Last Updated on March 31, 2024 by foxintheforest
Dream of going to the Grand Canyon for the epic views and breathtaking landscape…but don’t dream of doing it while melting in the heat surrounded by huge crowds?
You can make this dream a reality if you know the best month to visit the Grand Canyon!
While summer might seem like a great time for a vacation, it’s not actually the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon for many reasons.
When you’re trying to figure out the best month to visit the Grand Canyon, you need advice from a seasoned expert, and I’ve got you covered.
I’ve had countless adventures in the Grand Canyon at all times of the year, so I am here to give you insider advice on when to visit the Grand Canyon like a pro, not a tourist.
About This Guide to When to Visit the Grand Canyon
In this insider guide to the best month to visit the Grand Canyon, you’ll find detailed expert advice on the best time to visit the Grand Canyon. Here’s what’s covered:
- The best month to visit the Grand Canyon
- Average Grand Canyon weather by month
- What to expect each season in the Grand Canyon
- Best months to visit the North Rim vs South Rim
- Best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon for specific activities
- The worst month to visit the Grand Canyon
- Additional Grand Canyon travel resources
What is the Best Month to Visit the Grand Canyon?
While you can have a fantastic visit to the Grand Canyon in many different seasons, I think the best month to visit the Grand Canyon is October.
The weather is typically best for most things to do in the Grand Canyon, and the leaves start changing on the North Rim in early October for even more spectacular views while the Elk are out in full-force on the south side.
It also tends to be significantly less crowded since the summer visitors have left.
Average Grand Canyon Weather By Month
Here is a quick overview of what to expect for average temperatures each month in the Grand Canyon (High/Low in Fahrenheit):
- January – 59°/35°
- February – 60°/35°
- March – 66°/39°
- April – 70°/44°
- May – 81°/51°
- June – 93°/59°
- July – 95°/65°
- August – 92°/64°
- September – 86°/57°
- October – 75°/49°
- November – 66°/42°
- December – 58°/34°
Spring in the Grand Canyon (March-May)
Spring in the Grand Canyon can be absolutely lovely, but the weather tends to be more unpredictable than fall, so you could also end up with wind, rain, or even a late-season snowstorm.
The Grand Canyon in March can really be hit or miss, but if you get good weather, it’s absolutely beautiful and a quieter time to visit (except during spring break).
The moderate temps in late spring make it a great time to check out the best Grand Canyon viewpoints and explore the hiking trails before the crowds descend for the summer and the temps rise.
Pro Tip: The North Rim is closed until May 15th.
Summer in the Grand Canyon (June-August)
This is the most popular time to visit the Grand Canyon because of summer vacation, so expect it to be extremely crowded, especially on the South Rim.
It is also the hottest time of the year, and you need to know how to handle extreme temps and be very careful if venturing below the rim.
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend visiting the Grand Canyon in the summer unless you’re rafting, stargazing, or just stopping for a quick visit to check out the views.
Insider Tip: The Grand Canyon Star Party runs the first week of June. This free event features nightly programming and telescopes at both the South and North Rim.
Fall in the Grand Canyon (September-November)
Fall is a fantastic time to visit the Grand Canyon! It hits the sweet spot when the temps start dropping and the crowds start disappearing.
This is the time to hit the trails, camp on the rim or below it, and explore this magnificent canyon.
This is also the best time to attempt the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim if that’s on your bucket list!
In fact, it’s my preferred month to backpack in the Grand Canyon.
Pro Tip: The North Rim closes on October 15th.
Winter in the Grand Canyon (December-February)
If you want to find solitude (and lower prices) in the Grand Canyon, winter is the time to visit.
While the trails might be snow-covered – bring your microspikes! – the views are especially stunning when the canyon is snow-dusted.
While you need to be prepared with lots of layers for chilly temperatures, winter can be a wonderful time to explore the Grand Canyon in a unique way.
Insider Tip: Many areas will be harder to access in the snow, and the North Rim is closed in the winter.
Best Month to Visit the South Rim vs the North Rim
The weather at the South Rim vs the North Rim of the Grand Canyon can be quite different.
The South Rim sits at a lower elevation – around 7,000 feet vs 8,000 feet for the North Rim – so it tends to be warmer and receive less precipitation.
Plus, the South Rim receives far more visitors all year round, with the summer being especially crowded.
So the best month to visit the Grand Canyon can be different at each rim.
Best Month to Visit the Grand Canyon South Rim
You definitely want to avoid the summer at the South Rim, so October is the best month to visit the Grand Canyon if the South Rim is your destination.
The weather will be cooler to allow for more Grand Canyon hikes, and the summer crowds will have dissipated by then.
Best Month to Visit the Grand Canyon North Rim
The North Rim is closed for winter, which limits the options for visiting. While it still can get hot and busier in the summer, the North Rim in summer is still a much better option than the South Rim.
If you want to do some North Rim hikes, the best month to visit the North Rim is September or early October.
Best Month to Visit the Grand Canyon West Rim
The elevation at the West Rim is slightly lower than the South Rim, so October is generally also the best month to visit the Grand Canyon West Rim for both weather and crowds.
Any time in fall will usually be nice here, but by late fall, the weather could take a turn for the worse.
Note: The West Rim sits on the Hualapai Reservation and is operated by the Hualapai Tribe, not the National Park Service.
Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon for Specific Activities & Places
- Hiking: Spring or fall is ideal for hiking in the Grand Canyon, with milder temps and fewer people on the trails.
- Backpacking: The same is true for backpacking in the Grand Canyon, so shoot for spring or fall if you can snag a backcountry permit.
- Rim to Rim: Early October is usually the best bet for cooler weather conditions for this epic hike.
- Rafting: This is one of the few activities where summer is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon! Most guided rafting tours of the Grand Canyon run during the summer.
- Sunset Views: Take a Grand Canyon sunset tour in the summer to maximize daylight before you are awed by the gorgeous sunset.
- Stargazing: Join the Grand Canyon Star Party the first week of June for fun stargazing activities..
- Hermit Road: December, January, and February are the only time private cars are allowed on Hermit Road, though the Hermit Trail to Hermit’s Rest will most likely be snowy and icy then.
- North Rim: From May 15th through October 15th, since that’s when it’s open!
The Worst Months to Visit the Grand Canyon
July or August are probably the worst months to visit the Grand Canyon.
The extreme heat isn’t comfortable or safe for hiking, yet this is when the park will be most crowded because of summer break for schools.
If your only option to visit the Grand Canyon is in July or August, try to go to the North Rim, which will be slightly cooler and less crowded.
What to Pack for Each Season in the Grand Canyon
- Plenty of water – I like to use a water container for the car. Budget at least 4 liters per person per day, more if you’re out in the summer months.
- Sunscreen, sunhat with a wide brim, sunglasses
- Sunshirt
- First Aid Kit with tweezer (for cacti)
- Noncotton socks
- Breathable footwear that you feel comfortable wearing all day
- Non-cotton shorts for hiking
- Non-cotton, lightweight pants for hiking. Pants protect you against aggravating foliage.
- Non-cotton, breathable t-shirt for hiking (the sun can really beat you up if you wear tank tops, so be aware)
- Electrolyte powder
- A water bladder capable of carrying at least 2 liters of water.
- Salty snacks
- Camera
- Camera clip to strap to your back
- Beanie – the desert can get cold at night so warm clothes are great to have
- Glove liners
- Fleece layer (fall through spring)
- Puffy layer (fall through spring)
- Hiking poles (optional)
- A hiking pack. I love the REI Flash series for something mutli-use and economical
- A toilet kit: shovel, WAG Bag (most national parks require this), hand sanitizer, TP/baby wipes, a small plastic baggy to pack out TP and sanitary items
- Pee funnel – optional
- Pee rag – optional
- A plastic baggy for trash (wrappers, fruit peels, etc). I like to use compostable dog waste bags.
- Headlamp
- GPS navigation
- emergency communication device
- Wind/rain layer
- Pocket knife
Extra Things to Bring by Season
Your packing list will vary depending on what you plan to do while you’re visiting the Grand Canyon, but the basics include layers, hiking shoes, water, snacks, and a pack to carry everything in. Here are a few more specific things to bring during each season:
Spring
- Lots of layers
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Extra socks (in case they get wet)
Summer
- Lots of water
- Electrolytes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Breathable & moisture wicking clothing
- Hiking umbrella
Fall
- Lots of layers
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Extra socks (in case they get wet)
Winter
- Microspikes
- Hand warmers
- Hat & gloves/mittens
- Wool socks
- Puffy
- Water in a bottle (not a hydration reservoir that could freeze)
Additional Grand Canyon Travel Resources
Check out these additional resources for exploring the Grand Canyon:
