Quick answer
- Best months: March–May and September–November.
- Summer: hot in Las Vegas and at the West Rim; afternoon storms from July to September.
- Winter: cool and quiet; the South Rim at 7,000 feet can see snow.
- Time of day: early starts give softer light and cooler air.
Grand Canyon weather by month
| Month | Las Vegas | Grand Canyon West | South Rim |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58 / 40°F (15 / 5°C) | ~48 / 25°F (9 / -4°C) | 44 / 19°F (7 / -7°C) |
| February | 63 / 44°F (17 / 7°C) | ~51 / 28°F (11 / -2°C) | 46 / 21°F (8 / -6°C) |
| March | 71 / 50°F (22 / 10°C) | ~59 / 33°F (15 / 1°C) | 54 / 25°F (12 / -4°C) |
| April | 78 / 57°F (26 / 14°C) | ~69 / 41°F (21 / 5°C) | 61 / 29°F (16 / -2°C) |
| May | 88 / 66°F (31 / 19°C) | ~79 / 52°F (26 / 11°C) | 70 / 36°F (21 / 2°C) |
| June | 99 / 76°F (37 / 24°C) | ~90 / 62°F (32 / 17°C) | 82 / 43°F (28 / 6°C) |
| July | 104 / 82°F (40 / 28°C) | ~94 / 68°F (34 / 20°C) | 85 / 50°F (29 / 10°C) |
| August | 103 / 81°F (39 / 27°C) | ~92 / 66°F (33 / 19°C) | 82 / 50°F (28 / 10°C) |
| September | 95 / 72°F (35 / 22°C) | ~85 / 57°F (29 / 14°C) | 76 / 44°F (24 / 7°C) |
| October | 81 / 60°F (27 / 15°C) | ~71 / 44°F (22 / 7°C) | 65 / 33°F (18 / 1°C) |
| November | 67 / 47°F (19 / 8°C) | ~57 / 33°F (14 / 1°C) | 53 / 25°F (12 / -4°C) |
| December | 57 / 40°F (14 / 4°C) | ~47 / 25°F (8 / -4°C) | 43 / 18°F (6 / -8°C) |
Average daily highs and lows in °F (°C): Las Vegas and the South Rim from NOAA 1991–2020 normals; Grand Canyon West has no official station, so its figures (~) are estimates for its elevation of about 4,800 feet (1,460 m). The South Rim, at about 7,000 feet (2,130 m), averages roughly 40 to 60 inches of snow a year, mostly from December to March.
Spring and fall: the sweet spot
Mild days, cool mornings and fewer storms make spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for both coach and helicopter tours. They are also popular, so book a few days ahead.
Summer at the Grand Canyon
Las Vegas regularly passes 105°F (41°C) in July. The West Rim is a little cooler and the South Rim much cooler. Monsoon thunderstorms can build in the afternoon from July to mid-September, when most lightning strikes at the canyon happen, which is another reason tours leave early.
Winter at the Grand Canyon
Winter brings crisp air, low crowds and, at the South Rim, the chance of snow on the canyon walls. Roads are maintained and tours keep running, though snow or wind can occasionally change plans. Dress in layers.
Best time for each tour
- West Rim and Skywalk: all year; spring and fall are most comfortable.
- Helicopter: all year; calm mornings give the smoothest flights.
- South Rim: spring, early summer and fall; winter for snow views.
- Antelope Canyon light beams: late March to early October, around midday.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas?
April, May, September and October offer mild temperatures and clear skies.
Is it too hot to visit the Grand Canyon in summer?
No, but it is hot. Tours leave early, the rims are cooler than Las Vegas, and you should bring water and sun protection.
Is the Grand Canyon worth visiting in winter?
Yes. It is quieter and the South Rim can have snow; tours run all year.
When do Grand Canyon helicopter tours get cancelled?
Mainly in strong wind, storms or low cloud. The operator offers a new time or a refund.
Is the Grand Canyon open in winter?
Yes. Grand Canyon West and the South Rim are open all year. Only the North Rim closes for winter, from December to mid-May.
When is the Grand Canyon least crowded?
Weekdays from November to February, outside the Christmas and New Year holidays, and early mornings in any season.
What is the weather at the Grand Canyon today?
Our home page shows live conditions at Grand Canyon West and the nearby airports, including whether helicopter flights are running normally.
