The Grand Canyon it’s one of the most iconic places in all of the United States, and millions of people visit each year. If you want to have the best trip there, keep reading to learn the best time to visit.
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You’ve seen it in movies and series, and you probably want to experience it for yourself. Many go there for the stunning natural beauty, and it’s easy to understand why. Just look at the photos! The place in all its grandeur is gorgeous, with its vibrant hues and unique rock formations. And for the adventurers is a unique place where they can go on iconic hikes or whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. There’s a lot to talk about it, since, as the name indicates, the Grand Canyon is not a small place. In fact, it’s divided into several rims, each with its own characteristics, activities, and charm.
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When is the Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon?
September to November
Generally speaking, the best time to visit the Grand Canyon to maximize your experience is during September and October, especially mid-week. There are many reasons for this.
Why going mid-week in September and October is ideal:
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Fewer crowds: The peak summer months are already past, and the larger groups of tourists are only seen during the weekends. So you’ll get better access to the viewpoints and trails. Even parking is going to be easier.
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Cheaper accommodations: With fewer tourist around the price of the hostels and hotels go significantly down.
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Perfect weather: After the scorching heat of the summer, the days start to cool down, so it’s easier to go hiking. Even the nights are not as freezing if you’re planning to camp there and stargaze.
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Fall colors: Do not underestimate how the color of the foliage can add to the experience. Especially in the North Rim, where it makes for exquisite photography.
Photo by Omer Nezih Gerek on Unsplash
Winter (December to March)
If you love the snow and how it beautifully covers the landscape, then you’ll love going in these months. It’s also a great time to travel if you’re trying to stay on a tight budget and don’t want to deal with the crowds. The weather is cold, and the nights can be chilling, but if you stay the night, you’ll get the most amazing sky full of stars.
But as we said, it’s really cold, and many facilities and tours reduce their availability. The North Rim is closed during these months, and hiking can get really dangerous with all the ice and snow.
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Shoulder Seasons (April to May)
We already talked about the autumn half of the shoulder season, and most of the reasons why it’s the absolute best for traveling apply to the spring half. During the early months of the year, right before the terrible heat of the summer, you’ll get incredible weather for hiking. The scenery might not be as dramatic as the fall foliage, but don’t underestimate the beauty of the wildflowers.
Onto the cons, the North Rim actually stays closed until May. Because of the higher altitude, the snow takes a longer time to melt there. And even in the other Rims, the weather can be a bit unpredictable, so expect sudden snow or rain,
Summer (June to August)
If you want to spend long hours outdoors with your family, these months are great for you. The whole park is open, so you have plenty to choose from, especially if you decide to camp there and visit more places. It is also the peak season for water sports, so take the chance to go rafting on the Colorado River!
But the summer has some important downsides. Mainly the weather, the prices, and the crowds. When we said that it could be hot, it’s not comfortably hot, is near 40°C hot! And since it’s the peak season, there are a lot of people everywhere. And of course, with so many tourists, you know the prices for accommodations and tours are going to get high. If you’re traveling in the summer, better go in June, before the high season.
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Best time to visit the Grand Canyon by Region
South Rim
If it’s your first time visiting the Grand Canyon, the most recommended place to visit is the South Rim. It’s really iconic and excellent for hiking and sightseeing. It’s best in spring and autumn, but it’s open year-round.
Things to do in the South Rim:
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Visit the Grand Canyon Village: A historic place where you can learn more about the people who used to live there, stay the night in a comfortable lodge, and have some food.
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Desert views drive: If you’re going in a car, then you definitely have to take this route. It’s only 25 miles, but it takes you through multiple viewpoints, ending at Desert View Watchtower.
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Hike Bright Angel Trail: This trail is not for the faint since you’ll need some stamina to complete it, but it’s totally worth it. It’s around 9.5 miles each way, but there are resthouses and a campground at the end.
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Visit the Yavapai Geology Museum: A great way to learn more about the geological history of the area. Don’t forget that some rocks here are about 2 billion years old!
North Rim
More remote, but it’s great if you prefer a quieter experience with lots of tourists on every corner. The best time to visit is the fall, not only for the nice weather but also for how spectacular the foliage looks from there. As for the weather, since it has a higher altitude than the other rims, it’s generally colder. In fact, during the winter, the snow lasts longer and can be quite dangerous. For that reason, access is restricted from December to May.
Things to do in the North Rim:
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Go to the Bright Angel Point: One of the best viewpoints in the Grand Canyon, and excellent to take some pictures.
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Hike North Kaibab Trail: Another challenging hike if you want a true challenge. It’s pretty long, 14 miles each way, so you’ll have to plan it for at least two days. There are two campgrounds, one at 7 miles and the other at the end, if you need more than one day en route.
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Camping and Stargazing: The Grand Canyon, in general, is considered one of the U.S.’s most popular dark sky National Parks, so camping overnight is a great idea.
West Rim
Probably the hottest of the rims, so best not to visit during the Summer. It’s very popular, especially as a day trip from Las Vegas, and there are some interesting attractions there. The best time to visit is spring or autumn, when the weather is milder and it’s safer to stay outside. The winter is relatively mild as well, with temperatures around 10-16°C, so it’s also a great option.
Things to do in the West Rim:
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Grand Canyon Skywalk: This attraction is not for the faint of heart, although it is perfectly safe. If you want to have the feeling of walking over the canyon, then this glass bridge will give you exactly that.
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Eagle Point: A unique rock formation that resembles an eagle, great for funny and memorable pictures.
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Colorado River rafting: For the adventurers who want to feel the adrenaline and see the river more dynamically.
Insider Tips for Visitors of the Grand Canyon
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Layered Clothing: Since the Grand Canyon is in the desert and the rock structures can block both the air and the sun, you can expect some brusque changes in temperature. Dressing in layers can help you regulate your temperature more efficiently so you’re comfortable during your trip.
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Sun protection and hydration: This is extremely important if you’re visiting during the summer. Bring enough water with you and use both protective clothing and sunscreen.
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Book in Advance: Most accommodations in the Grand Canyon can fill up 6+ months in advance, so better plan way ahead. Even if you’re planning on camping, you might need to apply for a permit.
Photo by Gert Boers on Unsplash
When is a Good Time to Go to the Grand Canyon?
Now that you have a better understanding of how the weather and crowds change through the year in each part of the Grand Canyon, you can decide for yourself. But the consensus is that the best time to maximize your enjoyment, with great weather, fewer crowds, and lots of activities, is during the shoulder season, in late spring and early fall.