The Grand Canyon has two climates stacked on top of each other. The South Rim sits at about 2,100 m and freezes most nights from November to April, while the canyon floor below is far hotter. Pack for the rim and the trail, not one or the other.
Grand Canyon weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 39°F4°C | 46°F8°C | 50°F10°C | 63°F17°C | 70°F21°C | 82°F28°C | 90°F32°C | 84°F29°C | 77°F25°C | 68°F20°C | 52°F11°C | 48°F9°C |
| Low | 10°F-12°C | 18°F-8°C | 25°F-4°C | 27°F-3°C | 34°F1°C | 43°F6°C | 50°F10°C | 52°F11°C | 43°F6°C | 32°F0°C | 19°F-7°C | 18°F-8°C |
| Rain days | 8 | 5 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryCold and often icy. Highs are 48°F (9°C) in December, 39°F (4°C) in January and 46°F (8°C) in February, with lows of 18°F (-8°C), 10°F (-12°C) and 18°F (-8°C). These numbers are from Grand Canyon National Park Airport, 6.8 miles (11 km) south of the South Rim. Bring an insulated jacket, gloves, a hat and microspikes for packed snow on rim trails. The North Rim is closed in winter.
Spring
March–MayCool to mild and changeable. Highs climb from 50°F (10°C) in March to 63°F (17°C) in April and 70°F (21°C) in May, but lows stay near freezing at 25°F (-4°C), 27°F (-3°C) and 34°F (1°C). March averages 10 rain days. Pack layers: a base layer, a fleece and a rain shell, plus sun protection.
Summer
June–AugustWarm on the rim, hot below it. Highs reach 82°F (28°C) in June, 90°F (32°C) in July and 84°F (29°C) in August, and nights drop to 43–52°F (6–11°C). August is the wettest month with 11 rain days, mostly afternoon monsoon storms with lightning. Bring a light rain jacket, a sun hat and plenty of water capacity. The inner canyon is far hotter than these rim numbers.
Fall
September–NovemberClear and cooling fast. Highs are 77°F (25°C) in September, 68°F (20°C) in October and 52°F (11°C) in November, with lows of 43°F (6°C), 32°F (0°C) and 19°F (-7°C). October averages just 3 rain days. Pack for warm afternoons and freezing mornings: a puffy jacket and gloves by November.
What to bring to Grand Canyon
0 of 25 packed- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
Hikers below the rim need serious water capacity, and this sturdy bottle is easy to refill at trailhead stations.
The men's version of the same shell, for summer monsoon storms and cold, windy days on the rim.
A waterproof shell handles August monsoon storms and blocks wind on cold South Rim mornings.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
Steep, rocky trails mean blisters and scrapes, and help is far away once you are below the rim.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Cold rim nights drain phone batteries fast, and you will want your phone for photos and maps.
- A warm wrapClothing
South Rim nights drop to 10°F (-12°C) in January, and a warm wrap helps at sunrise viewpoints.
- Peak Design Capture Clip V3Camera & Photo
Keeps a camera on your pack strap so your hands stay free on steep switchbacks.
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking shirts · 4
- Hiking pants or shorts · 2
- Warm fleece · 1South Rim sits at about 2,100 m, cold nights
- Insulated jacket · 1Winter visits, Dec–Feb
- Warm hat and gloves · 1 set
- Wide-brim sun hat · 1
- Hiking socks · 4 pairs
Footwear
- Broken-in hiking boots · 1 pairSteep, rocky canyon trails
- Traction cleats · 1 pairIcy rim trails in winter
Gear
- Daypack · 1
- Headlamp · 1
- Trekking poles · 1 pairLong descents into the canyon
Health and toiletries
- High SPF sunscreen
- Electrolyte tabletsJuly highs reach 32°C
- Lip balm with SPF
Documents and money
- ID or passport
- National park pass or entry receipt
Tech
- Phone charger and cable
What shoes should you pack for the Grand Canyon?
Broken-in hiking shoes or boots with grippy soles. Rim paths are paved, but the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails are steep, rocky and dusty, and they get icy near the top in winter. Add traction cleats from November to April.
What do people wear at the Grand Canyon?
Casual outdoor clothes everywhere, including lodge dining rooms. Think hiking pants or shorts, a sun shirt, a fleece and a hat. Nobody dresses up, and layers matter more than style.
What to pack for hiking into the Grand Canyon?
Water, salty snacks, sun protection and a headlamp. The canyon gets hotter as you descend, and the climb out takes about twice as long as the hike down. Carry more water than you think you need, and avoid hiking below the rim in the middle of a summer day.
Is the North Rim open?
Only in season. The North Rim reopened in May 2026 with limited services after the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, and it closes again for winter. Check the park's North Rim status page before you go.
What plugs does the Grand Canyon use?
The United States uses Type A and B sockets at 120V. US and Canadian plugs fit. UK, EU and Australian visitors need an adapter, and most phone and laptop chargers handle 120V fine.
Tours and things to do in Grand Canyon
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Grand Canyon.
What should you leave at home for the Grand Canyon?
Cotton-only outfits, brand-new boots and a drone. Cotton stays wet and cold, new boots cause blisters on steep trails, and drones are banned in national parks.
Around Grand Canyon
Packing for Grand Canyon: questions people ask
What should I wear at the Grand Canyon in March?
Warm layers and a rain shell. March on the South Rim averages a 50°F (10°C) high, a 25°F (-4°C) low and 10 rain days.
How cold is the Grand Canyon at night in winter?
Very cold. January lows on the South Rim average 10°F (-12°C), so pack a warm jacket, hat and gloves.
When is the rainy season at the Grand Canyon?
Late summer. August averages 11 rain days on the South Rim, mostly short afternoon thunderstorms.
Is the inner canyon hotter than the rim?
Yes, much hotter. The canyon floor is far lower than the rim, so summer heat there is dangerous. Plan hikes for early morning.
Do I need traction cleats at the Grand Canyon?
From roughly November to April, yes. Upper trail sections and rim paths often hold packed snow and ice.
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