Is the Grand Canyon pretty in the winter?

Dramatic winter storms, bringing several inches of snow, are contrasted with sunny days, perfect for walking along the rim of the canyon. Crisp air and a dusting of snow bring a new perspective to the temples and buttes emerging from the canyon floor and provide a perfect backdrop to view the canyon's flora and fauna.



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Here's Why December, January & February Are the Best Months to Visit the Grand Canyon. Winter storms lend new color and dimension to an already-amazing landscape. Consider it the Grand Canyon's secret season.

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If you are mostly concerned about weather, the Grand Canyon's climate has cooler weather and less rainfall between April and June. July and August are the worst months to visit the Grand Canyon due to larger crowds and hotter, wetter weather.

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Weather in January The average high at the South Rim in January is 44 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low is 18 degrees Fahrenheit (high of 6.6 degrees Celsius, low -7.7 degrees Celsius.) However, these temperatures are much warmer inside the Canyon (by 10-20 degrees, but even warmer in the sun.)

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The snowy period of the year lasts for 5.4 months, from November 8 to April 21, with a sliding 31-day snowfall of at least 1.0 inches. The month with the most snow in Grand Canyon National Park is January, with an average snowfall of 4.4 inches.

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The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin. If you decide to visit during the summer (the park's peak season), be prepared for hordes of tourists and very limited lodging availability.

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The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin. If you decide to visit during the summer (the park's peak season), be prepared for hordes of tourists and very limited lodging availability.

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Here are some of the park's top hazards of which you should be aware.
  • Viewpoints. Because the rim of the Grand Canyon sits about a mile above the Colorado River, there are many places to see incredible views. ...
  • Flash Floods. ...
  • Heat. ...
  • Dehydration. ...
  • Heat Exhaustion. ...
  • Heat Stroke.


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During the Christmas season, there are no crowds at vista points and on hiking trails. You will have time to reflect on the beauty of the Grand Canyon, take as long as you wish to compose photographs, and even drive through the park, unlike in peak tourist season when you may have to take the tram.

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Even with all of the winter sunshine, significant snowfall can be expected during the winter with an average snowfall of 50 to over 100 inches (1.3-2.5m) per year on the Rim, and occasionally snow will make it even to the river.

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How many days should you spend in the Grand Canyon? If you're visiting the South Rim, you'll want 2-3 days. For the North Rim, plan on visiting for 1-2 days. If you want to see both rims, give yourself 4-5 days!

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The town of Tusayan, which is just 15-20 minutes away from the main Visitor Center on the south rim, has a great selection of places to stay. Grand Canyon Junction (formerly known as Valle) is further out (about 30 minutes to the rim), but is another good option. If you want a hotel, stay in Tusayan, which has plenty.

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Distance from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon The West Rim is the closest rim to Las Vegas. It is located about 130 miles from the heart of Las Vegas. On average, the drive takes approximately two and a half hours. Both the North Rim and South Rim are located over 270 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.

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The first snowfall of winter for Grand Canyon Village usually arrives in November, but can land as early as October. Once every three or four years, the Village has no snow for November. The season's last snowfall can happen anytime from March to May.

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Weather in the Grand Canyon. The South Rim is 7,000 feet above sea level, which means snow in winter and cool nights even in summer. However, when hiking at Grand Canyon, you'll experience warmer temperatures in the summer along the Colorado River as temperatures can reach 120 ºF / 47 ºC.

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Vehicle Pass: $35 Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Organized groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit.

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