A comprehensive guide to the Grand Canyon weather

Average temperatures:

• March: South Rim 51°F / 25°F (11°C / -4°C)
  
• April: South Rim 60°F / 32°F (15°C / 0°C)
  
• May: South Rim 70°F / 39°F (21°C / 4°C)
  (Inner Canyon is ~20°F warmer)

Spring brings ideal hiking weather and the reopening of seasonal services. Snow begins to melt on the South Rim, trails become accessible, and wildflowers bloom across the canyon’s plateaus. The North Rim remains closed until mid-May, but the South Rim and Inner Canyon are excellent for early-season adventures.

Things to do:

• Hike the Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trails
  
• Attend a free ranger program at the South Rim
  
• Spot blooming desert flowers along rim trails
  
• Visit Havasu Falls (permit required)
  
• Take a mule ride along the Bright Angel Trail

Average temperatures:

• June: South Rim 81°F / 47°F (27°C / 8°C)
  
• July: South Rim 84°F / 54°F (29°C / 12°C)
  
• August: South Rim 81°F / 53°F (27°C / 12°C)
  (Inner Canyon 100–110°F / 38–43°C+)

Summer is the most popular season, but also the hottest, especially below the rim. Afternoon monsoons often arrive in July and August, bringing short but intense thunderstorms. Visitors flock to the North Rim for its cooler, forested trails. Early morning is the best time for hiking or photography.

Things to do:

• Watch the sunrise from Mather Point or Yaki Point
  
• Drive to Cape Royal or Point Imperial (North Rim)
  
• Raft the Colorado River (whitewater season)
  
• Enjoy a ranger talk or stargazing session
  
• Take the scenic Hermit Road shuttle at sunset

Average temperatures:

• September: South Rim 75°F / 47°F (24°C / 8°C)
  
• October: South Rim 64°F / 36°F (18°C / 2°C)
  
• November: South Rim 52°F / 27°F (11°C / -3°C)
  (North Rim closes mid-October)

Fall offers crisp air, golden aspens, and quieter trails. It's one of the best times for hiking and photography. The North Rim closes in mid-October due to snow risk, but the South Rim remains accessible and vibrant through November.

Things to do:

• Hike to Indian Garden or Plateau Point
  
• Capture fall foliage at the North Rim
  
• Visit Desert View Watchtower before it closes for winter
  
• Spot elk and mule deer along the rim
  
• Enjoy fewer crowds and cooler hikes

Average temperatures:

• December: South Rim 43°F / 20°F (6°C / -6°C)
  
• January: South Rim 41°F / 18°F (5°C / -8°C)
  
• February: South Rim 45°F / 21°F (7°C / -6°C)
  (North Rim closed; Inner Canyon remains mild)

Winter transforms the Grand Canyon into a peaceful, snow-dusted wonderland. The South Rim is open year-round and much quieter. Snowfall enhances photography, and lodging is easier to find. However, trails may be icy, and some roads can close temporarily after storms.

Things to do:

• Watch the sunrise over a snow-covered canyon
  
• Take winter hikes with crampons or traction cleats
  
• Explore the geology museum or the Visitor Center
  
• Enjoy a warm meal at El Tovar Lodge
  
• Photograph dramatic snow and cloud inversions

Average temperature: 41°F / 18°F (5°C / -8°C)

Average snowfall: 9 inches (23 cm)

January is quiet and peaceful at the South Rim. Expect snow-dusted views, clear skies, and crisp air—perfect for photography. The Inner Canyon remains warmer for hikers heading down.

Travel tip: Bring traction cleats for icy trails like Bright Angel.

Average temperature: 45°F / 21°F (7°C / -6°C)

Average snowfall: 8 inches (20 cm)

February brings chilly mornings and occasional snow, but also brilliant light and a sense of solitude. The days are slightly longer, making it a favorite for off-season photographers and hikers.

Travel tip: Visit the Yavapai Geology Museum for warm indoor canyon views and fascinating exhibits.

Average temperature: 51°F / 25°F (11°C / -4°C)

Average snowfall: 6 inches (15 cm)

Spring slowly begins in March. Snow starts to melt, trails reopen, and wildlife becomes more active. Layered clothing is essential, as temperatures swing widely.

Travel tip: Catch a ranger-led stargazing program—clear skies make for ideal night viewing.

Average temperature: 60°F / 32°F (15°C / 0°C)

Average rainfall: 0.8 inches (20 mm)

April is prime hiking weather, with mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Most South Rim facilities are fully open, and the North Rim remains closed.

Travel tip: Ride the scenic Hermit Road shuttle to access less-crowded viewpoints like Pima Point.

Average temperature: 70°F / 39°F (21°C / 4°C)

Average rainfall: 0.6 inches (15 mm)

May is one of the best months to visit. The weather is warm but not yet hot, and the North Rim reopens mid-month. Expect longer daylight and full access to trails.

Travel tip: Book accommodations early—May is popular for both hikers and road trippers.

Average temperature: 81°F / 47°F (27°C / 8°C)

Average rainfall: 0.3 inches (8 mm)

June marks the start of summer, with dry, hot days and cooler nights. This makes it perfect for early morning hikes and rim-side picnics before midday heat sets in.

Travel tip: Start hikes before 7 am and avoid inner canyon hikes after 10 am.

Average temperature: 84°F / 54°F (29°C / 12°C)

Average rainfall: 1.6 inches (40 mm)

July is the hottest month, especially in the Inner Canyon, where temperatures exceed 100°F (38°C). Afternoon monsoon storms are common, brief but dramatic.

Travel tip: Pack a rain jacket and check trail conditions daily—flash floods are possible in slot canyons.

Average temperature: 81°F / 53°F (27°C / 12°C)

Average rainfall: 2.2 inches (56 mm)

The monsoon season continues. Mornings are pleasant, while afternoons may bring thunderheads and lightning. Still, it’s a lively month with long days and starry skies.

Travel tip: Enjoy dramatic storm photography—some of the canyon’s most dynamic skies occur now.

Average temperature: 75°F / 47°F (24°C / 8°C)

Average rainfall: 1.4 inches (36 mm)

September is a sweet spot—cooler temperatures return, crowds thin out, and the monsoons taper off. It's ideal for hiking, mule rides, and canyon drives.

Travel tip: Watch the sunset from Lipan Point, which has fewer crowds and a panoramic view of the Colorado River.

Average temperature: 64°F / 36°F (18°C / 2°C)

Average snowfall: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

October brings fall colors, crisp air, and incredible visibility. The North Rim closes mid-month, so it’s the last chance to experience both rims in one trip.

Travel tip: Visit early to catch changing foliage and explore rim trails in perfect weather.

Average temperature: 52°F / 27°F (11°C / -3°C)

Average snowfall: 4 inches (10 cm)

November sees fewer visitors and the first real snowstorms. The South Rim stays open, and clear skies make for excellent day hikes with a winter feel.

Travel tip: Visit the Desert View Watchtower before it closes for the season, and catch golden hour views.

Average temperature: 43°F / 20°F (6°C / -6°C)

Average snowfall: 8 inches (20 cm)

December is a peaceful and festive month, with snow-blanketed cliffs and stunning morning light. Crowds are low, except around the holidays, and lodging is easier to find.

Travel tip: Warm up by the fireplace in historic El Tovar Lodge after a snowy sunrise walk along the rim.