The Grand Canyon shines year-round. But unlike other National Parks, whose recommended visiting times are based primarily on personal preference, there is definitely a best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park!
However, achieving the most enjoyable visit to this Southwest gem hinges significantly on understanding its particular characteristics. So, let’s dive in!
Here’s a detailed guide on when to visit the Grand Canyon.
Table of Contents
The Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park: Key Factors
Determining the best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park depends on understanding several essential factors:
- Differing Regions
- Park Closures
- Seasonal Weather Patterns and Temperatures
- Peak Busy Seasons
US National Parks that are a) open year-round, b) located in regions with consistently moderate temperatures, c) have mild seasonal weather patterns, and d) have minimal differences in elevation, are truly not subject to a “best time of year to visit.”
The same can’t be said for Grand Canyon National Park! While open year-round, there are several considerations that determine the best time to visit.
The first thing to know when planning a trip to the Grand Canyon is the effect played by the differing regions in the park.
1. The Different Regions of Grand Canyon National Park
Not every visitor initially realizes there are two very distinct and separate regions of Grand Canyon National Park, each with their own unique characteristics that can greatly influence your visit.
These two regions are the North Rim and the South Rim. They’re located approximately 5 hours apart, so expect some big differences between them!
For starters, the North Rim is much higher in elevation than the South Rim (over 1,500 feet higher). It is also located further north geographically.
These two factors equate to colder temperatures and more dramatic seasonal changes and weather patterns, particularly in winter.
The South Rim, on the other hand, resides at a lower elevation and is surrounded by a much milder desert environment. While the South Rim does see its fair share of harsh weather, it is more sporadic, and has less impact than the weather at the North Rim on deciding the best time to visit.
2. Park Closures in Grand Canyon National Park
The North Rim is more affected by seasons. For that very reason, it closes annually from mid-October through mid-May.
All North Rim infrastructure, including buildings, campgrounds, and roads, are inaccessible in winter.
There are several small loopholes to this closure. For example, you could hike down a South Rim corridor trail like the Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail and connect to the North Rim’s North Kaibab Trail at the bottom of the canyon.
But honestly, who would want to?
In winter, the trails on the North Rim are snow-logged in several feet of heavy powder, ice, and slush. If you have your sights set on visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, there is a clear and inescapable answer to when is the best time to visit:
From late May through early October, when the North Rim is fully open and operational, and the trails are open for hiking.
The South Rim is open daily year-round, as it is far less affected by snow and winter weather. That’s not to say it’s completely free, though.
The South Rim does get some ice and snow during the winter. While activities along the top of the rim or indoor activities may not be as affected, if hiking is your top priority, you may want to re-consider a winter visit to the South Rim. Attempting to hike on ice-covered trails near precarious drop-offs is a recipe for trouble!
3. Seasonal Weather Patterns and Temperatures
Summer is the busiest time of year in Grand Canyon National Park, and most of that is centered on the South Rim. Indeed, most of the park’s 5 million average annual guests visit the South Rim, and a large chunk of them come in summer.
The irony is that summer on the South Rim can be somewhat inhospitable, depending on what you’re planning to do there.
For example, the Grand Canyon contains some of the best hiking trails on the planet! As well as some of the toughest. Some of the most popular hiking trails in the park, like the South Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Trail, happen to be two of the toughest trails, and the summer season only complicates this.
Imagine hiking down a steep trail into the heart of a canyon with ever-converging walls. The result is stifling. Temperatures can easily soar to nearly 120 degrees Farenheit in the heart of summer.
Add to that minimal shade and full sun exposure and the daunting task of having to climb back out of the canyon.
It is for this exact reason that the National Park Service actually advises against hiking into the canyon in the summer. For those that do, it is highly recommended to either start early or turn back early. Regardless, always hike with plenty of water and snacks!
Now, this is not to say that the South Rim is off-limits in the summer.
If your itinerary keeps you at the top of the rim only, there are many realistic ways to mitigate the heat. Plan outdoor activities for early in the morning or later in the afternoon, and plan indoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
The 13-mile-long Rim Trail runs parallel along the top of the South Rim and offers access to a handful of short and easy overlooks. These include Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Hopi Point.
It also accesses multiple park buildings, like the historic lodges, the South Rim visitor center, and dining and shopping amenities.
Plan to stroll along the Rim Trail during the milder morning temperatures, and then grab lunch and check out exhibits, galleries, and other attractions indoors.
4. Peak Season at Grand Canyon National Park
For many people, the best time of year to visit Grand Canyon National Park is when there are fewer crowds. If you’re the same, I don’t recommend going in summer!
Again, millions of visitors swarm the South Rim during the summer months. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, then consider a shoulder season like spring or fall.
Another way to escape peak season at the South Rim is to check out its northern counterpart. The North Rim is largely and unfairly forgotten during summer. You’re likely to find locals who know better and an overwhelming sense of silence and solitude.
It’s more challenging to get to logistically, and there are far fewer accommodation options and amenities. However, there’s also far less competition for them!
Give the North Rim a chance. It has something for everyone!
Want to check out exhibits and galleries at the Visitor Center or National Park lodges? The North Rim has those.
Want to camp? There are campgrounds and campsites on the North Rim.
Want to check out the top hiking trails? The North Rim is full of incredible hikes that traverse the heavy forest canopies, parallel the canyon rim, or dive deep into the heart of the Grand Canyon itself.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim?
The best time of year to visit Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim is spring and fall. Moderate daytime and overnight temperatures, mild weather patterns, and a fully operating park infrastructure create a welcoming haven for all the best attractions. It also avoids the busiest season, making it easier to snag accommodation.
Month-by-Month Average Temperatures (in Fahrenheit) on the South Rim
- January: Average High – 45 degrees / Average Low – 16 degrees
- February: Average High – 48 degrees / Average Low – 18 degrees
- March: Average High – 55 degrees / Average Low – 22 degrees
- April: Average High – 61 degrees / Average Low – 27 degrees
- May: Average High – 70 degrees / Average Low – 33 degrees
- June: Average High – 83 degrees / Average Low – 40 degrees
- July: Average High – 85 degrees / Average Low – 49 degrees
- August: Average High – 82 degrees / Average Low – 48 degrees
- September: Average High – 76 degrees / Average Low – 41 degrees
- October: Average High – 65 degrees / Average Low – 31 degrees
- November: Average High – 53 degrees / Average Low – 22 degrees
- December: Average High – 44 degrees / Average Low – 15 degrees
* These averages reflect temperatures at the top of the South Rim and not in the inner canyon. Temperatures in the inner canyon can reach triple digits even in the fall.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim?
The best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim is late May to early October, when the North Rim is fully open. The North Rim infrastructure and roads close in mid-October through mid-May every year, though storms or snow could cause these annual closures to happen earlier or remain in place longer.
During this window, the most welcoming time of year to visit the North Rim is summer.
Despite the overwhelming representation of the Grand Canyon as a desert environment, the North Rim and its blankets of forest and higher elevation create an unbeatable summer destination, with balmy daytime temperatures and mild overnight temperatures.
And don’t forget one of the biggest bonuses – discovering a largely overlooked but equally stunning alternative to the crowded South Rim.
Month-by-Month Average Temperatures on the North Rim
- January: Average High – 38 degrees / Average Low – 17 degrees
- February: Average High – 39 degrees / Average Low – 18 degrees
- March: Average High – 45 degrees / Average Low – 22 degrees
- April: Average High – 53 degrees / Average Low – 27 degrees
- May: Average High – 63 degrees / Average Low – 34 degrees
- June: Average High – 75 degrees / Average Low – 42 degrees
- July: Average High – 78 degrees / Average Low – 48 degrees
- August: Average High – 75 degrees / Average Low – 47 degrees
- September: Average High – 68 degrees / Average Low – 41 degrees
- October: Average High – 57 degrees / Average Low – 31 degrees
- November: Average High – 46 degrees / Average Low – 23 degrees
- December: Average High – 39 degrees / Average Low – 17 degrees
Tips for Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
No matter what time of year or which region of the Grand Canyon your trip brings you to, there are several important tips for visiting that apply year-round and park wide.
- Make reservations as far in advance as possible.
- Have a pre-planned itinerary – you can waste lots of precious time driving back and forth across this expansive park if you don’t know your plans in advance.
- Start early – especially during peak times or in the summer on the South Rim
- Always use sun protection, even in winter.
- Always hike with plenty of water and all necessary day hiking or backpacking gear.
- Check the weather and the park website for alerts and updates before your visit
- Always stay on designated trails.
- Respect wildlife by not approaching or feeding it.
