Best Time to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The best months to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are March, April, May — computed from official NPS visitation (2021–2025 average), NOAA weather normals and daylight. June is the crowd peak (48,408 monthly visits); February is quietest at 14% of peak.
- East Portal Road (Park Closure)
- Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect (Danger)
- Cashless Operations (Information)
Monthly crowd curve
Average monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). Amber bar = current month.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison month by month
| Month | Verdict | Avg visits | % of peak | High / Low | Precip | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Shoulder | 9,395 | 19% | 37°F / 13°F | 1.7″ | 9.8h |
| February | Shoulder | 7,018 | 14% | 40°F / 16°F | 1.7″ | 10.8h |
| March | Best window | 8,974 | 19% | 49°F / 23°F | 2.0″ | 11.9h |
| April | Best window | 12,369 | 26% | 56°F / 29°F | 1.8″ | 13.2h |
| May | Best window | 34,586 | 71% | 66°F / 38°F | 1.6″ | 14.3h |
| June | Peak crowds | 48,408 | 100% | 76°F / 46°F | 0.7″ | 14.8h |
| July | Peak crowds | 46,998 | 97% | 82°F / 53°F | 1.6″ | 14.6h |
| August | Peak crowds | 43,620 | 90% | 81°F / 52°F | 1.7″ | 13.7h |
| September | Peak crowds | 47,222 | 98% | 72°F / 44°F | 2.1″ | 12.5h |
| October | Shoulder | 29,766 | 61% | 60°F / 33°F | 1.9″ | 11.2h |
| November | Shoulder | 13,840 | 29% | 47°F / 23°F | 1.5″ | 10.1h |
| December | Shoulder | 7,640 | 16% | 36°F / 13°F | 1.5″ | 9.5h |
Crowds: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, mean of 2021–2025 (2020 excluded as a COVID-19 anomaly). Weather: NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON, CO US (2 mi from park coordinates). Daylight: computed for the 15th of each month at the park's location. Methodology.
What to pack for Black Canyon of the Gunnison in March
Computed from March's weather normals — Black Canyon of the Gunnison's best month above. Visiting another month? Each month page has its own weather-computed list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 23°F, below freezing
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
March, April, May rank best for Black Canyon of the Gunnison on VisitWhen's computed score — the strongest balance of low crowds (NPS data), comfortable weather (NOAA normals) and daylight.
What is the most crowded month at Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
June: an average of 48,408 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). The quietest is February, at 14% of the June peak.
How many people visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison per year?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park averaged 309,836 recreation visits per year over 2021–2025, per official NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
Dive into a month
Last verified 2026-09-12 · all parks