Winter Dec – Feb
The coldest season, with highs of 52–57°F (11–14°C) and lows down to 32°F (0°C). About 3.5 in (88 mm) of rain falls across these months, 28% of the year's total. Comfort scores sit mid-table, averaging 75/100.
Best time to visit · Arizona, United States
Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon
On the climate data, the best time to visit Grand Canyon is March – May and October & November, scoring up to 99/100 with highs around 76°F (25°C) and 1.0 in (26 mm) of rain in October. The toughest months are July & August, mainly because of heat.
- Best months
- Mar – May and Oct & Nov
- Toughest
- Jul & Aug
- Warmest
- Jul · 99°F
- Coldest nights
- Jan · 32°F
- Wettest
- Aug · 2.0 in
- Driest
- Jun · 0.3 in
Grand Canyon weather by month
Highs run from 52°F to 99°F across the year, and the yearly total is about 12.4 in (314 mm) of rain.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high | 52°F11°C | 57°F14°C | 67°F19°C | 74°F24°C | 85°F29°C | 98°F37°C | 99°F37°C | 96°F36°C | 90°F32°C | 76°F25°C | 63°F17°C | 52°F11°C |
| Avg low | 32°F0°C | 34°F1°C | 40°F4°C | 45°F7°C | 55°F13°C | 66°F19°C | 73°F23°C | 71°F21°C | 63°F17°C | 50°F10°C | 39°F4°C | 32°F0°C |
| Rain | 1.2 in31 mm | 1.1 in28 mm | 0.8 in21 mm | 0.6 in15 mm | 0.5 in13 mm | 0.3 in7 mm | 1.8 in45 mm | 2.0 in50 mm | 1.1 in29 mm | 1.0 in26 mm | 0.8 in20 mm | 1.1 in29 mm |
| Humidity | 61% | 56% | 47% | 40% | 34% | 23% | 38% | 42% | 39% | 43% | 49% | 60% |
| Cloud | 49% | 51% | 48% | 43% | 38% | 26% | 49% | 44% | 29% | 33% | 39% | 52% |
| Comfort | 73 | 80 | 94 | 96 | 88 | 62 | 53 | 59 | 80 | 99 | 95 | 71 |
Source: NASA POWER (public domain), 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km satellite and reanalysis grid, so coasts and valleys can differ from what's shown. Temperatures were adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,837 m (6,027 ft) to Grand Canyon's ~1,015 m (3,330 ft) elevation using the standard lapse rate of 6.5°C per 1,000 m. Precipitation includes snow as melted water; daylight is calculated from latitude. Check a forecast before you go.
How we pick the best months
- Temperature (40 pts): full marks for average daytime highs of 64–81°F (18–27°C); minus 3 points per °C below and 4 per °C above.
- Rain (25 pts): full marks up to 40 mm (1.6 in) a month, falling to zero at 250 mm (9.8 in).
- Humidity (15 pts): only counts when it is warm (mean above 18°C); minus 0.75 points per % above 70% relative humidity.
- Cloud (20 pts): full marks at 30% cloud cover or less, falling to zero at 90%.
Best months: within 6 points of the top (or 85+). Shoulder: within 18 and at least 45. Toughest: within 6 of the lowest. Comfort only; crowds, prices, festivals and openings aren't scored.
Grand Canyon season by season
Spring Mar – May
Temperatures climb through the season, from 67°F highs in March to 85°F by May. It's the driest season, with only about 1.9 in (49 mm) of rain, 16% of the year's total. Lows bottom out around 40°F (4°C). March – May are among the best-scoring months (season average 93/100).
Summer Jun – Aug
The warmest stretch of the year, with highs of 96–99°F (36–37°C). It's the wettest season, with about 4.0 in (102 mm) of rain, 32% of the year's total. Lows bottom out around 66°F (19°C). Comfort scores bottom out in July & August; the season averages 58/100.
Autumn Sep – Nov
Temperatures slide from 90°F highs in September to 63°F by November. About 3.0 in (75 mm) of rain falls across these months, 24% of the year's total. Lows bottom out around 39°F (4°C). October & November are among the best-scoring months (season average 91/100).
What our curated routes say
- Our curated Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May. That lines up with the climate data here: March – May are among the better-scoring months.
Plan by month
By comfort score: 7 Great, 3 Good and 2 Fair. Great months: February – May and September – November. Tap a month for its own guide.
Grand Canyon weather questions
When is the best time to visit Grand Canyon?
On the climate data, the best time to visit Grand Canyon is March – May and October & November, scoring up to 99/100 with highs around 76°F (25°C) and 1.0 in (26 mm) of rain in October. The toughest months are July & August, mainly because of heat.
What is the rainiest month in Grand Canyon?
August is the wettest month, averaging about 2.0 in (50 mm) of rain. June is the driest, with about 0.3 in (7 mm). The yearly total is around 12.4 in (314 mm).
What is the coldest month in Grand Canyon?
January is the coldest, with average lows of 32°F (0°C) and highs of 52°F (11°C). The warmest is July, with average highs of 99°F (37°C).
Is Grand Canyon humid in summer?
Not very: summer (June – August) humidity averages 34%, and highs peak around 99°F (37°C), so heat matters more than mugginess.
Does it get below freezing in Grand Canyon?
Not on average: even in January, the coldest month, lows average 32°F (0°C). Individual cold snaps can still dip lower.
More on Grand Canyon
Weather nearby
- Sedona weather ~88 mi away
- Zion weather ~97 mi away
- Bryce Canyon weather ~103 mi away
- Capitol Reef weather ~158 mi away
- Las Vegas weather ~169 mi away
- Papago Park & Camelback weather ~183 mi away
Routes and legs
Pick your Grand Canyon dates together
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