Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Grand Canyon in January
Little changes in Grand Canyon from December: highs stay near 52°F (11°C), lows near 32°F (0°C), and about 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain falls.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 73/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 52°F (11°C)
- Avg low
- 32°F (0°C)
- Rain
- 1.2 in (31 mm)
- Humidity
- 61%
- Cloud cover
- 49%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 48 min
- Comfort score
- 73/100 · Good
What January feels like
Cool days top out near 52°F (11°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Nights cool to an average low of 32°F (0°C).
Rain is moderate at about 1.2 in (31 mm) for the month.
Plan around January
January sits mid-table; the best months are March – May and October & November.
- Comfort holds steady from December (71 → 73/100).
- Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Insulated jackethighs only 52°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Grand Canyon in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Arizona Steakhouse
Southwestern steakhouse at Bright Angel Lodge with big canyon windows.
Why now January scores 73/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Mather Point
First big overlook, a short walk from the main visitor center.
Why now Highs near 52°F and 1.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Bright Angel Trail
Classic switchback trail below the rim; turn around at the 1.5- or 3-mile resthouse.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Desert View Watchtower
Mary Colter's 1932 stone tower at the east end, with wide views of the river.
Hopi Point
Hermit Road overlook jutting far into the canyon, with Colorado River views.
Nearby in January
- Sedona in January~88 mi · highs 51°F, 1.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Zion in January~97 mi · highs 42°F, 1.3 in rain or snow · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Bryce Canyon in January~103 mi · highs 34°F, 0.9 in rain or snow · 10°C (19°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in January~158 mi · highs 42°F, 0.7 in rain or snow · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,837 m to Grand Canyon's ~1,015 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Grand Canyon in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Grand Canyon?
It's middling, scoring 73/100. The best months are March – May and October & November, at up to 99. Expect highs of 52°F (11°C) and 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain. Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Grand Canyon in January?
Average highs are 52°F (11°C) and average lows 32°F (0°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Grand Canyon in January?
Not much: about 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 12.4 in (314 mm).
What should I pack for Grand Canyon in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 52°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Grand Canyon
Planning Grand Canyon in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.