Grand Canyon National Park Weather

The Grand Canyon is an area where you definitely want to be aware of the weather conditions. There are three different areas of Grand Canyon National Park that have different weather patterns and extremes. These include the North Rim, the South Rim and the Inner Gorge.

The North Rim is around 8,000 ft in elevation and is generally cooler in the summer months and in the winter is usually closed due to snow. During the summer, temperatures on the North Rim will reach into the mid-70's during the day and cool into the 40's at night. Winter temperatures are in the 30's and 40's and dip into the teens at night. Follow this link to check the 7-day weather forecast for the North Rim.

The South Rim is around 7,000 ft in elevation which gives rise to summer daytime temperatures in the 80's and nighttime temperatures in the 50's. Winter temperatures are in typically in the 40's during the day and drop into the 20's at night. Click here to check the 7-day South Rim weather forecast.

The bottom of the Grand Canyon is known as the Inner Gorge and elevation is around 2,000 ft. Summer temperatures in the gorge can be extreme and unless you have experience hiking in desert situations during the summer, don't plan any summer hiking into the Grand Canyon from May through September.

The ideal times to hike and camp in the bottom of the Grand Canyon are April, October and November. While you can hike into the Canyon during the winter months, the trails can be ice covered and treacherous without the proper equipment.

Be sure to check the weather forecast for the Grand Canyon if you plan on taking any extended hikes or backcountry trips. Remember to be prepared for flash floods, brutal heat, exposure to the sun during the summer. In the winter, prepare for cold, snow, and icy conditions.

These weather patterns are one of the attributes that makes the Grand Canyon such a fascinating National Park. Pay attention to the weather and plan for changes in the weather and you will have a great time exploring the Grand Canyon.