Best time to visit the Grand Canyon

So, you want a holiday to the Grand Canyon but you're not sure when to go. We aren't just here to help you take the trip, we're also here to help you plan the trip. There's no wrong time to visit this national park, it just depends on what you're into. The park is open all year round – summer is hot with plenty of sunshine, and everything is open, so it's the best time for full access. But you should bring lots of water, especially if you hike below the rim. Spring and autumn bring pleasant weather and ideal hiking conditions, and winter is a quiet and peaceful time to visit. Just be prepared for varying weather – there can be random thunderstorms and rapidly changing conditions, so it's good to have a local by your side who's familiar with this type of terrain.

When to visit

Happy people jumping after a hike to the south Rim in Grand Canyon Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA.

At a glance

Best for hiking: Spring and autumn

Best for mild weather: Spring and autumn

Best season for photography: Winter and autumn

Peak season: Summer

Visiting the Grand Canyon by season

Spring (March-May

If you're looking to dodge the summer heat and crowds while still having good hiking conditions, spring is your sweet spot. Wildflowers bloom and the days are warm and pleasant. That being said, the weather can be unpredictable and some North Rim trails may still be out of bounds because of lingering snow.

Summer (June-August)

Schools out for the summer, which means the crowds are at their peak, so it's best to hit the trails and popular viewpoints early in the day. For this reason, booking ahead is highly recommended. Long, sunny days make for a great hiking, but be cautious that the heat is extreme on the canyon floor. August is the wettest month, so you might experience brief thunderstorms, but they shouldn't disrupt your plans.

Autumn (September-November)

Another season for great hiking and fewer crowds, autumn is a good time to visit when the temperatures start to drop back down to comfortable levels and the rain fizzles out. If you're into photography, visit in autumn when the soft light paints the canyon in warm hues and the low sun casts shadows across the rock formations. Most trails stay open until the cold weather arrives, but it has been known to snow as early as October.

Winter (December to February)

Crowds? What crowds? Winter is the most peaceful time of year to visit the Grand Canyon when a light dusting of snow covers the red rocks. Snow collects on the South Rim and even more so on the North Rim, which sits at a higher elevation. The days are cold, the nights are even colder, but the views are worth the chill. South Rim remains open, but many park facilities close for the winter, including North Rim trails.

South Rim vs North Rim

The South Rim of the canyon is open all year round and is the most popular spot for visitors, while the North Rim is the quieter, more remote side. The North Rim sits at a higher elevation and experiences heavier snowfall, so it's only open seasonally from May to October.