Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park

Situated in the northwest corner of Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the United States and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 277-mile (446 km) long step-sided canyon was carved by the Colorado River.

The Grand Canyon offers visitors a diverse range of landscapes and experiences year-round. Expect abundant outdoor activities from the arid desert views of the South Rim to the pine-forested North Rim. 

This beloved park remains open year-round, providing many activities and attractions that vary with the seasons. Whether you’re interested in hiking, sightseeing, or simply soaking in the awe-inspiring scenery, there are always plenty of things to do at the Grand Canyon.

Now, you’re probably thinking: “When is the best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park?” Below, you’ll find a detailed guide on the best times to visit the Grand Canyon, considering the weather, seasons, and activities to help you plan your trip perfectly.

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How to Get to the Grand Canyon

Depending on where you’re coming from, the Grand Canyon is accessible via several routes and modes of transportation. The South Rim, open year-round, is the most accessible and popular part of the park. The North Rim, which is only open from mid-May to mid-October, is about a 7-hour drive from Phoenix and a 5-hour drive from Las Vegas.

If you’re flying in from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, it’s approximately a 3.5-hour drive to the South Rim. From the airport, you can rent a car and take I-17 North to Flagstaff, then head west on I-40 and north on US-180. 

You can also fly into Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, about a 4.5-hour drive away. Take US-93 South to Kingman from Las Vegas, then head east on I-40 and north on AZ-64.7.

For those coming from Los Angeles, it’s an 8-hour drive via I-10 East to Phoenix, followed by the same route mentioned above. Alternatively, Amtrak services the nearby town of Williams, AZ, and the Grand Canyon Railway offers scenic train rides to the South Rim.

Best Time to Go to the Grand Canyon

The best time of year to visit Grand Canyon National Park depends on you and what kind of weather and activities you prefer. However, the best times to visit are the shoulder seasons, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). These seasons offer cooler temperatures and thinner crowds compared to the peak season. 

Summer (June to August) can be seen as a good and bad time to go. On the one hand, it can get scorching in the interior canyon, and summer is always full of tourists, making it a crowded visit with very little accommodation available. Despite the heat, people still prefer summer because of all the activities you can do in the North Rim and South Rim.

Worst Time to Visit the Grand Canyon

The worst time to visit is winter (December to February), as the entire North Rim closes after the first snowfall. However, it’s not all bad. 

There are still limited activities available in the South Rim in winter. Winter also happens to be the most peaceful season. So, if you like the quiet and you’re okay with frosty temperatures from 40°F and lower, you’ll enjoy the off-season. 

Just take note that the main issue is the amount of snowfall (upward of 150 inches each winter), which can be a safety issue, hence, why this is a less popular time to visit.

Visiting the Grand Canyon in Spring

Spring (March to May) at the Grand Canyon is generally mild, with slightly fewer crowds. The shoulder seasons have become popular thanks to their beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere.

Early spring is still frosty and can have unpredictable weather until about mid-April when the wildflowers bloom and the wildlife emerges. Snow is mostly cleared from higher elevations, and the North Rim opens up again in the middle of May.

Daytime highs at the South Rim range from 40°F to 70°F (4°C to 21°C). Spring is great for hiking at lower elevations and exploring the inner canyon before it gets too hot in summer.

Things to Do in Grand Canyon in Spring

As the park transitions into spring, a variety of activities become available, offering a fresh and invigorating way to explore the canyon. Check out some of these activities below.

Visit Grand Canyon Village

The Grand Canyon Village can be found near the park’s south entrance and is a hub for tourists. It has a wide array of hotels, shops, and restaurants on the South Rim. You can also head to the Market Plaza, the main Visitor Center, and the Historic District. You’ll find the Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, and Hopi House (designed by Mary Colter) there.

Hike the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point

• Distance: 1.8 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 686 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

This moderately challenging out-and-back route takes over an hour to complete. It’s a very popular trek that offers beautiful views of Ooh Ahh Point. Note that dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.

Meander Along the Trail of Time

The Trail of Time is a 2.8-mile scenic walkway with interpretive plaques explaining the Grand Canyon’s geological history. It is located at the Yavapai Geology Museum. Along the timeline trail, you can see the rocks and exhibits that explain how the Grand Canyon formed.

Visiting the Grand Canyon in Summer

Summer (June to August)  is the busiest time at the Grand Canyon, especially at the South Rim. Since the North Rim is quieter and less popular, it might be an idea to check it out if you want to avoid heavy crowds in the summer months.

High temperatures can be expected throughout summer, especially in the inner canyon. Try to avoid the inner canyon during daytime highs and enjoy the South Rim trails.

In summer, daytime highs range from 60°F to 85°F (16°C to 29°C) at the South Rim and often exceed 100°F (38°C) in the interior of the canyon. You can also expect heavy rainstorms, which are common throughout July.

Things to Do in Grand Canyon in Summer

Aside from concerns with the heat, summer’s long days and warm weather allow you to access all the outdoor activities available at the park. Here are a few to enjoy.

Go Rafting

One of the most exhilarating summer activities is rafting the Colorado River. Guided rafting trips offer an adventurous way to see the canyon from a unique perspective, navigating through thrilling rapids and serene stretches of the river.

Hike the Bright Angel Trail

• Distance: 15.3 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 4478 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Known to be highly challenging, this 15.3-mile hike should only be attempted by experienced adventurers. Popular for backpacking, camping, and hiking, you’ll see plenty of people trekking through; however, dogs are not allowed.

Attend the Grand Canyon Star Party

Held annually in early June, the Grand Canyon Star Party is a fantastic event for astronomy enthusiasts. Clear summer skies and low light pollution make the canyon an excellent location for stargazing, and amateur astronomers provide telescopes and expert guidance.

The Grand Canyon is a designated Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal location for stargazing. Summer nights provide clear skies to observe constellations, planets, and meteor showers, offering a mesmerizing experience under the stars.

Visiting the Grand Canyon in the Fall

The fall, between September and November, is a wonderful time to visit the canyon. With cooler daytime temperatures and fewer visitors than in summer, you can expect beautiful views and plenty to do well into late fall.

The weather is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 75°F (7°C to 24°C) at the South Rim. Mid-September is probably the most beautiful time to visit the North Rim for views of the red, yellow, and orange-hued forests.

From November onwards, things start to cool down in anticipation of winter, the North Rim closes for the year, and high elevations start to experience early snowfall.

Things to Do in Grand Canyon in the Fall

Fall provides an excellent backdrop for exploring the canyon’s trails and enjoying its natural beauty. Here are a few things you can do in the fall.

Explore the North Rim

The North Rim, open until mid-October, is a quieter alternative to the South Rim, offering stunning fall foliage and scenic overlooks. This area is perfect for those seeking a more tranquil experience. Highlights for the North Rim include Bright Angel Point, the North Kaibab Trail, and wildlife viewing (bison, deer, and birds).

Trek the Rim Trail: Mather Point to Bright Angel Trailhead

• Distance: 6-mile out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 413 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

This trek is considered moderately challenging and takes over two hours to complete. People hike, walk, and explore year-round. Dogs are welcome on this route as long as they’re on a leash.

Take a Mule Ride

Mule rides are a classic Grand Canyon activity. Available year-round, they are delightful in cooler fall weather. These guided trips provide a unique way to experience the canyon’s depths without the physical exertion of hiking.

Visiting the Grand Canyon in Winter

The winter weather from December to February brings a different kind of beauty to the Grand Canyon, with snow often dusting the South Rim’s cliffs and creating a serene atmosphere. 

Daytime temperatures at the South Rim sit between 20°F to 45°F (-6°C to 7°C), while the canyon floor remains relatively mild. The South Rim is still open during winter, and activities are still available at low elevations.

There are fewer visitors this time of year, mainly because of the heavy snowfall and reduced activities.

Things to Do in Grand Canyon in Winter

Despite the cold, winter offers a unique and peaceful experience with fewer crowds and stunning winter landscapes. Below are some activities to try out.

Walk the Yavapai Point via Rim Trail Hike

• Distance: 1.7 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 82 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

This is an easy out-and-back route that takes an average of 34 minutes to complete. It’s a very popular area for walking and is open year-round. However, dogs aren’t allowed on this trail. This short section of the Rim Trail is accessible from Mather and Yavapai Point.

Enjoy Scenic Drives Along Desert View Drive

Winter is an excellent time for scenic drives along the South Rim, and Desert View Drive is the only scenic route open to private cars. These roads are typically less crowded, providing a peaceful and picturesque journey. You’ll see amazing views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River.

Visit the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater

The Grand Canyon IMAX Theater is located in the Grand Canyon Visitor Center in Tusayan, just south of the park’s entrance. This theater screens multiple daily showings of the short film “Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time,” which teaches visitors about the canyon. Winter is an excellent time to learn more about the canyon’s history, geology, and ecology in a warm, indoor setting.

FAQs About the Best Time to Go to the Grand Canyon

You may have questions about when to go to the Grand Canyon and what you need to know while there. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.

Do You Need a Pass to Enter Grand Canyon?

Yes, all visitors must have an entrance pass to enter the park. The official website has various pass options, which you can find here. You can also pay the standard fee of $20–$35 upon arrival at any park entrance.

What Is the Best Month to Go to the Grand Canyon?

September is by far the best month to visit Grand Canyon National Park because it has arguably the best weather, with daytime highs of 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). There are fewer crowds and less crowded trails, viewpoints, and facilities. 

What Should I Pack for a Trip to the Grand Canyon?

What you pack depends on the season. You should bring layered clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, and sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses). You should also include plenty of water and a camera. In winter, add warm clothing and traction devices for icy trails.

Wrapping up the Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon

Figuring out the best time to visit the Grand Canyon depends on you and what experience you want. Like other national parks, each season offers its pros and cons. 

The park is open all year, but spring to fall is the most favored period to visit. The mild weather and fewer crowds during the shoulder seasons are great for tranquil adventures, but summer offers the fullest access to activities.

No matter when you visit, you’ll have the captivating sights of the immense canyon and a plethora of activities to enjoy on your trip.

Read Next: See this list of the 21 best Grand Canyon views to help you plan your trip itinerary.

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