Monthly weather forecast and climate
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Grand Canyon National Park has a tropical and subtropical steppe type of climate (Köppen climate classification BSk) with hot and dry summers and cold winters.
It lies in northwestern Arizona, in the cusp of the Coconino and Mohave counties with the Grand Canyon - a gorge of massive proportions forged by the Colorado River as its most famous feature. The North and South Rims are at higher altitudes of 2000 meters and 2500 meters, respectively, and they, along with the areas around the canyon, attract a majority of the public presence, as the rest of the park is remote with extremely rugged terrain.

Summers are hot as the average high temperatures touch a blistering 106°F (41.1°C) in July in the canyon territory, while they are at a warm 77°F (25°C) and 84°F (28.9°C) in the North and South Rims. Nights are warm as the temperatures drop by approximately 30 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) from the highs of the day.
Winter days are mild with the average high temperatures in the 39.9°F (4.4°C) to 50°F (10°C); the higher elevations along the Rims witness average low temperatures in the range of 16°F (-8.9°C) in January and often see a large amount of snow to the tune of 61" (1549.4mm).
Spring and autumn tend to be mild regarding both the temperatures and the near absence of snowfall. The skies tend to be clear with dryness in the air for the majority of the year.
Annual precipitation of a small amount of 16" (406.4mm) occurs evenly throughout the year.

The pleasant spring from March to May and the beautiful autumn from September to November is the best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park.
The temperatures are warm during the day during spring and fall, while the nights are cold - importantly, the crowds are thin, and there is no rush on the roads, trails, and visitor centers.
Summer is the peak tourist season with school holidays, heavy traffic, and a canter for campsites along the popular trails with frequent thunderstorms and scorching heat in the inner canyons.

November to February is the worst time to visit Grand Canyon National Park as the winter months are cold, and the elevations accumulate heavy snow.
Fog is common as the North Rim and a majority of the trails close during the winter except to visitors who have permits to traverse the backcountry. Nights are freezing, especially in the mountains, and the temperatures around the canyon region are low. Rain is scanty on the arid landscape, but snow is common in the Rim territory.
Few visitors avail of low-cost accommodations in the core area, which stays open during the winter.

Grand Canyon is prone to flash floods and lightning strikes in the long and dry summer, especially from July to September, that witnesses many thunderstorms. The arid and sparse vegetation in Northern Arizona is incapable of absorbing rainfall as even small storms turn dry streambeds into raging water torrents within a matter of minutes. While slot canyons such as the Marble Canyon and Glen Canyon regions are beautiful, they are notably more dangerous due to their depth and narrowness.

January is the coldest and snowiest month of the year in Grand Canyon with the average low temperature of a frigid 16°F (-8.9°C) at the Rims and 36°F (2.2°C) around the canyon region. Weather in January »

February sees the winter temperatures at an average of 39.9°F (4.4°C) to a warm 60.1°F (15.6°C) around the canyon area and 19.9°F (-6.7°C) to 39.9°F (4.4°C) at the Rims. Weather in February »

March begins the spring, which is a wonderful time to be in Grand Canyon with average temperatures in the range of a mild 48°F (8.9°C) to a warm 71.1°F (21.7°C) around the canyon region, while they fluctuate from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C) along the Rims. Weather in March »

Temperatures see a pleasant range of 55.9°F (13.3°C) to 82°F (27.8°C) around the canyon region that is perfect for hiking the trails or taking a trip down the Colorado River. Weather in April »

May is one of the best times to be in Grand Canyon with comfortable temperatures to the tune of 63°F (17.2°C) to 91.9°F (33.3°C) around the canyon area. Weather in May »

Visitors enjoy the temperatures in the warm 72°F (22.2°C) to 100.9°F (38.3°C) range with a rare threat from rain and snow. Days are warm and long as the sunshine lasts up to 13 hours. Weather in June »

July is the hottest month of the year, with an average high temperature of 106°F (41.1°C) in the canyon region. The sun blazes the trails as visitors find respite on the river waters or the elevations of the Rims. Weather in July »

August lies in summer and is the wettest month of the year with 1.5" (38.1mm) to 2.5" (63.5mm) of rain along the canyon and Rim areas. Temperatures are ranging from 70°F (21.1°C) to 100°F (37.8°C). Weather in August »

September is one of the best times to visit Grand Canyon in the lovely fall season with mild temperatures and usually sunny skies. Average temperatures mostly range from 69.1°F (20.6°C) to 97°F (36.1°C). Weather in September »

October lies in the cool autumn season when the average high temperature drops to a warm 84°F (28.9°C) around the canyon region. Weather in October »

November sees the first arrival of snow at the Rims, but the average temperatures are in a comfortable 46°F (7.8°C) to 68°F (20°C) around the canyon area. Weather in November »

December is a cold winter month with the average low temperatures in the range of a freezing 19.9°F (-6.7°C) at the Rims to a mild 37°F (2.8°C) around the canyon region. Weather in December »