Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Grand Canyon in September
Grand Canyon cools off: highs slip to 90°F (32°C), from 96°F in August, with lows of 63°F (17°C) and about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 80/100, 7th of 12.
- Avg high
- 90°F (32°C)
- Avg low
- 63°F (17°C)
- Rain
- 1.1 in (29 mm)
- Humidity
- 39%
- Cloud cover
- 29%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 13 min
- Comfort score
- 80/100 · Great
What September feels like
Afternoons run hot at about 90°F (32°C), which leaves mornings and evenings as the time for walking.
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 39%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain.
Clear skies are common, with cloud cover averaging only 29%.
Plan around September
September sits mid-table; the best months are March – May and October & November.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, July – September.
- Comfort improves from 59/100 in August to 80/100.
- Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so September falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 90°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 63°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Grand Canyon in September
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Hopi Point
Hermit Road overlook jutting far into the canyon, with Colorado River views.
Why now September scores 80/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
El Tovar Dining Room
Historic 1905 lodge dining room steps from the rim.
Why now A break from 90°F afternoons.
Arizona Steakhouse
Southwestern steakhouse at Bright Angel Lodge with big canyon windows.
Why now Highs near 90°F and 1.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
El Tovar Lounge
Small lodge bar with a porch overlooking the rim.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
Mather Point
First big overlook, a short walk from the main visitor center.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in September
- Sedona in September~88 mi · highs 86°F, 1.5 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Zion in September~97 mi · highs 79°F, 1.0 in rain · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Bryce Canyon in September~103 mi · highs 71°F, 1.0 in rain · 10°C (18°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in September~158 mi · highs 80°F, 1.1 in rain · 5°C (9°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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Grand Canyon?
It's middling, scoring 80/100. The best months are March – May and October & November, at up to 99. Expect highs of 90°F (32°C) and 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain. Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so September is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Grand Canyon in September?
Average highs are 90°F (32°C) and average lows 63°F (17°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Grand Canyon in September?
Not much: about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 12.4 in (314 mm).
What should I pack for Grand Canyon in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 90°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 63°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
More on Grand Canyon
Planning Grand Canyon in September?
Share this September plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.