Best time to visit the Grand Canyon

April to May and September to October. Month by month below, with the weather, what's on and what it costs to fly there from your city.

April to May and September to October

Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are the most recommended: mild weather and fewer crowds than summer.

“the best times to visit are from March through May, and from September through November because of the mild temperatures and fewer visitors” graylinelasvegas.com
“consider visiting in shoulder season, when the weather is mild and the crowds are less intense” islands.com
“Autumn is arguably the best time of year to go hiking or backpacking in the forested areas of the park” austinadventures.com

3 of the 9 travel guides we read name these months.

the Grand Canyon month by month

Average high and low in Grand Canyon, and days with rain

January44°F / 19°F · 6 rainy daysChecking fares…Winter at the South Rim: crowds thin and Hermit Road opens to private cars from December through February.South Rim daytime temperatures are typically in the 30s and 40s F from December through February.
February46°F / 21°F · 6 rainy daysChecking fares…Late winter and early spring can bring cloud inversions that fill the canyon basin.Winter storms bring snow; visibility is highest in this season thanks to clear skies.
March54°F / 25°F · 6 rainy daysChecking fares…Mid-March through mid-May is one of the two best windows: mild days, low chance of rain, not very crowded.Lingering snow can keep the North Rim closed to vehicles.
Best timeApril61°F / 29°F · 4 rainy daysChecking fares…Weather is probably better across the whole canyon from April to June, with mild temperatures and the least rain.Late April is suggested for dodging spring break crowds.
Best timeMay70°F / 36°F · 3 rainy daysChecking fares…Late spring is fairly dry and not yet scorching, with comfortable temperatures.North Rim lodging, camping and food service open from mid-May.Spring temperatures of 50 to 70F make below-rim hiking comfortable.
June82°F / 43°F · 2 rainy daysChecking fares…Late spring and early summer are the driest time of year, with daytime humidity often below 10%.Summer is peak season; the canyon floor often tops 100F.
July85°F / 50°F · 7 rainy daysChecking fares…Among the busiest, hottest and rainiest months.Thunderstorms are frequent in July, August and early September, mainly between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
August82°F / 50°F · 10 rainy daysChecking fares…Among the busiest, hottest and rainiest months.Monsoon thunderstorms can cause flash floods in canyon tributaries.
Best timeSeptember76°F / 44°F · 6 rainy daysChecking fares…Mid-September to mid-October is the only predictable stretch when the whole canyon is open; crowds are limited after mid-September.Fall has cooler, milder weather and fewer families because kids are back in school.
Best timeOctober65°F / 33°F · 5 rainy daysChecking fares…North Rim may allow day use only from October 15 until snow closes Highway 67.Fall aspens, birch and oaks turn gold on the North Rim.
November53°F / 25°F · 4 rainy daysChecking fares…Snow usually does not arrive until November.North Rim day use runs until about November 27 if snow allows.
December43°F / 18°F · 6 rainy daysChecking fares…South Rim is lively in winter, with lodging and restaurant reservations almost assured outside the Christmas holidays.Holiday ranger programs and the Polar Express train ride from Williams run in winter.

Weather: Grand Canyon averages from NOAA (1991 to 2020 averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

Every date to the Grand Canyon from your city

Live fares from your airport. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

June to AugustPeak season, packed with people and hard to find hotels.
Spring break and weekendsSpring break crowds can be intense; weekend fall visitors may wait up to two hours to enter.

Quietest

December to FebruarySouth Rim crowds thin to under 10% of annual visitors.
WinterFewer crowds, lighter traffic and abundant parking, but cold and some trail closures.

Watch for

July to early SeptemberMonsoon thunderstorms, lightning and flash floods.
SummerInner canyon heat: over 100F near Phantom Ranch, record 120F.
Late October onwardHeavy snow closes the road to the North Rim starting with first snowfall.
Mid-October to mid-MayNorth Rim lodging and food service closed in off-season.

Questions people ask

What months can you visit the Grand Canyon?: The South Rim is open all year. The North Rim's main season is mid-May to mid-October.
Is it possible to visit the Grand Canyon in December?: Yes. The South Rim is open in winter, with fewer crowds, though roads and trails can close for snow.

Best time to visit the Grand Canyon

April to May and September to October

the Grand Canyon month by month

Every date to the Grand Canyon from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places

Best time to visit the Grand Canyon

April to May and September to October

the Grand Canyon month by month

Every date to the Grand Canyon from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places