Grand Canyon Weather and Climate Guide

Grand Canyon Weather 

The Grand Canyon is so large it actually has the ability to create its own weather.  From an elevation of over 8,000 feet on the North Rim to 2,000 feet at Phantom Ranch along the Colorado River, weather at the Grand Canyon varies greatly depending on your location and the time of year.   Weather on the South Rim has four seasons with average summer highs in the mid 80s, while temperatures along the Colorado River can soar over 110 degrees and snowfall has rarely been seen. Learning about Grand Canyon Weather and Climate is a big help when you’re trying to plan a trip to the Grand Canyon.

Overall the best seasons to visit the Canyon are Spring and Fall, as they offer the best weather to enjoy everything the area has to offer, especially for hikers.  The summer is hot, even at 7,000 in Grand Canyon village, but it is a good time to visit the North Rim (which is only open seasonally), or to go rafting on the Colorado River.  The summer is also a nice time to enjoy Havasu Falls, and the other waterfalls of Havasu Canyon.   The winter season can be cold and snowy, but it is still Arizona with average highs in the 40’s and a 95% chance of sunshine sometime each day.  The winter season also offers the most solitude for those of you who want to avoid hordes of tourists. Read the guide below to learn more about Grand Canyon weather and seasonal climates at popular canyon locations and other nearby destinations.

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Grand Canyon Seasonal Weather 

With an elevation spanning from around 2000 feet to over 8000 feet, the Grand Canyon area experiences a variety of weather conditions. This weather variety includes cold winters and mild pleasant summers, moderate humidity, and considerable diurnal temperature changes at the higher elevations, with hot and drier summers at the bottom of the Grand Canyon along with cool damp winters. Summer thunderstorms and winter snowfall adds to the weather variety in this region.

  • Grand Canyon Summer Weather in June, July and August
    Summer temperatures on the South Rim are relatively pleasant with high temperatures generally in the 80s (27-32°C). Summer thunderstorms frequently occur with the potential for torrential rains, frequent lightning, and sudden flash floods.
     
  • Grand Canyon Fall Weather in September, October and November
    The summer heat gives way to a cooler but nonetheless pleasant fall period. The summer rains typically diminish in mid-September with a drier fall period. However, late summer thunderstorms or early winter snow storms have been known to take place during this transition season.
     
  • Grand Canyon Winter Weather in December, January and February
    Winter conditions on the South Rim can be extreme. Be prepared for snow, icy roads and trails, and possible road closures. Fog occasionally forms, however, it usually breaks up quickly by morning.
     
  • Grand Canyon Spring Weather in March, April and May
    By mid-April, the winter cold gives way to a warming and pleasant spring period. Spring is typically breezy to windy. Late season frosts and freezes are still a possibility. Although May is still the spring season, temperatures warm-up substantially by mid-May and the climate is similar to the summer season.
     
  • Nearby Cities and Parks
    For weather information at other destinations outside the Grand Canyon, check out our pages on nearby cities and nearby parks where you'll detailed information on weather and climate for each destination.

Grand Canyon Weather Averages


Grand Canyon South Rim Weather Averages

Month:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

High

41

45

51

60

70

81

84

82

76

65

52

43

Low

18

21

25

32

39

47

54

53

47

36

27

20

Rain

1.32

1.55

1.38

0.93

0.66

0.42

1.81

2.25

1.56

1.10

0.94

1.64


Grand Canyon North Rim Weather Averages

Month:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

High

37

39

44

53

62

73

77

75

69

59

46

40

Low

16

18

21

29

34

40

46

45

39

31

24

20

Rain

3.17

3.22

2.65

1.73

1.17

0.86

1.93

2.86

1.99

1.38

1.48

2.83


Inner Grand Canyon Weather Averages (Colorado River)

Month:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

High

56

62

71

82

92

101

106

103

97

84

68

57

Low

36

42

48

56

63

72

78

75

69

58

46

37

Rain

0.68

0.75

0.79

0.47

0.36

0.30

0.84

1.40

0.97

0.65

0.43

0.87

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