Best time to visit Grand Canyon

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Grand Canyon

Best time of year to visit Grand Canyon

One of Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon is impressive at any time. The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is during spring and autumn when the weather is mostly sunny but not too hot, which is perfect for sightseeing. From March to May, visitors can spot wildflowers in this dry and rocky place. It's also the time to observe baby animals and rare birds like the California Condor. In mid-May, the snow melts in the North Rim area, and it becomes possible to explore this less crowded part or do the Rim to Rim hike. June is also an excellent time to visit the canyon, especially for astronomy fans to join the Grand Canyon Star Party. July and August might be spoiled by visitor crowds and T-storms, but it's when most facilities and trails are open. Autumn is a sweet spot with fewer people and breathtaking sunsets. In winter, you might be lucky to capture the snow-powdered landscapes of the Grand Canyon.

14 THINGS TO DO IN GRAND CANYON (SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 05)

Arizona Fall Colors

Arizona Fall Colors

late September–November • nature

Beautiful foliage complements rocky landscapes of Arizona

Grand Canyon Railway

Grand Canyon Railway

all year round • activity

Take a scenic train ride to one of the world's seven wonders

Rim to Rim Hike

Rim to Rim Hike

mid-May–October • activity

This hike is a classic bucket list adventure, North to South Rim or vice versa

North Rim

North Rim

mid-May–mid-October • nature

Only 10% of the visitors to Grand Canyon get to the North Rim, which makes it especially solitary and serene

River Rafting

River Rafting

April–October • activity

It's impossible not to enjoy rafting in one of the best places in the world

California Condor

California Condor

April–September • nature

Grand Canyon is one of the best sites in the world to spot the largest bird of North America

Wupatki National Monument

Wupatki National Monument

October–April • activity

The best preserved pueblo ruins in America

Deer Creek Trail

Deer Creek Trail

mid-April–May | September–October • activity

Once famed gold and silver mining area is nowadays a popular hiking destination cherished for its landscapes and wildlife

Fall Foliage

Fall Foliage

late September–early October • nature

These Grand Canyon locations will surprise you even during fall

Wildlife Watching

Wildlife Watching

all year round (best: March–May) • nature

Grand Canyon's wildlife encounters are impressive all year round, but the spring baby boom makes the season particularly attractive

Skydiving

Skydiving

all year round • activity

Enjoy a freefall in one of the world's top ten skydiving destinations

Helicopter Tours

Helicopter Tours

all year round • activity

Watching Grand Canyon from the air, you'll discover the most hidden curves and ravines of this beautifully rugged terrain

Kayaking

Kayaking

April–October • activity

In need of adventure? Explore Grand Canyon from the river's angle—by kayak

Grand Canyon IMAX Movie

Grand Canyon IMAX Movie

all year round • activity

Extreme weather and cancelled tours is not a problem when there's the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater

7 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Grand Canyon Star Party

Grand Canyon Star Party

out of rangeJune 1-8, 2024 • event

The Grand Canyon offers dark skies and clean air, perfect for astronomers and enthusiasts

Grand Canyon Skywalk

Grand Canyon Skywalk

out of rangeNovember–May • activity

Have the most breathtaking look on the Grand Canyon's bottom, 4,000 feet below

Grand to Grand Ultra

Grand to Grand Ultra

out of rangeSeptember 24–30, 2023 • event

Are you up for a seven-day race in one of the remotest parts of America?

Grand Canyon Celebration of Art

Grand Canyon Celebration of Art

out of rangeSeptember 2, 2022–January 16, 2023 • event

The vast landscapes of Grand Canyon became a venue for the finest celebration, which gathers artists from all over the country

4th of July

4th of July

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

Celebrate America at one of the seven wonders of the world

Wildflowers

Wildflowers

out of rangeMarch–May • nature

Spring is the prime time to see Grand Canyon in bloom

Snow-Powdered Landscape

Snow-Powdered Landscape

out of rangeDecember–February • nature

Winter itself is a reason to visit the Canyon, with exceptionally beautiful snowscapes and no crowds

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