Best time to visit the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon has its best weather in April, May, and October. Peak season is June to August. For good weather with fewer crowds, aim for April, May, and October.
The Grand Canyon weather by month
Average daily high and low, rainy days (1 mm or more) and hours of sunshine per day, 2015 to 2024.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rain days | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41°F | 24°F | 1.6 in | 8 | 8 h |
| February | 47°F | 27°F | 1.3 in | 5 | 9.3 h |
| March | 54°F | 33°F | 1.7 in | 7 | 10.3 h |
| April | 66°F | 40°F | 0.5 in | 4 | 12.3 h |
| May | 73°F | 48°F | 0.7 in | 4 | 12.8 h |
| June | 87°F | 60°F | 0.3 in | 2 | 13.8 h |
| July | 90°F | 65°F | 1.1 in | 6 | 12.6 h |
| August | 87°F | 63°F | 1.3 in | 8 | 12.3 h |
| September | 81°F | 57°F | 0.7 in | 4 | 11.6 h |
| October | 68°F | 45°F | 0.9 in | 4 | 10.3 h |
| November | 54°F | 34°F | 0.7 in | 4 | 9.3 h |
| December | 44°F | 27°F | 1.1 in | 5 | 7.9 h |
The Grand Canyon month by month
The Grand Canyon in January
Highs around 41°F, lows near 24°F. About 8 rainy days and 8 h of sunshine a day.
Quiet winter season
Hardest monthThe Grand Canyon in February
Highs around 47°F, lows near 27°F. About 5 rainy days and 9.3 h of sunshine a day.
Quiet winter season
Mixed weatherThe Grand Canyon in March
Highs around 54°F, lows near 33°F. About 7 rainy days and 10.3 h of sunshine a day.
Mixed weatherThe Grand Canyon in April
Highs around 66°F, lows near 40°F. About 4 rainy days and 12.3 h of sunshine a day.
Best weatherThe Grand Canyon in May
Highs around 73°F, lows near 48°F. About 4 rainy days and 12.8 h of sunshine a day.
North Rim season
Best weatherThe Grand Canyon in June
Highs around 87°F, lows near 60°F. About 2 rainy days and 13.8 h of sunshine a day.
Grand Canyon Star Party · North Rim season · Inner canyon heat
Mixed weatherPeak seasonThe Grand Canyon in July
Highs around 90°F, lows near 65°F. About 6 rainy days and 12.6 h of sunshine a day.
North Rim season · Inner canyon heat · Monsoon thunderstorms
Mixed weatherPeak seasonThe Grand Canyon in August
Highs around 87°F, lows near 63°F. About 8 rainy days and 12.3 h of sunshine a day.
North Rim season · Inner canyon heat · Monsoon thunderstorms
Mixed weatherPeak seasonThe Grand Canyon in September
Highs around 81°F, lows near 57°F. About 4 rainy days and 11.6 h of sunshine a day.
North Rim season · Monsoon thunderstorms
Good weatherThe Grand Canyon in October
Highs around 68°F, lows near 45°F. About 4 rainy days and 10.3 h of sunshine a day.
North Rim season
Best weatherThe Grand Canyon in November
Highs around 54°F, lows near 34°F. About 4 rainy days and 9.3 h of sunshine a day.
Quiet winter season
Mixed weatherThe Grand Canyon in December
Highs around 44°F, lows near 27°F. About 5 rainy days and 7.9 h of sunshine a day.
Quiet winter season
Mixed weather
Seasons and events
- May–Oct
North Rim season
North Rim lodging, restaurants and shops usually open May 15 to October 15. Heavy snow closes the road from late October to mid-May.
Source: National Park Service - Jun
Grand Canyon Star Party
Free week-long astronomy event on the South Rim, usually in June, with evening talks followed by telescope viewing behind the visitor center.
Source: National Park Service - Jun–Aug
Inner canyon heatWeather risk
Average highs at Phantom Ranch top 100°F from June to August. The park urges caution for all hikers from May through September.
Source: National Park Service - Jul–Sep
Monsoon thunderstormsWeather risk
Severe thunderstorms can develop rapidly from July to mid-September. Lightning can strike across the canyon, and flash floods are possible.
Source: National Park Service - Nov–Feb
Quiet winter season
November through February is the least crowded time, but winter weather can bring snow-covered roads and limited visibility.
Source: National Park Service
Plan the Grand Canyon for April
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Questions about visiting the Grand Canyon
May scores highest for weather in South Rim, with highs around 73°F and about 4 rainy days. The best stretch of the year is April, May, and October.
March is the wettest month in South Rim, with about 1.7 in of rain over 7 days. June is the driest, with about 0.3 in.
Peak season is June to August, according to National Park Service. For good weather with fewer crowds, aim for April, May, and October.
July is the warmest month in South Rim, with average highs of 90°F. January is the coolest, at 41°F.
Climate figures are monthly averages of daily ERA5 reanalysis data for 2015 to 2024, retrieved from Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0). The verdict scores each month on temperature, humidity, rain and daylight, and marks months with typhoons, hurricanes or monsoon rain down.
