nonsense and immerse yourself in the magic of the Grand Canyon, you have to check out Desert View Campground.

Our most recent visit to Grand Canyon National Park was in April, and the weather was perfect — warm during the day and cool at night, but not below freezing.

Desert View Campground is perched on the canyon rim at the eastern edge of the park. If you enter the park through the east entrance of the South Rim, you’ll be just steps away from the canyon and worlds away from the crowds of Grand Canyon Village.

There are fifty campsites at Desert View Campground, each nestled among the gnarly pinyon pines for a bit of privacy.

All of the sites at Desert View Campground are level and well-spaced, but we do have a favorite, at least for tent camping. If you can, try and score site #46, which has easy access to the rim of the Canyon.

The photo below was taken from the little trail behind site #46.

Here are a few reasons we love Desert View Campground:

The Desert View General Store sells fabulous local beer and wine , plus whatever else you need: t-shirts, potato chips, ice cream, beef jerky, and deodorant.

You can easily walk to the store from Desert View Campground, so you’re not really roughing it. My kids especially appreciated escaping from the watchful eye of their parents to go buy junk food.

There is a beautiful unmarked trail between sites 46 and 48 . It meanders through the trees and along the South Rim, with the most beautiful views of the Colorado River below. We saw footprints out here, so I know people hike the trail, but we spent four hours exploring and relaxing on the edge rim and didn’t see another soul. Like I said — magic. This is another reason why we love site #46.

Ravens will steal your food. Talk about opportunistic — the ravens at Desert View Campground were very accustomed to people and their trashy ways. They worked as a team to steal food from the campsites. One would sit on a tree and watch for unsuspecting campers to head to the bathrooms, while the others raided campsites. Put your food away when you’re not able to keep a close watch.

Be on the lookout for javelina. We saw two during our stay — one right behind our campsite, and another near the Desert View Watchtower. There are lots of elk too.

Desert View Campground also makes a great base camp for longer Grand Canyon adventures or a relaxing piece of a Southwest road trip itinerary .

We love how peaceful and wild it felt, and would absolutely stay here again if we can get reservations.

Exploring Grand Canyon After Dark

In 2016, Grand Canyon National Park was awarded Provisional International Dark Sky Park status as they worked to change over more than 5,000 light fixtures so they are in-compliance with International Dark Sky (IDA) requirements. In 2019, they were awarded official Dark Sky Park status!

Stargazing at Grand Canyon National Park is nothing short of extraordinary, and for the past few years, the dark-sky experience has been available to more than 6 million visitors every year.

The National Park Service conducts guided stargazing programs throughout the year, but you can also just look up to experience the magic of a billion stars over your head.

No matter where you go near the Grand Canyon, you are bound to have a fabulous night-sky experience, but here are a few extra special spots for stargazing on the South Rim.

Desert View Watchtower: Just a short walk from Desert View Campground, this is a great spot to see all kinds of stars and constellations, not to mention the full moon if you plan accordingly. Nighttime ranger-led programs are very common on the weekends.

Lipan Point: After Desert View, Lipan Point is one of the closest viewpoints from Desert View Campground. It is half a mile north of the main scenic drive, reached by a spur road that climbs 80 feet to the parking area. A small summit would provide a 360-degree view were it not for the pine woodland on the east side.

Moran Point: Moran Point provides far-reaching views into the Grand Canyon. As the crow flies, the North Rim is just eight miles away from this spot. At Moran Point three main rock groups are clearly visible, making a stunning backdrop for the night sky.

Best Places to Watch the Sunset on the South Rim

No matter where you travel on the South Rim, you’re bound to find a unique and beautiful sunset, but some spots give you a better vantage point. Our number one choice for a Grand Canyon sunset is Lipan Point, followed by Yavapai Point. Desert View is nice too if you simply want to walk over from the campground.

Watching the sunset is a jovial affair, and all of the viewpoints will be crowded. There is something about sharing a sunset with dozens of other travelers that makes the stunning event even more memorable.

Best Places to Watch the Sunrise on the South Rim

You may want to hit snooze in your tent, but do yourself a favor and get up early for an amazing Grand Canyon sunrise!

On our most recent trip in April, the alarm sounded at 4:30 am. I was grumbly for a bit, but after I made the coffee and drove out to Mather Point, I was so happy that I resisted the snooze.

Sunrise on the South Rim has a different feel than sunset. Each vantage point usually comes with a handful of people — so unlike the huge crowds that gather for the sunset.

There’s almost a reverence to the sunrise, and strangers share the moment in silence and awe – gloved hands holding hot drinks, the warmth of the new sun warming every face. It really is magical!

Bring Your Dog Camping at the Grand Canyon

As much as I love traveling with dogs, I don’t usually bring them to national parks. Overall, I have not found the parks to be very dog-friendly, and there are so many other beautiful destinations (national forests) that are. Grand Canyon National Park is an exception.

Perhaps it’s because there is less emphasis on wildlife at the Grand Canyon, but we saw dogs just about everywhere. They are allowed in all of the campgrounds, within Grand Canyon Village, and on the Rim Trail. They are not allowed on the trails into the canyon, but there is an onsite kennel in Grand Canyon Village if you feel the need to explore without your dog.

Read Next: Best Glamping Near the Grand Canyon

Final Thoughts on Visiting Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is a magical, but busy place. If you like your wilderness experience to be wild, consider visiting in the off-season, between October and April.

Leave your car behind, and hop on a shuttle bus to any number of spectacular trailheads.

The South Kaibab Trail offers stunning views and relative solitude for not much effort, but be sure to pack sunscreen, snacks, and lots of water for your journey into the Canyon.

Even meandering along the South Rim Trail from Grand Canyon Village will allow you to escape the throngs of visitors who never leave their cars or parking lots.

As with any national park, an awesome visit to the Grand Canyon takes some advanced planning, but as you hike along the rim, scout the skies for incredible birds, stand in awe of golden sunsets, and sleep under a billion twinkling stars, the magic of the canyon will reveal itself to you.

And then, of course, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the trip sooner.

Explore more of Arizona! Read these next:

  • The Most Awesome Things to Do in Lake Havasu City, Arizona
  • Epic 7-Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary (Camping Edition)
  • 9 Delightfully Easy Hikes in Sedona, Arizona
  • The Best Camping near Phoenix: Lost Dutchman State Park

You should also visit our national park camping and hiking page.  

Follow us on social media for more national park adventures!

Tara is a freelance writer and travel blogger with a passion for outdoor adventures. She is the co-author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont and currently blogs at Back Road Ramblers and Vermont Explored , where she shares travel tips, adventure destinations, and vacation ideas for the wanderer in everyone.

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic and magical landscapes in the United States. It’s not an overrated hole in the ground, …

Game time set for Grand Canyon vs Saint Mary's in March Madness NCAA Tournament opener

best time to visit grand canyon

The Grand Canyon University men's basketball team is back in the NCAA Tournament.

Bryce Drew's GCU basketball team is the No. 12 seed in the West Region of March Madness and will face No. 5 seed Saint Mary's on Friday, May 22, looking for its first NCAA Tournament win ever.

GCU lost to No. 2 seed Iowa as a No. 15 seed in 2021, 86-74 and after losing to No. 3 seed Gonzaga as a No. 14 seed in 2023, 82-70.

Will the Antelopes make history and win their first NCAA Tournament game in its third appearance? Here's the time for the Grand Canyon vs. Saint Mary's game on Friday.

More: GCU basketball's March Madness opponent is Saint Mary's to open 2024 NCAA Tournament

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.

Grand Canyon vs Saint Mary's odds: March Madness point spread, moneyline, over/under

Grand Canyon basketball: What to know about GCU Antelopes men's team in 2024 March Madness

IT'S BRACKET MADNESS:   Enter USA TODAY's basketball tournament bracket contests for a chance at $1 million prize

What time does Grand Canyon play Saint Mary's in 2024 NCAA Tournament?

The Grand Canyon vs. Saint Mary's game on Friday is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. Pacific time (10:05 ET).

It can be seen on TruTV with an announcing team of Lisa Byington on play-by-play and Steve Smith and Robbie Hummel as analysts and Lauren Shehadi as a reporter.

The game can be streamed on Sling TV .

STREAM THE GAME: Watch Saint Mary's vs. Grand Canyon li ve with Sling TV

More: How to watch Grand Canyon vs Saint Mary's March Madness NCAA Tournament first-round game

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VIDEO

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  1. Best Times to Visit Grand Canyon National Park

    Popular Times to Visit Grand Canyon National Park Average Tourist Volumes Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in ...

  2. First-Timer's Guide to the Grand Canyon

    According to the Grand Canyon National Park's official page, though the width of the canyon is roughly 10 miles, driving from the South to North Rim can take at least five hours on a route that sometimes dips south through Tusayan and even Flagstaff before turning back north through Cameron or Bitter Springs. Hiking rim-to-rim is possible but ...

  3. The best times to visit the Grand Canyon

    The best time to see wildlife. Grand Canyon National Park is home to 447 species of birds, 91 species of mammals, 48 species of reptiles, 10 species of amphibians, and a world of bugs and insects. The elk that inhabit the Grand Canyon are considered the most dangerous animals in the park.

  4. Best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park

    March through May is the best time to beat the summer heat. The Grand Canyon itself is approximately 277 miles long and more than a mile deep and the bulk of the national park falls within the Sonoran Desert. With this desert climate comes an incredible range of temperatures. During summer (June-August), highs can peak at 100-110°F (37.7-43. ...

  5. Best Times to Visit the Grand Canyon

    One of the best-known national parks in the United States, the Grand Canyon attracts roughly five million visitors every year. People from all over the world come to northern Arizona to see the ...

  6. Guide to Grand Canyon National Park

    The best time to see and photograph the Grand Canyon is typically at sunrise and sunset. Sunrise is between 5:11 and 7:40 a.m., depending on the season, while sunset fluctuates between 5:14 and 7: ...

  7. Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon

    Average temperature in the Grand Canyon. It's important to understand the distinct climates of the North Rim versus the South Rim.When choosing the best time to visit the Grand Canyon, the temperature variations play a pivotal role.The South Rim boasts summer highs ranging from 80°F-90°F and winter lows of 15°F-25°F, creating a diverse climate suitable for various activities.

  8. Grand Canyon National Park Guide: The Best Treks, Camping, and Vistas

    The best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park. With an elevation spanning 2,000 feet to 8,000 feet, Grand Canyon experiences a wide range of temperatures on any given day. Thus, the best ...

  9. Best Times To Visit the Grand Canyon [By Seasons & Interests]

    Fall is a great time to visit the Grand Canyon. Image Credit: Katie Seemann. Autumn can be a great time to visit the Grand Canyon as temperatures start to cool and crowds start to thin. High temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-70s with low temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-40s.

  10. The Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon

    Summer. Fall. The best time to visit the Grand Canyon National Park, which is open year-round, is between April and June, when the temperatures are pleasant, and the rainfall averages are low. The summer months are, arguably, the worst time to visit this 277 mile-long canyon due to a high number of tourists as well as unfavorable hot weather ...

  11. The Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon

    Peak season is Memorial Day to Labor Day, but a late September to early November visit frees up even the ever-crowded South Rim, he notes. Consider bundling up for a winter trip, too. December ...

  12. When Is The Best Time of Year to Visit the Grand Canyon?

    Summer holidays make it easier to plan and schedule a family vacation without taking time off school.; Long, sunny days are perfect for exploring the Canyon; Tourism services are in full swing, so there will be lots of activities to participate in while you visit.; The North Rim is open! North Rim temperatures are much cooler, averaging around the low 60s to high 70s during the day.

  13. Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon National Park By Month And Season

    March, April, May, September, October, November and December are the best months to visit Grand Canyon National Park to get the perfect blend of costs, expenses and crowds. Now, we know much of the reasoning behind this is kids only getting time off school in the Summer months.

  14. Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park (By Month)

    Spring is the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon. The summer months (June-August): They tend to be the hottest and wettest time of year, with temperatures reaching 90+ degrees Fahrenheit during the day. It's the most expensive time to visit and crowds are at their highest.

  15. Ultimate GRAND CANYON ITINERARY (Visiting 1 to 3 Days)

    The Grand Canyon has 2 main rims: the North Rim and the South Rim. The South Rim is the most popular and the most accessible, while only 10% of visitors go to the North Rim. Though the North and South Rim are literally 10 miles apart, the driving distance between them is 215 miles! For this Grand Canyon itinerary, we will mainly be focusing on ...

  16. When is the BEST Time to Visit the Grand Canyon? (+ Helpful Tips)

    The best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park is October. Sure April and May are great months to visit the Grand Canyon, but October is when it all really comes together. Yes, October is where the magic happens at the Grand Canyon. This goldilocks month brings together the perfect mix of pleasant weather, fewer visitors, and beautiful scenery.

  17. One Day in the Grand Canyon Itinerary: Things to Do, Map, Photos

    Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon can be visited year round. Peak season is during the summer months and during the holiday seasons of Easter and Christmas. During these times, expect large crowds, traffic jams to enter the park, and hotels booked to capacity.

  18. This Is the Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon in 2023

    The weather tends to be ideal between April and June, so this is the best time to go to the Grand Canyon. During these months, there is a lower chance of rain, and the temperature is still quite ...

  19. 11 EPIC Things to Do on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

    Shoshone Point - Great spot to leave the crowds behind; short hike to the viewpoint. Grand View Point - The name says it all. Moran Point - Explore the rocky outcroppings to find your favorite photo spot. Desert View Point - Easternmost viewpoint on the South Rim; climb the watchtower for 360° views.

  20. Plan Your Visit

    Visit this Webpage (updated daily) for a list of what is open and closed, hours of operation and public health information. During Winter 2023-2024: The Visitor Center is open from 10 am to 4 pm daily.; Park Ranger programs are presented daily in Grand Canyon Village.; The North Rim i s CLOSED for the winter The North Rim is scheduled to open for the 2024 season on May 15, 2024.

  21. Best Time to Grand Canyon National Park

    Best time to visit. Most people visit Grand Canyon National Park between late May and early September. June, July, and August tend to be the busiest months. ... The best time to see and photograph the Grand Canyon is typically at sunrise and sunset. Sunrise is between 5:11 and 7:40 am, depending on the season, while sunset fluctuates between 5: ...

  22. Best Times to Visit the Grand Canyon

    The best times to visit the Grand Canyon for favorable weather are generally during spring and fall. In the spring, particularly from March to May, the weather at the South Rim begins to warm, with average high temperatures ranging from 51°F in March to 70°F in May. While mornings and evenings can still be chilly, the overall conditions are ...

  23. Grand Canyon: The Best Times to Visit, The Worst Times to Visit

    Other Quick Tips. If you are mostly concerned about weather, the Grand Canyon's climate has cooler weather and less rainfall between April and June. July and August are the worst months to visit the Grand Canyon due to larger crowds and hotter, wetter weather. You can get cheaper deals on lodging and activities between November and February.

  24. Day Hiking

    3.0 mi. / 4.8 km round-trip; 1.5 hours approximate round-trip hiking time. Follows the canyon rim from Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Rim Campground. Bridle Trail This trail follows the road as it connects the Grand Canyon Lodge with the North Kaibab Trailhead, a distance of 1.2 miles / 2 km one-way.

  25. The Best Grand Canyon Camping: Desert View Campground

    For every 1,000 feet you travel into the canyon, the temperatures rise by an average of 5.5 degrees. In my opinion, the best time to visit the Grand Canyon is in April or between September and ...

  26. Game time set for Grand Canyon vs Saint Mary's in March Madness NCAA

    What time does Grand Canyon play Saint Mary's in 2024 NCAA Tournament? The Grand Canyon vs. Saint Mary's game on Friday is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. Pacific time (10:05 ET).