We are often asked- when is the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon? At the risk of sounding cliché, the truth is that the Grand Canyon is outstanding all year long-each season is different and spectacular in its own right. Check out our breakdown of what to expect year-round at the Grand Canyon.
Winter
When asked to think of Arizona, most who have not visited our fair state think of the stereotypical desert image- tall Saguaro cacti, tumbleweeds rolling across the highway, and cowboys herding cattle. However, Northern Arizona is a different scene entirely. We experience all four seasons and a wide variety of weather
here, including snow! Snow in the Grand Canyon is a majestic sight to behold. You should expect the winter here to really set in around November, and fade off by March. That being said, we do get occasional snowstorms into the spring months.
If you do visit the Grand Canyon in winter, be sure to bundle up, as it can get quite cold! With average high temperatures often in the 40° Fahrenheit range, you will definitely want to dress warm. As long as you don’t show up in shorts and flip-flops, you will still have a beautiful time on your Grand Canyon Tour.
If you happen to see snow on your Grand Canyon tour in the winter, consider yourself lucky, as snow is not the norm out here. This is the one time of year when our Grand Canyon Day Tours skip the outdoor picnic and head to the El Tovar lodge for lunch.
While winter may be cold, but the crowds will be at their lowest for the year. This makes winter not only a beautiful season at the Grand Canyon, but also a great time to enjoy the peace of the Canyon.
Spring
Springtime at Grand Canyon is always gorgeous! With the melting snow comes new life in the form of both vegetation and wildlife. From the blooming wildflowers to the reemerging deer and elk, this is when the Grand Canyon is truly alive in every sense. The weather is typically mild and pleasant, however we recommend that you bring extra layers as colder weather can be common, and the mornings are usually chilly. Hiking in the Grand Canyon is especially lovely in the springtime – the mild days are well spent on the many trails you can visit with one of our professional Grand Canyon Hiking Guides!
Spring is a lovely time to visit. The air is crisp, and while you will by no means be alone in the Grand Canyon during your spring visit, the crowds won’t be quite as large as they are during the summer months.
Summer
Despite what you’ve been told about Arizona, the Grand Canyon during the summer months can be absolutely amazing. If you’re down in Phoenix, you can bake a sheet of cookies in your car, but the weather here at the Canyon can be quite pleasant. If you come to the Grand Canyon during the summer, you are likely to see amazing views as thunder clouds pass over the vast Canyon. Northern Arizona enjoys a spectacular monsoon season that typically runs from July to mid-September. These storms pour much-needed water onto the Colorado Plateau in the late afternoon and early evening.
This is a very popular time to visit the Canyon. Though temperatures are at their highest during the summer months, our Grand Canyon guides will have enough water to keep you well hydrated during your Grand Canyon guided tour. An added benefit of joining our Grand Canyon day tour (as opposed to visiting the Canyon alone) is that you are able to avoid large crowds. All of our Grand Canyon guided tours include a comfortable, air conditioned van for transportation, and a medically-trained guide to keep you safe.
Fall
The golden glow of autumn bathes the Grand Canyon in beautiful light. After the summer monsoon season comes to an end in mid-September, the Canyon is once again mild and cool. This is a great time to visit, and especially great time to hike the Grand Canyon. The weather in the Grand Canyon during the fall months is generally outstanding during the day, and cools off significantly at night.
The crowds at Grand Canyon National Park are similar to the spring during the fall months. The Park will not be empty by any means, but gone are the huge crowds that come during the summer. What you will see, however, is a whole new growth of wildflowers at the Canyon, as the summer monsoons bring blooming wildflowers to Northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon.
Regardless of when you choose to visit, you are in for an unforgettable experience at the Grand Canyon; it is always an incredible place to see and experience!