Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Grand Canyon in July
Grand Canyon's warmest month brings highs averaging 99°F (37°C), lows of 73°F (23°C) and about 1.8 in (45 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 53/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by heat.
- Avg high
- 99°F (37°C)
- Avg low
- 73°F (23°C)
- Rain
- 1.8 in (45 mm)
- Humidity
- 38%
- Cloud cover
- 49%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 14 min
- Comfort score
- 53/100 · Fair
What July feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 99°F (37°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 15°C (27°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Low humidity, around 38%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
Rain is moderate at about 1.8 in (45 mm) for the month.
Plan around July
July is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are March – May and October & November.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (July – September), which brings about 4.9 in (124 mm) in total.
- Comfort slips from 62/100 in June to 53/100.
- Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so July falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for July
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 99°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 73°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Grand Canyon in July
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Bright Angel Trail
Classic switchback trail below the rim; turn around at the 1.5- or 3-mile resthouse.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 99°F.
El Tovar Lounge
Small lodge bar with a porch overlooking the rim.
Why now A break from 99°F afternoons.
Hopi Point
Hermit Road overlook jutting far into the canyon, with Colorado River views.
Why now Best first thing, before the 99°F afternoon heat.
Yavapai Geology Museum
Glass-walled museum on the rim that explains the canyon's rock layers.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
El Tovar Dining Room
Historic 1905 lodge dining room steps from the rim.
Nearby in July
- Sedona in July~88 mi · highs 94°F, 2.7 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Zion in July~97 mi · highs 89°F, 1.3 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Bryce Canyon in July~103 mi · highs 83°F, 1.2 in rain · 9°C (17°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in July~158 mi · highs 92°F, 1.1 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, drier
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 July: quick answers
Is July a good time to visit Grand Canyon?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 53/100, held back mainly by heat. The best months are March – May and October & November. Expect highs of 99°F (37°C) and 1.8 in (45 mm) of rain. Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so July is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Grand Canyon in July?
Average highs are 99°F (37°C) and average lows 73°F (23°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Grand Canyon in July?
Not much: about 1.8 in (45 mm) of rain falls across July on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 12.4 in (314 mm).
What should I pack for Grand Canyon in July?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 99°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 73°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
More on Grand Canyon
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