Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park
The best months to visit Grand Canyon National Park are February, April, June — computed from official NPS visitation (2021–2025 average), NOAA weather normals and daylight. July is the crowd peak (531,134 monthly visits); January is quietest at 32% of peak.
Monthly crowd curve
Average monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). Amber bar = current month.
Grand Canyon month by month
| Month | Verdict | Avg visits | % of peak | High / Low | Precip | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Shoulder | 169,417 | 32% | 42°F / 26°F | 1.8″ | 10h |
| February | Best window | 180,693 | 34% | 45°F / 27°F | 1.4″ | 10.9h |
| March | Shoulder | 357,723 | 67% | 52°F / 31°F | 1.3″ | 11.9h |
| April | Best window | 451,297 | 85% | 59°F / 36°F | 1.2″ | 13.1h |
| May | Peak crowds | 506,406 | 95% | 68°F / 44°F | 0.7″ | 14.1h |
| June | Best window | 501,319 | 94% | 80°F / 55°F | 0.4″ | 14.6h |
| July | Peak crowds | 531,134 | 100% | 84°F / 59°F | 2.4″ | 14.4h |
| August | Peak crowds | 477,093 | 90% | 81°F / 58°F | 2.7″ | 13.6h |
| September | Peak crowds | 429,427 | 81% | 75°F / 53°F | 1.6″ | 12.4h |
| October | Peak crowds | 440,501 | 83% | 63°F / 41°F | 1.4″ | 11.3h |
| November | Shoulder | 326,699 | 62% | 51°F / 33°F | 1.1″ | 10.3h |
| December | Shoulder | 297,951 | 56% | 43°F / 24°F | 1.2″ | 9.7h |
Crowds: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, mean of 2021–2025 (2020 excluded as a COVID-19 anomaly). Weather: NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station GRAND CANYON VISITOR CTR, AZ US (1 mi from park coordinates). Daylight: computed for the 15th of each month at the park's location. Methodology.
What to pack for Grand Canyon in February
Computed from February's weather normals — Grand Canyon's best month above. Visiting another month? Each month page has its own weather-computed list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 27°F, below freezing
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.
📦 Packing for a trip with a date on it? Amazon Prime's free 30-day trial includes fast free delivery, so gear ordered this week arrives before you leave — and returns are free if a layer doesn't fit. Start the free 30-day trial →
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.
Common questions
What is the best month to visit Grand Canyon?
February, April, June rank best for Grand Canyon on VisitWhen's computed score — the strongest balance of low crowds (NPS data), comfortable weather (NOAA normals) and daylight, among months when the park’s headline access is typically open.
What is the most crowded month at Grand Canyon?
July: an average of 531,134 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). The quietest is January, at 32% of the July peak.
How many people visit Grand Canyon per year?
Grand Canyon National Park averaged 4,669,660 recreation visits per year over 2021–2025, per official NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
Dive into a month
Last verified 2026-09-12 · all parks