Temperatures at the Grand Canyon during Different Times of the Year
People tend to misjudge the weather at the Grand Canyon when they are planning their visit to this national park and natural wonder. The Grand Canyon is located in Northwest Arizona, almost due east of Las Vegas. They typically assume the weather is going to be sunny and warm year round. However, that is not the case. The weather and temperatures at the Grand Canyon are seasonal and vary depending upon where you are visiting within the national park.
Keep in mind that the South Rim is about 7,000 feet above sea level, and the North Rim is almost 9,000 feet above sea level. The Rocky Mountains in Colorado have numerous peaks all over 13,000 feet above sea level. If you have ever visited Colorado, you know as you increase elevation, the temperature starts to drop gradually. The same is true at the Grand Canyon. Temperatures at either Rim are cooler than the bottom of the Canyon.
Temperatures change about 3 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit every thousand feet. For instance, if you are descending into the Canyon, temperatures will start to increase. Expect temperatures will be about 25 degrees Fahrenheit warmer at the base of the Canyon. So, if the temperature at the South Rim is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it can easily be 105 degrees Fahrenheit at the base.
The Grand Canyon in the Spring
Spring temperatures from March through May are cool and mild. They range from lows in the 30s to highs in the 60s at the South Rim. At the base of the Canyon, average lows are in the 50s, while highs during the day are in the upper 70s and lower 80s. This is a great time to visit if you want to see all the wildflowers blooming. Just remember to pack a winter coat, because it has been known to snow, even in May and as late as June some years. If you want to visit the North Rim, you will have to plan your visit for Memorial Day, as it is only open seasonally.
The Grand Canyon in Summer
The summer months, from June through August, are some of the hottest and warmest months to visit. Temperatures at the rims are normally in the 70s and 80s, while at the base they easily are over 100. Bring along plenty of water, sunscreen, and rain gear, in case of an afternoon rain shower. Pack a swimsuit if you want to take a dip in one of the waterfalls in the inner Canyon.
The Grand Canyon in Fall
From September to November in the fall, the Grand Canyon is a spectacular sight to see with the leaves turning all different colors. The late summer rainy season gives way to drier fall days, with less precipitation. Temperatures are similar to springtime temperatures, and it can snow. If you want to visit the North Rim, plan your visit before mid-October, as this is when this area of the park closes for the season.
The Grand Canyon in Winter
Winter is the coldest time to visit the Grand Canyon, but the stunning wintertime scenery takes your breath away, especially right after recent snow accumulations. From December to February, temperatures at the South Rim average in the 40s during the day, with lows in the teens and 20s in the evening. The base of the Canyon is warmer, with upper 50s and 60s during the day, and upper 30s and 40s at night.
It is important to remember to pack correctly for your visit. Whether you are taking a daily Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas, or signing up for a longer Grand Canyon tour where you camp at one of the park's campsites, you want to have the right clothing on hand. If you do not, and you show up underdressed, there are several stores in the area that sell clothing and make quite a profit off of tourists who did not pack the right clothing.
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