Best Times to Visit Grand Canyon National Park in 2025

Are you considering taking a trip to Grand Canyon National Park but are unsure of when to go? My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I can’t wait to help you decide when is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon so that you can have an incredible time!

You’ll want to consider things like the weather, what’s open, and the crowds when choosing the best time to visit the Grand Canyon. Here are my suggestions if you’re hoping to:

• Beat the crowds: March or November
• Travel during the summer: June
• Go backpacking: May or October
• Save money: November-February
• Have a unique adventure: December

The Grand Canyon is open year-round, but you’ll need to adjust your plans depending on when you visit to accommodate for things like the weather and crowd levels. Let’s talk about the best time to visit the Grand Canyon!

Average Monthly Temperatures

These temperatures are for the more popular South Rim area of the park. For weather information for the North Rim and inside the Canyon, click here.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg High (F)	41	45	51	60	70	81	84	82	76	65	52	43
Avg Low (F)	18	21	25	32	39	47	54	53	47	36	27	20
Avg Rain/Snow (“)	1.3	1.6	1.4	0.9	0.7	0.4	1.8	2.3	1.6	1.1	0.9	1.6

Winter in the Grand Canyon (December-March)

A visit to the Grand Canyon during the winter months can be absolutely enchanting!

Winter brings snow and low daytime temperatures to the Grand Canyon. Expect lows to be in the teens and highs to reach as high as the 40s on most days on the South Rim. Winter storms are common, and trails are often covered in snow or ice near the rim.

The North Rim is closed from November through mid-May, so your sightseeing will need to be focused on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Most trails and roads on the South Rim are open year-round, so if you’re looking to get unique views of the park without the summer crowds, you’ll love the Grand Canyon during the winter.

December in the Grand Canyon

If you’re looking for a fun Christmas getaway, December in the Grand Canyon is a fabulous way to spend the holiday season!

Winter is in full swing in the Grand Canyon in December, with snow falling frequently and temperatures reaching some of their coldest for the whole year. The North Rim is closed, but the South Rim of the Grand Canyon has lots of year-round activities and programs you can enjoy.

What You Need to Know

SOUTH RIM

• All roads at the South Rim are open, weather permitting. Desert View Drive is the most likely to close down temporarily due to snow in the winter.
• The Grand Canyon Shuttle runs year-round. You can leave your car parked at the South Rim Visitor Center and use the free shuttle buses to get around to most areas. The Orange and Blue shuttle lines run in December. The Red and Purple lines do not.
• The Hermit Road is open to private vehicles. The Hermit Road shuttle line doesn’t run at this time, so you will need to drive your own vehicle out to Hermits Rest.
• All visitor centers at the South Rim are open.
• The lodges at the South Rim are open.
• The Mather Campground and Trailer Village are open year-round. Desert View is closed during the winter. Read more about your camping options here.
• Ranger programs are offered at the South Rim year-round.
• Trails at the South Rim are open during the winter, but you will likely encounter snow and ice as you hike near the rim. Yaktrax or other traction devices are needed! As you drop deeper into the canyon, trail conditions get better/drier.
• For some extra Christmas fun near the South Rim, check out the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express.
• The crowd levels are low, except as it gets closer to the holidays.

NORTH RIM

• All roads at the North Rim are closed beginning December 1st.
• All amenities are closed.
• You can backcountry camp at the North Rim Campground during the winter. A backcountry permit is required, and you will need to park in Jacob Lake and ski in from there (45 miles from the campground).

January in the Grand Canyon

January is one of the least-visited months in the Grand Canyon. Expect colder temperatures, snow, and fewer visitors. The North Rim is closed, but there are still plenty of hikes and activities open at the South Rim for you to enjoy!

What You Need to Know

SOUTH RIM

• All roads at the South Rim are open, weather permitting. Desert View Drive is the most likely to close down temporarily due to snow in the winter.
• The Grand Canyon Shuttle runs year-round. You can leave your car parked at the South Rim Visitor Center and use the free shuttle buses to get around to most areas. The Orange and Blue shuttle lines run in January. The Red and Purple lines do not.
• The Hermit Road is open to private vehicles. The Hermit Road shuttle line doesn’t run at this time, so you will need to drive your own vehicle out to Hermits Rest.
• All visitor centers at the South Rim are open.
• The lodges at the South Rim are open.
• The Mather Campground and Trailer Village are open year-round. Desert View is closed during the winter. Read more about your camping options here.
• Ranger programs are offered at the South Rim year-round.
• Trails at the South Rim are open during the winter, but you will likely encounter snow and ice as you hike near the rim. Yaktrax or other traction devices are needed! As you drop deeper into the canyon, trail conditions get better/drier.
• The crowd levels are low.

NORTH RIM

• All roads at the North Rim are closed.
• All amenities are closed.
• You can backcountry camp at the North Rim Campground during the winter. A backcountry permit is required, and you will need to park in Jacob Lake and ski in from there (45 miles from the campground).

February in the Grand Canyon

Temperatures will still be pretty chilly in February, and the North Rim is still closed for the season. Prepare for snow and dress in warm clothes if you plan on doing any winter adventuring!

What You Need to Know

SOUTH RIM

• All roads at the South Rim are open, weather permitting. Desert View Drive is the most likely to close down temporarily due to snow in the winter.
• The Grand Canyon Shuttle runs year-round. You can leave your car parked at the South Rim Visitor Center and use the free shuttle buses to get around to most areas. The Orange and Blue shuttle lines run in February. The Red and Purple lines do not.
• The Hermit Road is open to private vehicles. The Hermit Road shuttle line doesn’t run at this time, so you will need to drive your own vehicle out to Hermits Rest.
• All visitor centers at the South Rim are open.
• The lodges at the South Rim are open.
• The Mather Campground and Trailer Village are open year-round. Desert View is closed during the winter. Read more about your camping options here.
• Ranger programs are offered at the South Rim year-round.
• Trails at the South Rim are open during the winter, but you will likely encounter snow and ice as you hike near the rim. Yaktrax or other traction devices are needed! As you drop deeper into the canyon, trail conditions get better/drier.
• The crowd levels are low.

NORTH RIM

• All roads at the North Rim are closed.
• All amenities are closed.
• You can backcountry camp at the North Rim Campground during the winter. A backcountry permit is required, and you will need to park in Jacob Lake and ski in from there (45 miles from the campground).

March in the Grand Canyon

March in the Grand Canyon is still considered winter, and snowstorms still happen at this time. Temperatures are cool on the rim, but it starts to heat up nicely down at the bottom of the canyon, making this a great time to get out and hike one of the park’s long trails.

What You Need to Know

SOUTH RIM

• All roads at the South Rim are open, weather permitting. Desert View Drive is the most likely to close down temporarily due to snow in the winter.
• The Grand Canyon Shuttle runs year-round. You can leave your car parked at the South Rim Visitor Center and use the free shuttle buses to get around to most areas. The Orange, Blue, and Red shuttle lines run in March. The Purple line does not.
• The Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. The Hermit Road shuttle line doesn’t run at this time, so you will need to drive your own vehicle out to Hermits Rest.
• All visitor centers at the South Rim are open.
• The lodges at the South Rim are open.
• The Mather Campground and Trailer Village are open year-round. Desert View is closed during the winter. Read more about your camping options here.
• Ranger programs are offered at the South Rim year-round.
• Trails at the South Rim are open during the winter, but you will likely encounter snow and ice as you hike near the rim. Yaktrax or other traction devices are needed! As you drop deeper into the canyon, trail conditions get better/drier.
• The crowd levels are moderate.

NORTH RIM

• All roads at the North Rim are closed.
• All amenities are closed.
• You can backcountry camp at the North Rim Campground during the winter. A backcountry permit is required, and you will need to park in Jacob Lake and ski in from there (45 miles from the campground).

Spring in the Grand Canyon (April and May)

The weather in the Grand Canyon during the spring has huge fluctuations — it can be in the 50s at the rim and the 90s or 100s on the canyon floor! Temperatures will always be hotter near the river and cooler on the rim. Still, you can expect some of the most comfortable temperatures and sunny days for adventuring no matter where you are in the canyon during the spring.

The North Rim is still closed until mid-May, so your sightseeing will most likely be centered on the South Rim if you visit during the spring months. Almost all activities and programs are up and running at the South Rim at this time, but be sure to pack for all kinds of temperatures and weather patterns!

April in the Grand Canyon

April in the Grand Canyon can be highly unpredictable weatherwise, but if you’re willing to take a gamble, it can be an amazing time to visit this park. Snow is less likely at this time of year, but the temperatures can still be a little on the chilly side (which is preferable to the 100-degree heat if you ask me!)

April is a great time to visit the South Rim, especially if you’re hoping to join a guided tour, take a mule ride, or hike your way around the Grand Canyon!

What You Need to Know

SOUTH RIM

• All roads at the South Rim are open, weather permitting.
• The Grand Canyon Shuttle runs year-round. You can leave your car parked at the South Rim Visitor Center and use the free shuttle buses to get around to most areas. The Orange, Blue, and Red shuttle lines run in April. The Purple line does not.
• The Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. You will need to take the Red Shuttle to get to Hermits Rest (or any other points of interest) along this road.
• All visitor centers at the South Rim are open.
• The lodges at the South Rim are open.
• All campgrounds at the South Rim are open.
• Ranger programs are offered at the South Rim year-round.
• Trails at the South Rim are open and ready for hiking!
• The crowd levels are high.

NORTH RIM

• All roads at the North Rim are closed.
• All amenities are closed.
• You can backcountry camp at the North Rim Campground. A backcountry permit is required, and you will need to park in Jacob Lake and ski in or hike in from there (45 miles from the campground).

May in the Grand Canyon

Although still technically spring, May marks the first month of significantly warmer temperatures at the rim of the Grand Canyon. Things start to get a little crowded as people hope to experience the canyon before the heat of the summer really hits the area!

With the opening of the North Rim for the season in May, pretty much all areas of the Grand Canyon are up and running by the end of this month.

What You Need to Know

SOUTH RIM

• All roads at the South Rim are open.
• The Grand Canyon Shuttle runs year-round. You can leave your car parked at the South Rim Visitor Center and use the free shuttle buses to get around to most areas. The Orange, Blue, and Red shuttle lines run in May. The Purple Line begins service around Memorial Day.
• The Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. You will need to take the Red Shuttle to get to Hermits Rest (or any other points of interest) along this road.
• All visitor centers at the South Rim are open.
• The lodges at the South Rim are open.
• All campgrounds at the South Rim are open.
• Ranger programs are offered at the South Rim year-round.
• Trails at the South Rim are open and ready for hiking!
• The crowd levels are high.

NORTH RIM

• The roads at the North Rim open in mid-May, weather permitting.
• The North Rim Lodge opens in mid-May.
• The North Rim Campground, as well as other amenities like the general store and gas station, open in mid-May.
• Ranger programs start running in May.

Summer in the Grand Canyon (June-September)

The great thing about the Grand Canyon during the summer is that everything is open!  You’ll have numerous lodging and dining options, plus access to all of the main points of interest, tours, programs, and visitor centers.

Your options are endless during the summer, but that comes with a price…crowds. Be prepared to share these incredible Grand Canyon views with people from all over the world during the park’s peak season. Arrive with a plan so that you don’t have to circle parking lots and wait in shuttle lines all day.

Summer also marks the beginning of the monsoon season at the Grand Canyon. Large thunderstorms often roll in during the afternoons, which may prevent you from safely exploring the area during certain times of the day. Keep an eye on the weather forecast! Extreme heat is also common during the summer months.

June in the Grand Canyon

June marks the official start of summer in Grand Canyon National Park! Crowd levels hit some of their highest levels for the year, as do the temperatures.

The Star Party is an amazing event you can take part in during the month of June, which is why if you need to travel during the summer, this is a great month to do it.

What You Need to Know

SOUTH RIM

• All roads at the South Rim are open.
• The Grand Canyon Shuttle runs year-round. All shuttle lines are running in June, so you can leave your car at the visitor center and use the free shuttle buses to get to the main points of interest.
• The Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. You will need to take the Red Shuttle to get to Hermits Rest (or any other points of interest) along this road.
• All visitor centers at the South Rim are open.
• The lodges at the South Rim are open.
• All campgrounds at the South Rim are open.
• Ranger programs are offered at the South Rim year-round.
• Trails at the South Rim are open and ready for hiking!
• The park hosts an amazing Star Party in June.
• The crowd levels are extremely high.

THE NORTH RIM

• The roads at the North Rim are open.
• The North Rim Lodge is open.
• The North Rim Campground, as well as other amenities like the general store and gas station, are open.
• Ranger programs are running.
• The park hosts an amazing Star Party in June.

July in the Grand Canyon

July is the busiest month of the year at the Grand Canyon — hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the park! The South Rim receives most of the park’s traffic, so consider visiting the North Rim for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds while exploring a wilder side of the Grand Canyon.

Be sure to have a good plan for navigating the crowds and finding parking! Expect visitor centers, ranger programs, shuttles, restaurants, shops, and activities to be up and running for the summer season.

It is common for large thunderstorms to roll through the canyon during July afternoons, so keep an eye on the weather and start hiking early if you’re visiting during the peak summer months. If you’re hoping to hike down into the canyon, be aware that summer temperatures near Phantom Ranch often well exceed 100 degrees. Heat stroke is a huge concern at this time of year, so preparation is key!

What You Need to Know

SOUTH RIM

• All roads at the South Rim are open.
• The Grand Canyon Shuttle runs year-round. All shuttle lines are running in July, so you can leave your car at the visitor center and use the free shuttle buses to get to the main points of interest.
• The Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. You will need to take the Red Shuttle to get to Hermits Rest (or any other points of interest) along this road.
• All visitor centers at the South Rim are open.
• The lodges at the South Rim are open.
• All campgrounds at the South Rim are open.
• Ranger programs are offered at the South Rim year-round.
• Trails at the South Rim are open and ready for hiking!
• Monsoon season starts in July. Expect huge thunderstorms that drop rain or hail — high winds and lightning are possible, too. These storms roll through quickly and can be extremely dangerous, so keep an eye on the weather, especially in the afternoons.
• Summer is wildfire season at the Grand Canyon.  You may find the air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
• You can find 4th of July activities in Tusayan, Williams, and Flagstaff! The 4th of July weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year, so plan accordingly.
• The crowd levels are extremely high.

THE NORTH RIM

• The roads at the North Rim are open.
• The North Rim Lodge is open.
• The North Rim Campground, as well as other amenities like the general store and gas station, are open.
• Ranger programs are running.
• Monsoon season starts in July. Expect huge thunderstorms that drop rain or hail — high winds and lightning are possible, too. These storms roll through quickly and can be extremely dangerous, so keep an eye on the weather, especially in the afternoons.
• Summer is wildfire season at the Grand Canyon.  You may find the air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
• You can find 4th of July activities in Kanab. The 4th of July weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year, so plan accordingly.

August in the Grand Canyon

August is another extremely busy month at the Grand Canyon — you’ll need to make sure you have a good plan for finding parking and navigating through the crowds. It is common for large thunderstorms to roll through the canyon during the summer, so keep an eye on the weather and start hiking early if you’re visiting during the peak summer months.

If you’re hoping to hike down into the canyon, be aware that summer temperatures near Phantom Ranch often well exceed 100 degrees. Heat stroke is a huge concern at this time of year, so preparation is key!

What You Need to Know

SOUTH RIM

• All roads at the South Rim are open.
• The Grand Canyon Shuttle runs year-round. All shuttle lines are running in August, so you can leave your car at the visitor center and use the free shuttle buses to get to the main points of interest.
• The Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. You will need to take the Red Shuttle to get to Hermits Rest (or any other points of interest) along this road.
• All visitor centers at the South Rim are open.
• The lodges at the South Rim are open.
• All campgrounds at the South Rim are open.
• Ranger programs are offered at the South Rim year-round.
• Trails at the South Rim are open and ready for hiking!
• August is monsoon season. Expect huge thunderstorms that drop rain or hail — high winds and lightning are possible, too. These storms roll through quickly and can be extremely dangerous, so keep an eye on the weather, especially in the afternoons.
• Summer is wildfire season at the Grand Canyon.  You may find the air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
• The crowd levels are extremely high.

THE NORTH RIM

• The roads at the North Rim are open.
• The North Rim Lodge is open.
• The North Rim Campground, as well as other amenities like the general store and gas station, are open.
• Ranger programs are running.
• August is monsoon season. Expect huge thunderstorms that drop rain or hail — high winds and lightning are possible, too. These storms roll through quickly and can be extremely dangerous, so keep an eye on the weather, especially in the afternoons.
• Summer is wildfire season at the Grand Canyon.  You may find the air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.

September in the Grand Canyon

While many national parks see a drastic slowdown starting in early September, Grand Canyon National Park doesn’t! September in the Grand Canyon is still considered part of the summer in terms of what’s open and crowd levels, so come with a plan and expect beautiful weather for exploring.

What You Need to Know

SOUTH RIM

• All roads at the South Rim are open.
• The Grand Canyon Shuttle runs year-round. You can leave your car parked at the South Rim Visitor Center and use the free shuttle buses to get around to most areas. The Orange, Blue, and Red shuttle lines run throughout September. The Purple line ends service around Labor Day.
• The Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. You will need to take the Red Shuttle to get to Hermits Rest (or any other points of interest) along this road.
• All visitor centers at the South Rim are open.
• The lodges at the South Rim are open.
• All campgrounds at the South Rim are open.
• Ranger programs are offered at the South Rim year-round.
• Trails at the South Rim are open and ready for hiking!
• September is monsoon season. Expect huge thunderstorms that drop rain or hail — high winds and lightning are possible, too. These storms roll through quickly and can be extremely dangerous, so keep an eye on the weather, especially in the afternoons.
• Summer is wildfire season at the Grand Canyon.  You may find the air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
• The crowd levels are high.

THE NORTH RIM

• The roads at the North Rim are open.
• The North Rim Lodge is open.
• The North Rim Campground, as well as other amenities like the general store and gas station, are open.
• Ranger programs are running.
• September is monsoon season. Expect huge thunderstorms that drop rain or hail — high winds and lightning are possible, too. These storms roll through quickly and can be extremely dangerous, so keep an eye on the weather, especially in the afternoons.
• Summer is wildfire season at the Grand Canyon.  You may find the air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.

Autumn in the Grand Canyon (October and November)

Autumn is one of my absolute favorite times to be in the Grand Canyon! Temperatures hover around the 50s and 60s on the rim and around the 80s near the river. Late thunderstorms or early snow storms can happen during the fall, so be prepared for any kind of weather.

Most of the North Rim shuts down in October, but it’s a good time to sneak in a last-minute trip to see the aspens change color and breathe in the fresh, piney air. The South Rim is still bustling with activity, but you’ll have more elbow room to see the sights.

October in the Grand Canyon

October marks the beginning of another transition season as the park prepares for the upcoming winter. Snow and rainstorms are possible, but for the most part, the weather stays pretty dry this time of year.

Amenities on the North Rim close down this month, but the South Rim is open. This is also a fabulous time to hike down into the inner canyon along a spectacular corridor trail like the South Kaibab or the Bright Angel Trail!

What You Need to Know

SOUTH RIM

• All roads at the South Rim are open.
• The Grand Canyon Shuttle runs year-round. You can leave your car parked at the South Rim Visitor Center and use the free shuttle buses to get around to most areas. The Orange, Blue, and Red shuttle lines run in October. The Purple line does not run during this month.
• The Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. You will need to take the Red Shuttle to get to Hermits Rest (or any other points of interest) along this road.
• All visitor centers at the South Rim are open.
• The lodges at the South Rim are open.
• The campgrounds at the South Rim are open, but Desert View closes down for the season in mid-October.
• Ranger programs are offered at the South Rim year-round.
• Trails at the South Rim are open and ready for hiking!
• The crowd levels are high.

THE NORTH RIM

• The roads at the North Rim are open, weather permitting.
• The North Rim Lodge closes in mid-October.
• The North Rim Campground, as well as other amenities like the general store and gas station, close in mid-October.
• Ranger programs stop running in mid-October.

November in the Grand Canyon

November marks the end of fall at the Grand Canyon, and the weather can be unpredictable during this month. Sometimes the snow falls, but sometimes the skies stay blue and beautiful!

You’ll likely want to focus your November trip to the Grand Canyon on the South Rim, where many activities, lodges, and restaurants stay open year-round. November at the North Rim is a big risk because snowstorms are not uncommon here, and the roads may close down for the season at any time.

What You Need to Know

SOUTH RIM

• All roads at the South Rim are open, weather permitting.
• The Grand Canyon Shuttle runs year-round. You can leave your car parked at the South Rim Visitor Center and use the free shuttle buses to get around to most areas. The Orange, Blue, and Red shuttle lines run in November. The Purple line does not run during this month.
• The Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. You will need to take the Red Shuttle to get to Hermits Rest (or any other points of interest) along this road.
• All visitor centers at the South Rim are open.
• The lodges at the South Rim are open.
• The Mather Campground and Trailer Village are open year-round. Desert View is closed. Read more about your camping options here.
• Ranger programs are offered at the South Rim year-round.
• Trails at the South Rim are open. If it rains or snows, trails at the rim may be hard to navigate, but as you drop deeper into the canyon, trail conditions get better/drier.
• For some extra holiday fun near the South Rim, check out the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express.
• The crowd levels are moderate, except as it gets closer to the holidays.

NORTH RIM

• The roads at the North Rim stay open in November, weather permitting. Be aware that park rangers can close the area down at any time!
• All amenities are closed.

Now that you’ve learned about the best time to visit the Grand Canyon, you’re ready to make your dream trip to northern Arizona a reality. Happy trails!

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