Did you know that the cabins at the Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim don't have A/C? Or that it can snow more than a foot in the National Park? Grand Canyon weather runs the extremes. But don't let that stop you from visiting. Inclement conditions don't stick around long. Like after a Monsoon rainstorm: One minute it's raining cats and dogs and next its blue horizons.

Annual Grand Canyon Weather Conditions

South Rim

(Average Elevation 7000 ft / 2133 m)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High (°F)	40°	45°	51°	60°	70°	81°	84°	81°	76°	65°	52°	43°
Average Low (°F)	18°	21°	25°	32°	39°	47°	54°	53°	47°	36°	27°	20°
Average Precipitation (inches)	1.45	1.60	1.25	0.86	0.61	0.42	1.95	2.23	1.54	1.15	0.92	1.54

North Rim

(Average Elevation 8000 ft / 2438 m)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High (°F)	37°	39°	44°	53°	62°	73°	77°	75°	69°	59°	46°	40°
Average Low (°F)	16°	18°	21°	29°	34°	40°	46°	45°	39°	31°	24°	20°
Average Precipitation (inches)	3.21	3.27	2.63	1.71	1.23	0.81	1.89	2.80	2.01	1.39	1.51	2.83

Inner Canyon - River Level

(Average Elevation 2100 ft / 640 m)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High (°F)	56°	63°	71°	83°	91°	102°	107°	103°	98°	86°	68°	57°
Average Low (°F)	36°	40°	46°	55°	62°	71°	77°	74°	68°	58°	45°	36°
Average Precipitation (inches)	0.61	0.73	0.80	0.43	0.34	0.33	0.80	1.55	0.83	0.65	0.37	0.69

Dress for The Season

Summer temperatures can get hot, especially in July and August. I recommend you bring lots of sunscreen, water and a brimmed hat. Wear light, long-sleeved shirts and pants. If you don't plan on hiking, opened-toe shoes are fine. Otherwise, it's a good pair of running shoes or boots.

I strongly recommend you don't hike from the top to the bottom and back in 1 day during summer. The bottom can be up to 30 degrees hotter than the top. Too often travelers (mostly young men) suffer heatstroke or die attempting this. Hiking below the rim is a wonderful experience. Do it in the morning and know your limits.

Winter is chilly. Dress in layers (t-shirts, sweaters, vests, jackets). Scarves, beanies, and gloves, too. Bring ChapStick, water, and sunscreen. Ice is common in the morning. Wear sturdy shoes or boots. I recommend picking up a pair of YakTrakz, a type of crampon that's perfect for sightseers.

Monsoon Weather

The Monsoon runs from late July through September. It's distinguished by wind, rain, and thunderstorms. Seek shelter if there's lightning. Do not stand under small tress. Flash floods are common. Find high ground if you are hiking below the rim. Thunderstorms are temporary. The canyon is at it's most stunning right afterward.

Grand Canyon Tours

Grand Canyon National Park is open year round. The roads and signage are in excellent condition. Helicopter, bus, and airplane tours also run daily. If you are taking an air tour, I recommend going in the morning. Visibility is best and the air is smoother. Monsoons typically happen in the early afternoon. Wait it out if your tour gets cancelled. Weather conditions clear quickly and off you go.

Click Here for Canyon Tour Prices & Availability

Have a Grand Day!