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National Park · AZ

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon is quietest in January and February and busiest in August.

A mile-deep, 277-river-mile chasm carved by the Colorado River, revealing two billion years of geologic history.

4.8M recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)

January: ~225,900 typical visitsJanFebruary: ~251,000 typical visitsFebMarch: ~351,399 typical visitsMarApril: ~451,799 typical visitsAprMay: ~527,099 typical visitsMayJune: ~552,199 typical visitsJunJuly: ~552,199 typical visitsJulAugust: ~527,099 typical visitsAugSeptember: ~476,899 typical visitsSepOctober: ~426,699 typical visitsOctNovember: ~276,100 typical visitsNovDecember: ~225,900 typical visitsDec

Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →

Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe

Pick a month to visit Grand Canyon

This week

7-day forecast

DayConditionsHighLowPrecip chance
Sun 18Overcast74°F60°F22%
Mon 19Drizzle79°F57°F22%
Tue 20Overcast73°F58°F8%
Wed 21Heavy drizzle80°F62°F91%
Thu 22Rain showers72°F55°F76%
Fri 23Clear67°F51°F22%
Sat 24Clear70°F55°F6%

Forecast data by Open-Meteo

Source: Open-Meteo

Weather

Monthly climate normals

MonthAvg highAvg lowPrecip
January45°F21°F1.4"
February50°F24°F1.6"
March56°F28°F1.4"
April64°F33°F0.9"
May73°F40°F0.7"
June84°F48°F0.4"
July86°F54°F1.8"
August83°F53°F2.2"
September77°F46°F1.6"
October66°F37°F1.1"
November53°F28°F0.9"
December44°F21°F1.5"

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Grand Canyon NP (South Rim)

Know before you go

Fees & hours

Entrance fee
$35 — $35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days (both rims)
Hours
South Rim open 24/7 year-round; North Rim open mid-May to mid-Oct
Official NPS park site →

Source: NPS Data API

Conditions

Current alerts

  • Caution

    Critical Backcountry Updates/Closures

    Visit this link for the inner canyon weather forecast, current trail closures, today's heat risk, and drinking water availability.

    Details on nps.gov →
  • Danger

    INNER CANYON WATER SHUTOFFS

    Beginning Sep. 6, no potable water will be available in the inner canyon, including along the Bright Angel Trail (1.5 Mile Resthouse, 3-Mile Resthouse, Havasupai Gardens day use and campground). All backpackers and hikers should carry water filtration and treatment OR carry all water with them.

    Details on nps.gov →
  • Caution

    Overnight Lodging Suspended and Parkwide Stage 4 Water Restrictions

    Grand Canyon National Park has implemented Stage 4 water restrictions on the South Rim due to extensive flash flood damage to the Transcanyon Waterline. Overnight accommodations are suspended, and only dry camping is allowed. The park remains open for day use, with food and beverage services, the Grand Canyon Clinic, and Post Office remaining open. Visitors are asked to bring water with them when visiting the park.

    Details on nps.gov →
  • Danger

    INNER CANYON TRAIL CLOSURES

    Current trail closures: Bright Angel Trail from One-and-a-Half Mile Resthouse to Havasupai Gardens, the entire North Kaibab Trail (including Cottonwood Campground), Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, Silver Bridge, the South Kaibab Trail below Tip-Off, the River Trail east of the River Resthouse to the South Kaibab Trail junction, and the Black Bridge. Please do not attempt to access the closed areas.

  • Park Closure

    North Rim Scenic Road Closure: Cape Royal and Point Imperial

    The Point Imperial Road (from the Cape Royal Road to Point Imperial) will be closed from Oct. 15 through Nov. 3, 2026. No services, fuel, and no water are available on the North Rim as of Oct. 15, 2026.

    Details on nps.gov →

Source: NPS Data API

FAQ

Grand Canyon questions

When is the best time to visit Grand Canyon?

Grand Canyon is least crowded in January, February, and December. August is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.

How much does it cost to visit Grand Canyon?

Entrance to Grand Canyon costs $35 ($35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days (both rims)).

When is Grand Canyon busiest?

Grand Canyon is busiest in August, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.

How crowded is Grand Canyon during holidays and fee-free days?

Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Grand Canyon. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.