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Grand Canyon · September
September is the busiest time to visit Grand Canyon — quieter than August, busier than October.
Expect peak crowds (9/10), highs near 77°F, about 12.4 hours of daylight, and 2 seasonal closures in effect.
Crowd score
The park's busiest time. Reservations, early starts, and patience recommended.
About 86% 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
September draws about 10% of Grand Canyon’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Grand Canyon NP (South Rim)
What's open
South Rim open 24/7 year-round; North Rim open mid-May to mid-Oct
Seasonal closures may apply:
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 →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
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 →Visit this link for the inner canyon weather forecast, current trail closures, today's heat risk, and drinking water availability.
Details on nps.gov →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.
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
Alternatives
FAQ
September rates 9/10 for crowds (Peak) at Grand Canyon National Park — about 86% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 476,899.
In September, Grand Canyon averages a high of 77°F and a low of 46°F, with about 1.6 inches of precipitation.
Entrance to Grand Canyon costs $35 ($35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days (both rims)).
Grand Canyon is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
In mid-September, Grand Canyon gets about 12.4 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:11 AM and sunset around 6:35 PM.