Weather
What's the Weather?
The South Rim is 7,000 feet above sea level, which means snow in winter and cool nights even in summer.
Inner canyon hiking (below the rim) is another story, however: summer temperatures along the Colorado River at the canyon bottom can reach 120 F / 47 C and elevation is about 2,560 feet above sea level. The North Rim is 8,000 feet above sea level and can receive snow throughout most of the year. Weather is particularly changeable in spring and fall; visitors should be prepared for a variety of climates.
The high altitude of both the South and North Rims may cause visitors with respiratory or heart problems to experience difficulties. All walking at this elevation can be strenuous.
View current Grand Canyon weather conditions on the National Park Service south Rim Web cam.
The Forecast
View the 5-day forecast for the Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona.
Our Seasonal Weather
Whatever time of year you choose to visit Grand Canyon National Park, be prepared for a variety of climates as weather is changeable during all seasons.
The South Rim, where Grand Canyon Village is located is 7,000 feet above sea level. This means the chance of snow in winter and cool nights in summer. High temperatures range from the 70's to 80's (21 - 27 C) in the summer months during the day to 30's and 40's (-1 - 4 C) during the winter.
If you plan to hike into the Canyon (below the rim), however, be prepared for much warmer conditions. In fact, summer temperatures along the Colorado River at the Canyon bottom can reach as high as 120 F / 47 C.
Long sleeves and pants are advised to prevent dehydration and sunburn. And be sure to carry lots of water. While you're hiking, you'll want to drink plenty of water and sport drinks, and snack on salty high-carbohydrate foods.
Inner Canyon Climate Variation - Weather at Phantom Ranch
The great depth of the Grand Canyon produces a variety of conditions between the South Rim and Phantom Ranch. Temperatures usually vary by 20ºF (11ºC) between the top and the bottom.
Summer (June - August) - Temperatures often exceed 100ºF (38ºC) at the bottom of the canyon.
Winter (December - February) - From the snow at the South Rim to the pleasant desert temperatures at Phantom Ranch, a winter trip in the canyon is an unbelievable experience. Average temperatures on the rim range from a low of 20ºF to a high of 43ºF. Average temperatures at Phantom Ranch, range from a low of 38ºF to a high of 58ºF.
Spring (March - May) & Fall (September - November) - Be prepared for anything as the weather varies during these seasons. Inner-canyon temperatures are generally very mild. The leaves turning in the fall and the wildflowers blooming in the spring are simply spectacular. Average temperatures at the South Rim range from a low of 34ºF to a high of 62ºF. Average temperatures at Phantom Ranch, range from a low of 55ºF to a high of 82ºF.
Whatever the weather, you'll be happy to know that the South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
