What Is the Best Time to Travel to the Grand Canyon?
The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is between April and June when rainfall and temperatures are low.
Written by Talullah Blanco
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If you are jonesing for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, visit the Grand Canyon to float down the Colorado River while admiring colorful rock formations or hike the historic back-country trails. The best time to travel to the Grand Canyon will depend on your heat tolerance and budget, but summer is the most popular time to visit.
The Grand Canyon is one of the seven wonders of the world and among the most visited national parks in the United States each year. You’ll have to carefully time your outdoor excursion to the Grand Canyon to avoid crowds, blistering heat, and sky-high rates.
There’s a lot of pressure to plan the perfect trip. That’s why price comparison and
car insurance
super app Jerry
has done the research to help you find the ideal time to travel to the Grand Canyon and hopefully relieve some planning pressure. RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
The best times of year to travel to the Grand Canyon
The best time of year to travel to the Grand Canyon will depend on which rim of the Grand Canyon you are visiting, your heat tolerance, and your budget.
If you’re planning a trip around your kids' school schedule, you’ll likely have to go during the peak season: summer. But if you are looking for ideal weather, visit during spring or fall.
Peak season: June to September
The good: Most activities available
The bad: Crowded, high temperatures, increased rates
The weather: Mid-60s to low 100s
Summer is the most popular time to visit the Grand Canyon. Once school lets out and summer vacation begins, families swarm to the national park for outdoor adventures June through August.
Visit the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, which closes every winter, if your trip lands during the peak season. The temperatures are almost always cooler and the North Rim is more isolated than the South Rim which means fewer crowds.
Pro Tip Book your flights and hotel accommodations months in advance to get the best possible rates or you can road trip to cut travel costs.
Low season: December to February
The good: Lower rates, fewer crowds
The bad: Cold, some activities unavailable
The weather: Low 20s to low 50s
If you don’t mind the cold and appreciate snow-covered hiking trails, visit the Grand Canyon in the winter. You get the best lodging rates and fewer crowds with less than 10% of annual visitors during the winter months.
Winter is a wonderful time to hike into and around the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. You miss the sweltering heat and won’t have to take gallons of water to quench your thirst during the strenuous hike.
Shoulder season: March to May
The good: Fewer crowds, ideal temperature
The bad: Some activities unavailable
The weather: Low 50s to low 70s
The Grand Canyon offers two shoulder seasons: spring and fall. The shoulder season falls between the high and low seasons. If you visit the Grand Canyon during these months, you’ll get ideal weather, blue skies, and affordable hotel and travel rates.
Plan your trip for April or May and forget hotels altogether. The low rainfall averages and ideal temperatures make it the perfect time to car or tent camp.
If you are an experienced hiker, apply for a
backcountry permit
to hike into Grand Canyon and camp overnight. Be sure to dress appropriately for the low temperatures and bring the necessary supplies for a safe and enjoyable camping excursion. The cheapest time to travel to the Grand Canyon
Book your visit to the Grand Canyon for winter to get the lowest rates. Snow and low temperatures tend to deter most tourists from visiting the Grand Canyon from November to February so flights and lodging tend to decrease during the off-season.
Don your best winter outdoor gear and marvel at the snow powdered Grand Canyon while saving money and enjoying the best deals.
Pro Tip Car or tent camp at nearby grounds instead of booking a hotel to save money on lodging.
Find the best month for your visit to the Grand Canyon
Now that you know what each season has to offer you are ready to narrow down the best month to visit the Grand Canyon. Take a look at the table below to find the right month for your vacation based on the activities you’re planning.
Activity | Best month to visit | Why? |
|---|---|---|
Rim-to-Rim hike | May and October | Experienced hikers planning the overnight rim-to-rim will enjoy sunny days and cool nights. |
Grand Canyon River Rafting | April and October | Clear skies and high temperatures make for an ideal rafting trip down the Colorado River. |
White Water Rafting | July and August | |
Helicopter Tour | April, May, or September | Stick to the shoulder season for smooth early morning helicopter tours that unmatched views of the Grand Canyon. |
South Rim | December, January, or February | Hike the South Rim during the off-season to avoid crowds and unbearable heat. |
North Rim | June, July, or August | The North Rim is often cooler and has fewer crowds during the peak season than the South Rim. |
Ranger programs | May or September | Park rangers host educational presentations at the Yavapai Point Amphitheater almost every day but you’ll want to stick to the shoulder season to bypass the crowds and heat. |
Pro Tip You’ll find outdoor activities year-round in the Grand Canyon, so time your trip based on weather and savings if you’re not interested in the rim-to-rim hike.
How to find savings on car and rental insurance
Whether you are planning a cross-country road trip and the Grand Canyon is one of the many stops along the way or
renting a car
at the airport, the Jerry app can help you save on a policy with the coverage you need. Jerry
collects all of your information from your existing insurer in less than 45 seconds. Choose from competitive quotes from 50-plus top insurance companies and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one. No long forms. No calling around. No hard work. Just savings.MORE: 7 ways to save money on car rentals
“A seamless process and a fantastic app!Jerrysaved me over $2000 on car insurance. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.” —Osvaldo B.
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
FAQ
What is the worst time to travel to the Grand Canyon?
The worst time to visit the Grand Canyon will depend on your personal preferences and budget. That being said, July and August are arguably the worst months to visit the Grand Canyon because they are the hottest, rainiest, and busiest months in the national park.
4.7.webp&w=64&q=75)
