The best time to visit the Grand Canyon?
Are you wondering when is the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon? In this post, I break down month by month what it is like to visit the Grand Canyon. I even link to my specific post on visiting the Grand Canyon during that month and what the weather will be like for your trip.
The Grand Canyon is located in the northwest of Arizona. You can drive from Phoenix to Grand Canyon in about four hours and there are several cool places to stop off along the way that I have listed in the article.
Even if you are just visiting the Grand Canyon in One Day, you will want to check out these
Best Grand Canyon Viewpoints you won’t want to miss. The article covers all the best viewpoints and things to do in the Grand Canyon to make your trip a memorable one.
Make sure you pack your hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen as you are at 7,000 feet in elevation and that much closer to the sun and check out my guide to What to pack for the Grand Canyon.
Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon – month by month guide
TLDR: The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is either in April/May or September, October, November. I would try to avoid spring break time in April and Thanksgiving in November as these will be super busy.
Believe it or not visiting the Grand Canyon in Winter is a popular time to visit. The Grand Canyon is just so different that time of year. You can read more about it Visiting the Grand Canyon in Winter: Travel Tips and Guide.
A lot of people think the Grand Canyon is too hot in the summer. You can read my tips for visiting in June, July, August below.
Just remember that you are at 6,000 feet so it gets warm but not as hot as it gets down in the canyon. I think most people are surprised that there are monsoons in July and August in the afternoon.
Have a read through the month you are thinking of visiting the Grand Canyon below and also read through my tips and tricks at the end in choosing where to stay in the Grand Canyon and which viewpoints to visit or where to hike in the Grand Canyon as well.
This post is loaded with information to help you plan your trip to the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon in January
Yes, it does get cold in the Grand Canyon in January. January and February are the coldest months. During the day it is in the 40s and 50s but at night it can get well below freezing.
There will be snow and at some point in the month there will be around 10 inches of snow in the village.
Visiting the Grand Canyon in January with a lot less crowds!
Grand Canyon in February
Yes, it does get cold in the Grand Canyon in February. January and February are the coldest months and also the quietest months at the Grand Canyon. During the day it is on average 48 degrees but at night it can get well below freezing.
Visiting Grand Canyon in February even though its Cold!
Grand Canyon in March
Yes, it can get cold in the Grand Canyon in March. January and February are the coldest months and it is starting to get warmer in March. During the day it is on average 55 degrees but at night it averages 18 degrees but it can get well below freezing.
Visiting Grand Canyon in March when the crowds start to return!
Grand Canyon in April
Grand Canyon weather in April is incredible. Its very pleasant during the day without it getting too hot.
Storms in the Grand Canyon in April can dump several inches of snow. The chances of a storm die down this month.
Grand Canyon in April – the best month to visit the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon in May
Grand Canyon weather in May is incredible. Its very pleasant during the day but just starting to get hot.
During the day it is on average 71 degrees but at night it averages 34 degrees.
Grand Canyon in May- right before the summer crowds visit the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon in June
Grand Canyon weather in June is incredibly warm and dry. Its very pleasant at night but just starting to get hot during the day.
During the day the Grand Canyon temperature in June is on average 82 degrees but at night it averages 43 degrees. The Grand Canyon June weather is perfect.
Grand Canyon in June- the least crowded of the summer months to visit the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon in July
The temperature at the Grand Canyon in July is hot. Grand Canyon weather in July is incredibly warm and very pleasant at night but just starting to get hot during the day.
During the day the Grand Canyon temperature in July is on average 86 degrees but at night it averages 50 degrees. Temperatures in the Grand Canyon in July can get even higher.
Is it too hot to visit the Grand Canyon in July?
Grand Canyon in August
The temperature at Grand Canyon in August is hot. Grand Canyon weather in August is incredibly warm and very pleasant at night but just starting to get hot during the day.
During the day the Grand Canyon temperature in August is on average 86 degrees but at night it averages 50 degrees. Temperatures in Grand Canyon in August can get even higher.
Grand Canyon in September
The temperature at Grand Canyon in September is perfect. Grand Canyon weather in September is warm and very pleasant at night but just starting to get to mid 70s during the day.
During the day the Grand Canyon temperature in September is on average 76 degrees but at night it averages 43 degrees. Temperatures in Grand Canyon in September can get even higher.
Grand Canyon in October
The temperature at the Grand Canyon in October is perfect. Grand Canyon weather in October is warm and very pleasant at night but just starting to get to mid 70s during the day.
During the day the gGrand Canyon temperature in October is on average 76 degrees but at night it averages 43 degrees. Temperatures in the Grand Canyon in October can get even higher.
Grand Canyon in October– one of the best months to visit the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon in November
The temperature at the Grand Canyon in November is great. Grand Canyon weather in November is warm but just starting to get to mid 50s during the day.
During the day the grand canyon temperature in November is on average 52 degrees but at night it averages 24 degrees. Temperatures in the Grand Canyon in November can get even higher.
Grand Canyon in November – the most underrated time to visit the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon in December
During the day the Grand Canyon temperature in December is on average 20 degrees but at night it averages 24 degrees. Temperatures in the Grand Canyon in November can get even higher.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Grand Canyon in December
Tours of the Grand Canyon
Taking a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon is one of the coolest things you can do when you visit the Grand Canyon. Often you will see so much more of the canyon than from one of the viewpoints.
Plus, most helicopter tours will land down in the Canyon so you can get out and walk around. This is such a cool experience!
The 12 Best Helicopter Tours of the Grand Canyon
Where to stay in the Grand Canyon
Wondering where the Best Place to Stay in Grand Canyon? I have a post about which cities are closest to the Grand Canyon and where to stay.
Tusayan is the nearest city to the Grand Canyon. The population city of Tusayan is only 550. The city is located along Highway 180 about 70 miles from Flagstaff.
You will find shops and restaurants there, the Grand Canyon IMAX, and the Grand Canyon Airport is about one mile south of town.
Another benefit of going in the Spring with less tourists is the fact that booking accommodation will be easy! I don’t recommend just showing up though because some places will be closed.
Canyon Plaza Premier Studio and Apartments
Views of the valleys and forest areas are featured in select Arizona apartments. Grand Canyon South Rim Entrance is 5 minutes’ drive.
Studios feature a kitchenette and apartments offer a fully equipped kitchen at Canyon Plaza Premier Studio and Apartments. A balcony is provided in each unit.
JJK’s Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Studio and Apartments Canyon Plaza Premier.
Arizona Luxury Expeditions – Grand Canyon
Arizona Luxury Expeditions has tents where you can glamp overnight. This is part of their ll inclusive and customized to include 12’x12′ Expedition Tents, all meals freshly prepared daily, and a professional Tour Guide for your stay with us.
The weather at the Grand Canyon during Dec. averages 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit daytime and 20’s degree at nighttime. They provide heaters for inside your sleeping and the private dining tents with plenty of warm heavy wool blankets. Most guests enjoy this time of the year in the Grand Canyon because of less crowds of people and the winter landscape that is incredible to experience.
Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn
Located right next to the Holiday Inn Express, the Best Western has 250 rooms. The Best Western has an indoor heated pool, a hot tub, sauna, and fitness center.
There is also two restaurants in the hotel – Coronado Room and the Canyon Room. If you are looking for fast food you can find the McDonalds and Pizza Hut are close.
Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon
The Holiday Inn Express is located just two miles from the South Entrance of the Grand Canyon. The Holiday Inn Express has 164 rooms and is located centrally in Tusayan which means you can walk to the restaurants and shops.
The Holiday Inn Express has an indoor pool, a whirlpool, and a continental breakfast is included.
The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
The hotel offers 5-star accommodation with a hot tub. All units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a microwave, a coffee machine, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. Guest rooms include a wardrobe.
Featuring a restaurant, bar, shared lounge and free WiFi, The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon is located in Tusayan, 10 km from Mather Campground and 12 km from Bright Angel Trail. This 5-star hotel offers a concierge service and a tour desk. The hotel features an indoor pool, fitness centre, evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk.
Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel
Canyon Plaza Premier Studio and Apartments is a 3 star hotel located 6 miles from the Grand Canyon.
There are only 10 rooms here and each room has a microwave, a refrigerator, and a coffee maker.
There is one restaurant here called JJK’s restaurant. Close to the hotel is the Plaza Bonita where you can also eat.
Hiking in the Grand Canyon
North Rim vs South Rim – If you would like to know which Rim to visit you can check out my post on north vs south Grand Canyon North Rim vs South Rim – which is best? Most people visit the South Rim as the North Rim is a four hour drive away and is only open from May-October each year.
Best Grand Canyon Viewpoint on the North Rim
Best Hiking Shoes for Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park Hiking Trails
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