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Grand Canyon · January

Grand Canyon in January

January is a good time to visit Grand Canyon — about as busy as December, about as busy as February.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

5/10
Moderate

A comfortable middle ground: some company on popular trails, but no gridlock.

About 41% of this park's busiest month.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →

Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe

Visitation

Typical January visits vs. the year

January (typical)225,900
Peak — June552,199
Quietest — January225,900

Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Weather

January weather

Avg high
45°F
Avg low
21°F
Precipitation
1.4"
Sunrise
7:38 AM
Sunset
5:37 PM
Daylight
10h

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

What's open

Grand Canyon in January: access

South Rim open 24/7 year-round; North Rim open mid-May to mid-Oct

Seasonal closures may apply:

  • Information

    What's Closed and What's Open: South Rim & North Rim

    Visit this link for a list of the available visitor services in Grand Canyon Village, Desert View, and the North Rim.

    Details on nps.gov →
  • 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 →

Source: NPS Data API

Conditions

Current alerts

  • Information

    What's Closed and What's Open: South Rim & North Rim

    Visit this link for a list of the available visitor services in Grand Canyon Village, Desert View, and the North Rim.

    Details on nps.gov →
  • 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

    Fire activity in Walhalla Plateau area

    Fire activity is occurring in the Walhalla Plateau area. There are no trail or area closures. Backcountry permits for the Walhalla Plateau are temporarily on hold.

  • Danger

    Stage 2 Fire Restrictions—VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER

    Stage 2 fire restrictions for South Rim, North Rim, and Inner Canyon are in effect due to very high and extreme fire danger. No wood or charcoal fires, outdoor smoking (except in vehicles), explosives, and certain engines except street legal vehicles. Follow link for more details on restrictions and exceptions.

    Details on nps.gov →

Source: NPS Data API

Context

Grand Canyon crowds across the year

5JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in January

FAQ

Grand Canyon in January

How busy is Grand Canyon in January?

January rates 5/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Grand Canyon National Park — about 41% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 225,900.

What is the weather like at Grand Canyon in January?

In January, Grand Canyon averages a high of 45°F and a low of 21°F, with about 1.4 inches of precipitation.