Grand Canyon National Park draws nearly five million visitors per year. The park’s wide elevation range (from about 2,000 feet at the canyon floor to 8,000 feet on the North Rim) creates dramatically different weather by season, with cold snowy winters on the high rims, but hot dry summers down in the canyon.
This means the timing of your trip will greatly affect the experience. Below, we present a season-by-season breakdown of weather conditions, temperatures, precipitation, crowd levels, seasonal pros/cons, events or closures, and which types of travelers each season suits best.
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Winter (December – February)
Winters are cold on the South Rim and can be extreme. Daytime highs average only in the 40s °F (4–9 °C) on the rim, and nights often drop into the teens (≤ –10 °C). Significant snowfall is common – the South Rim sees 50 to 100 inches of snow over the season.
By contrast, the Inner Canyon (along the Colorado River) stays slightly milder (highs in the 40s–50s °F, lows in the 30s–40s °F) due to trapped warm air , but it can still be chilly. Be prepared for snow, icy roads/trails, and occasional road closures after major snowstorms.
This is the low season at Grand Canyon, with far fewer visitors from November through February . You will find quiet viewpoints and empty trails on most winter days.
Only around major holidays (Christmas to New Year’s, and sometimes Thanksgiving) does visitation spike a bit, leading to some crowding at popular overlooks. Even then, it’s much quieter than in peak summer.
- Pros: Winter offers a peaceful, uncrowded park experience. You can enjoy scenic overlooks in relative solitude, and snow-dusted canyon landscapes provide unique photography opportunities. The air is often crystal clear and cold, giving long views. For well-prepared hikers, winter is a great time to trek into the canyon – the lower elevations are cool but not freezing, making strenuous hikes more comfortable than in summer’s heat. Lodging and tour availability is generally better, and the lack of crowds means easier parking and no shuttle bus lines.
- Cons: Temperatures on the rim are below freezing much of the time. Snow and ice can temporarily close trails or roads, and you’ll need to contend with icy conditions underfoot. Many visitor services scale back in winter (fewer tours, shorter facility hours). North Rim is completely closed to vehicles in winter (its facilities shut after October 15) , so only the South Rim (and the year-round West Rim outside the national park) are accessible. Daylight hours are short (roughly 10 hours of light in mid-winter), limiting how much you can see in a day.
Solitude seekers and photographers who don’t mind cold weather and want to see the canyon’s serene winter beauty.
Also suited to experienced hikers aiming for the Inner Canyon (where winter temperatures are cool, not brutally hot). Visitors who prioritize quiet trails, easy parking, and off-peak tranquility will find winter ideal – as long as they are prepared for winter conditions.
Spring (March – May)
Early spring at the canyon can still feel like winter. March often brings freezing nights and the occasional late snowstorm. By April, however, the weather starts to warm noticeably.
Average highs climb from the 50s °F (10–15 °C) in March to the 60s–70s °F (16–25 °C) by May on the South Rim. Nights remain below freezing in March/April, but by May lows are in the 30s–40s °F.
Inside the canyon, temperatures are warmer (often 80+ °F/27 °C by late spring at Phantom Ranch). Precipitation is low in spring – April, May and early June are some of the driest weeks of the year.
Expect plenty of sun and occasionally gusty winds rather than rain. (Snow can even fall very late at high elevations – flurries have been recorded in May, and rarely even into early June.)
Spring is a shoulder season at Grand Canyon, meaning lighter crowds than the summer high season. In March, visitor numbers begin to pick up, and spring break (mid-March to early April) can bring surges of crowds, especially on popular South Rim trails and viewpoints.
Outside of those peak holiday weeks, though, spring visitation is quite manageable. By April and May, crowds are generally thin to moderate, far below summer levels. It’s often possible to find parking without much trouble (except perhaps midday at the very busiest spots in late May).
- Pros: Mild, comfortable weather makes spring one of the best times for hiking and sightseeing. Daytime temperatures are cool enough to hike the canyon trails without the risk of extreme heat, yet warmer than winter. Desert wildflowers bloom in spring (especially April–May), adding color to the landscape. The combination of pleasant weather and relatively low crowd levels means you can explore popular viewpoints or trails with more elbow room. Most facilities on the South Rim are open by spring, and longer daylight hours (especially by May) give you more time each day to enjoy the views. Overall, spring offers an excellent balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
- Cons: Unpredictable early-season weather – March can bring wind, late snow, or cold rain, so you need to pack layers. Trails might be icy in early spring (especially in shaded areas) until the snow melts. The North Rim remains closed through early spring: its roads and lodges typically don’t open until mid-May , so until then you are limited to the South Rim. During the peak of spring break, popular spots on the South Rim (Mather Point, Bright Angel Trail, etc.) will still feel crowded , so avoid late March if you want solitude. Lastly, spring weather can be windy, which on some days may kick up dust or make rim walks less pleasant (gusts over 40 mph are not uncommon in April–May ).
Spring’s mild temps are ideal for long hikes into the canyon or along the rim without summer’s heat. Photographers and nature lovers also enjoy spring for its wildflower displays and clear skies.
It’s a great season for travelers who want many of the benefits of summer (warmer weather, open facilities) but with far fewer crowds. If you prefer mild conditions and don’t mind the North Rim being closed until late spring, this season is an excellent choice.
Summer (June – August)
Summer (late June through August) is peak season at the Grand Canyon. Visitation soars when schools are on break – the park is busiest from late May to early September.
Expect large tour groups and family vacationers at every viewpoint. All areas of the park are open in summer (the North Rim operates fully from May 15 to Oct 15) , and services like lodges, campgrounds, and shuttles are running at maximum capacity.
This is the only time of year when every viewpoint (North and South Rim) is accessible by car, which contributes to the high crowds. Weather is hot, and the summer also brings a monsoon season with frequent afternoon storms by July. If you plan a summer trip, arrive early in the day – by noon, parking lots and popular trails are packed.
Summers on the South Rim (7,000 ft elevation) are warm but not scorching, with typical highs in the 80s °F (27–32 °C). However, inside the canyon it gets extremely hot – temperatures at the Colorado River easily exceed 100 °F (>38 °C) on many days.
The North Rim, being higher (8,000 ft), stays about 10°F cooler than the South Rim (often in the 70s °F for highs) , which can be a relief from the heat. Nights are generally mild: lows in the 40s–50s °F on the South Rim, but a warm 60–70 °F at the canyon bottom.
Monsoon storms arrive in July and August. Expect afternoon thunderstorms several days a week during this period, especially in July–early September. These storms are usually brief, but intense – with torrential rain, lightning, hail, and sudden flash floods possible in canyon washes.
Skies are often clear in the mornings, with clouds building by midday. If visiting in summer, plan outdoor activities for early morning and be prepared to take shelter by afternoon if thunderstorms develop.
Summer is also the busiest time by far. Park officials classify June–August as “high season.” Tourist numbers peak in July.
In fact, June is especially packed – if possible, avoid late June through mid-August if you dislike crowds. During summer days, the South Rim can feel very crowded: long lines at entrance gates and shuttle stops, full parking lots by 10 a.m., and dense crowds at popular overlooks.
It’s not uncommon to wait 45 minutes to 2 hours just to enter the park at the South Entrance during peak midday hours. Trails like Bright Angel will have a steady stream of hikers.
North Rim sees fewer visitors (it gets 1/10th the visitation of South Rim) , but it too is much busier in summer than other times, since it’s only open this season. Holiday weekends (Memorial Day in late May, July 4th, Labor Day in early September) are especially crowded.
- Pros: Maximum access and activities. All viewpoints and park areas are open – you can visit both South and North Rims in one trip, or take tours to Grand Canyon West’s Skywalk if desired. Summertime offers the longest days, so you have extended daylight for hiking or multiple scenic stops in one day. The park schedules a full range of ranger programs, guided walks, and evening talks in summer. Several special events also take place, such as the annual Grand Canyon Star Party each June (astronomy clubs set up telescopes on both rims for public stargazing). For adventure enthusiasts, summer is prime season for multi-day river rafting trips (permits and trips are most active in summer) and for family vacations when kids are off school. If you want an energetic atmosphere with lots of fellow visitors from around the world, summer provides it.
- Cons: Heat and crowds. The extreme heat in the Inner Canyon makes strenuous hikes dangerous after early morning – heat exhaustion is a serious risk in July/August. Even on the rim, midday summer sun can be intense. The monsoonal thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor plans (lightning will close exposed trails and viewpoints temporarily) and may cause flash flood hazards. Overcrowding is the other major downside: you’ll encounter traffic congestion, difficulty parking, lines at restrooms and restaurants, and fully booked lodging. (Hotels and campsites sell out months in advance for summer dates , so planning is essential.) The hustle and bustle can diminish the serenity of the canyon’s natural beauty. Additionally, lodging and tour prices are generally highest in summer due to demand (expect peak rates). In short, summer requires patience and preparation to navigate the crowds and weather challenges.
The summer is suitable for first-time visitors who want everything open and don’t mind the crowds. If you’re planning bucket-list activities like a rafting expedition or a rim-to-rim hike, summer’s long days and open trails can be ideal (just start very early to beat the heat).
Travelers seeking a social, busy environment with lots of services and events will find summer a fitting time. Those who absolutely must visit in summer should consider the cooler, quieter North Rim if they prefer to avoid some crowds and extreme heat.
Fall (September – November)
Cooler and calm. Fall brings a return of mild, pleasant weather after the summer heat. Early fall (September) can still be warm: high temperatures on the South Rim average in the 60s °F to low 70s °F (16–22 °C) in September , with the Inner Canyon still hot (around the 90s °F, 32–37 °C, in September).
By October, South Rim highs drop to the 50s–60s °F (10–20 °C) and nights start falling below freezing. November is distinctly chilly on the rim (highs in the 40s–50s °F and frequent nights well below 32 °F).
Precipitation decreases after the summer monsoon – late September and October tend to be relatively dry and sunny. You can expect crisp, clear autumn days. However, sudden storms can occur during this transition: occasionally an early snowfall dusts the rim in late October or November, and rare late-season thunderstorms can roll through.
Generally, though, fall weather is stable and excellent for outdoor activities, especially in September and early October.
Crowds are moderate–low. After Labor Day in September, tourism drops off significantly. Fall is a classic shoulder season at Grand Canyon, with far fewer visitors than summer.
Many park experts consider October one of the best months to visit due to the combination of good weather and manageable crowds. You’ll find that popular viewpoints are much less crowded on weekdays.
That said, weekends in early fall (especially September and early October) can still see a lot of visitors , since the weather is great and people take weekend trips. Fall foliage on the North Rim (golden aspen trees in late September) can also draw leaf-peepers, though it’s a modest event compared to other parks.
By November, crowd levels are very low (similar to winter) as cold weather sets in. In summary, outside of a few busy weekends, crowding is mild – you can usually find parking and enjoy overlooks without the dense summer throngs.
- Pros: Pleasant temperatures and thinner crowds make fall a wonderful time at the canyon. Autumn weather is ideal for hiking – the trails are no longer dangerously hot, and the inner canyon is still warm but not as sweltering. The cooler air also tends to be clear; views can be sharp and haze-free, especially after the monsoon humidity dissipates. Photographers love the soft, golden light in fall mornings and evenings , which can make the already-scenic vistas even more stunning. Crowds are light enough that you can linger at popular viewpoints like Mather or Yavapai Observation Station without feeling rushed. Travel costs (lodging, etc.) often drop from peak season, and you have better odds of getting reservations on short notice than in summer. Until mid-October, both rims are open, so you have full access for much of the fall. Overall, the season offers a great balance: you can enjoy many of summer’s advantages (open facilities, good weather) with far fewer people around.
- Cons: Shortening days and cooling temperatures. As fall progresses, days get shorter – by late October, sunset comes much earlier, giving you less daylight for sightseeing than in summer. Nights become cold (packing warm layers is a must by October). North Rim services end by October 15, after which the North Rim’s lodges and restaurants close for the year. The North Rim area remains open to day visitors for a few more weeks (sometimes through November 30, weather permitting) , but any heavy snow will shut the access road earlier. Thus, by mid-to-late fall the North Rim is effectively off-limits to casual travel. Another con: while crowds are generally low, holiday periods like Thanksgiving can attract spikes of visitors, and South Rim lodgings may fill up that weekend. Lastly, unpredictable weather is a minor concern – an early winter storm could briefly disrupt plans in November , so it’s wise to keep an eye on the forecast if visiting late in the season.
Fall’s combination of beautiful light, fewer people, and colors (deep blue skies, occasional fall foliage) is ideal for photography and leisurely viewing.
Hikers will appreciate the cooler trail temperatures, making long day hikes or even rim-to-river hikes more feasible than in summer.
Travelers seeking a balanced experience (good weather with moderate crowds) should strongly consider fall. It’s perfect for those who can travel outside the peak summer rush and want a more relaxed pace while still enjoying mostly full services (especially if visiting by early October).
In short, fall suits visitors who value comfortable weather and a quieter park, but who don’t want the extreme cold or limited access of winter.