BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GRAND CANYON
You have all year to plan your trip to the Grand Canyon but you may be wondering just when is the best time of year? If you want to make the best of your trip and avoid the extreme weather in the Grand Canyon as much as you can, this article is for you.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT THE GRAND CANYON?​
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To optimize your time in the canyon, you should consider March through to May and September through to November when daytime temperatures are cooler and there are less crowds. If visiting during the summer months, the park's peak season, be prepared for tourists en masse and very limited accommodation availability as 6 million people visit the Grand Canyon each year.
If you want to go to the North Rim, it’s best to avoid winter because overnight stays are not allowed from October 16th until May 15th as the North Rim goes on its winter schedule. After October 15, the North Rim remains open for day use only until December 1 unless the weather conditions close Highway 67 earlier than December 1.
During the open season, the entrance station is open 24 hours per day; however the Visitor Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During winter season, the North Rim is only open from sunrise to sunset.
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WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN THE GRAND CANYON?
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The temperature at the Grand Canyon varies between the months and seasons of the year. On any given day, the canyon itself will be a different temperature to the rim.
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South Rim
At the South Rim summer temperatures are relatively pleasant (50s-80s F; low teens to high 20s C).
North Rim
The increased elevation at the North Rim means that summer temperatures are cooler than at the South Rim.
In the canyon
At Phantom Ranch in the inner canyon, average temperature ranges from 55 ºF to 82 ºF. However, Inner canyon temperatures can be extreme; at the river (5000 feet below the rim), day time highs can often exceed 100 F.
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Check out AZ Central 5 of the best fall hikes in Arizona: Here's how to explore these less crowded trails by Roger Naylor.
"Fall may be the best time of year for Arizona hiking, and that has nothing to do with the changing leaves. October is simply a formal invitation to go outside and play. Weather-wise, no corner of the state is off limits in these early weeks of autumn.
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Clear skies and soft slanted sunlight add a definite richness to the red rocks of Sedona and the layered cliffs of Grand Canyon. Deserts have begun to cool off at last. Yet there’s still enough daylight warmth to make leaf peeping at higher elevations a memorable outing.
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Because most people will be flocking to the aspen groves, here are some other amazing Arizona fall hikes far from the crowds."