Why Now Is The Best Time To See The World’s Most Famous Canyon

When is the best time to visit this Arizona UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s seven natural wonders?

On my own road trips through the west, I found myself at this Arizona treasure during the cold month of early February. The daytime temperature was perfectly fine with a down jacket, but the trails below the rim were so icy I wished I had crampons.  

The weather at Grand Canyon National Park can swing from extreme heat in the summer to biting cold in the winter. So, here’s a glimpse at the visitor seasons at the Grand Canyon: 

• Peak Season: March to May and September through November 
• Shoulder Seasons: April to June and September to October 
• Off-Peak Season: June to September 

Next, I’ll provide more details on what each season is best for, highlights of events, and a monthly climate breakdown. Whether you’re planning a day trip to the Grand Canyon or an extended stay, hiking the Bright Angel Trail, or rafting on the Colorado River, these are the best times to visit Grand Canyon National Park. 

Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park

Best Season to Visit

The best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park overall is late spring, specifically late May. During this period, the weather is idyllic, with warm days and slightly cool evenings, perfect for the serene sunset over the canyon’s edge. With thinner crowds, you’ll have the trails mostly to yourself.

Best Time for Good Weather

For the loveliest weather, I’d recommend visiting this famous Arizona national park in late May or early June. This time of year presents a balance of sunny days with temperatures hovering around the mid-70s°F (24°C), ideal for outdoor activities. The nights, however, are comfortably cool, a great time for stargazing.

Best Time for Smaller Crowds

To evade the crowds, plan a visit during the off-peak season between December and February. Having gone this time of year, I can attest that I shared the most viewpoints with no one. But with colder temperatures and occasional snow, some hiking trails in this region of Arizona are challenging and especially icy in the early mornings and late afternoons. 

However, if you’re up for the crisp, winter air, you may be among the few hundred visitors per day compared to the thousands flooding the park in peak season.

Cheapest Time to Visit

The most economical time is during the winter months. This off-peak season sees lower rates for accommodations, typically dropping around 20% compared to peak season prices.

Best Time for Stargazing

The best period for stargazing at Grand Canyon, an International Dark Sky Park, is between May and September. The nights are usually clear, providing an unobstructed, spectacular view of the stellar tapestry overhead. The park’s remote location and stringent light pollution controls let you look up to a sky filled with brilliant constellations, planets, and even the ethereal swath of the Milky Way.

Worst Time to Visit

The worst time to visit Grand Canyon National Park is in the peak of summer, particularly in July and August. The park experiences extreme heat, often soaring above 100°F (38°C). Outdoor activities are grueling and potentially hazardous due to the risk of heatstroke. And many of the trails don’t have much shade.

This period also coincides with the monsoon season, leading to unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms, disrupting sightseeing plans, and making hiking trails slippery.

Park Closures

This beautiful Arizona destination is mostly open throughout the year. The South Rim, in particular, is accessible 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays. While the West Rim is open every day of the year, it closes its doors around sunset, depending on the season. 

The North Rim is typically only open from mid-May to mid-October, closing with the winter weather.

Seasons at Grand Canyon National Park

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Grand Canyon National Park is fairly mild, with daytime temperatures gradually increasing from the high 50s°F in March to the high 70s°F in May. Be prepared for a bit of a chill in the evenings as temperatures can dip into the 30s°F (-1°C). 

Nighttime temperatures aside, spring sees a lower volume of tourists.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in the Grand Canyon National Park can be quite the mixed bag. This season brings a combination of scorching daytime temperatures, sporadic thunderstorms, and bustling crowds. In June, the thermometer often soars into the 80s°F and can even reach a blazing 100°F by July. Despite the heat, this is when the park sees the most visitors, so expect crowded trails and viewpoints.

However, summer isn’t all tough. It’s also when the park is at its greenest. The powerful thunderstorms, though they may disrupt your plans momentarily, often give way to clear skies and cooler temperatures, perfect for late afternoon hikes and sunset viewings. 

Another advantage of summer is the longer daylight hours.

Fall (September to November)

Fall ushers in a refreshing relief from the brutal summer heat of summer. The gradually cooling temperatures dip from the mid-80s°F in early September to the mid-60s°F in late November. The nights also become progressively cooler.

While the daytime crowds start to thin out, the park turns into a canvas of vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds as fall foliage arrives. The weather is generally stable, making it an excellent time for hiking, biking, and camping.

Fall is also a great time for wildlife viewing. As the park transitions from the heat of summer to the chill of winter, many animals become more active during the day.

Winter (December to February)

The crowds are significantly reduced in winter, and the park is blanketed with white snow. The contrast between the snow-covered rims and the red-orange hues of the canyon walls is beautiful if you’re lucky to witness it.

Daytime temperatures hit mid-40s°F to the low 50s°F (10°C), while nighttime temperatures can dip below freezing. Snowfall is common, especially on the North Rim, which is usually closed due to the heavy snow. But the South Rim remains open.

Despite the chilly weather, hiking trails are less crowded, and the dusting of snow against the canyon’s hues is great for photographers. Wildlife spotting can also be a treat as many animals stick around for the season, some even easier to spot against the snow.

However, road conditions can quickly become hazardous due to snow and ice. 

Grand Canyon Weather By Month

Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the average high and low temperatures and precipitation at Grand Canyon National Park. This information is based on the South Rim. Where the temperatures of the different rims are similar, the precipitation is much higher at the North Rim.

Month	Average Low Temperature (°F)	Average High Temperature (°F)	Average Precipitation at South Rim (inches)
January	18	41	1.32
February	21	45	1.55
March	25	51	1.38
April	32	60	0.93
May	39	70	0.66
June	47	81	0.42
July	54	84	1.81
August	53	82	2.25
September	47	76	1.56
October	36	65	1.10
November	27	52	0.94
December	20	43	1.62

Best Time of Day to Visit

Without a doubt, sunset is the most magical time of day in the Grand Canyon. The setting sun constantly changes the canyon’s rugged colors from the vibrant reds of golden hour to purple, then a deep blue. 

Throughout the day, here’s what you can expect:

• Morning (6 – 10 AM): The park is quieter and has fewer crowds. But sunrise is still a popular activity.
• Midday (10 AM – 2 PM): The sun is at its peak, and the temperatures can rise considerably, especially in summer.
• Afternoon (2 PM – 6 PM): The afternoon brings milder temperatures and less direct sunlight, making it a good time for longer hikes. 
• Evening (6 PM – Sunset): Pick a sunset viewpoint, like Pima Point or Yaki Point. It’s the perfect time for photography.
• Night (Post Sunset): Once the sun goes down, the amazing stars emerge. 

Special Events or Festivals

Here’s a list of some special events and festivals happening in or near Grand Canyon National Park:

• Grand Canyon Celebration of Art: This annual tradition showcases artists painting “en plein air.” The art exhibition and sale are held at Kolb Studio from 9 am to 5 pm.
• Grand Canyon Star Party: A unique event bringing together astronomy enthusiasts and park visitors for a week of celestial observation.
• Grand Canyon Music Festival: Scheduled for early September, this festival brings the world’s finest musicians.
• Native American Heritage Days: An opportunity to celebrate and learn about the rich cultures and traditions of Native American tribes connected to the Grand Canyon.
• Echoes from the Canyon: This special July event lets rangers share the canyon’s history and heritage.

Most of these events are free and open to the public.

Don’t close that tab just yet…Where to Next in Arizona?

Arizona is amongst my top favorite places in the world. I’ve vanlifed around and through this great state back and forth, north and south, multiple times on my road trips. If you’re looking for more itineraries on Arizona, check out these other destinations.

• Perfect One Day In Petrified Forest National Park Itinerary
• One Day in Saguaro National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
• One Day in Grand Canyon South Rim: First-Timers Itinerary

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.