Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park
The best months to visit Grand Canyon National Park are February, April and 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.
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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.
How many people visit Grand Canyon each year
Grand Canyon National Park had 4,430,653 recreation visits in 2025, 10% fewer than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2018, with 6,380,495. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 4,669,660 visits a year, which makes it the 3rd most-visited of the 63 national parks.
| Year | Recreation visits | vs. year before |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4,430,653 | −10% |
| 2024 | 4,919,163 | +4% |
| 2023 | 4,733,705 | 0% |
| 2022 | 4,732,101 | +4% |
| 2021 | 4,532,677 | +56% |
| 2020 | 2,897,098 | −52% |
| 2019 | 5,974,411 | −6% |
| 2018 | 6,380,495 | +2% |
| 2017 | 6,254,238 | +5% |
| 2016 | 5,969,811 | +8% |
| 2015 | 5,520,736 | — |
Calendar-year recreation visits as published by NPS Visitor Use Statistics. 2020 is shown here but left out of the monthly averages above, because the COVID-19 pandemic makes it unrepresentative. See how every park compares: all 63 parks ranked by visits.
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
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Grand Canyon?
February, April and 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.
When is Grand Canyon least crowded with decent conditions?
January. It is the park's quietest month (32% of the July peak, 169,417 average visits) without harsh-season weather.
How many people visit Grand Canyon per year?
Grand Canyon National Park had 4,430,653 recreation visits in 2025, 10% fewer than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2018, with 6,380,495. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 4,669,660 visits a year.
What is the weather like at Grand Canyon through the year?
The warmest month is July, with average highs of 84°F. The coldest nights come in December, averaging 24°F. The wettest month is August, with 2.7″ of precipitation. (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, GRAND CANYON VISITOR CTR, AZ US station.)
Is Grand Canyon open all year?
The North Rim is closed to vehicles roughly December–mid-May; the South Rim is open year-round. Dates shift with snow and weather each year, so check the park's current NPS conditions before you go.
Dive into a month
Comparing parks for the same trip? See how Grand Canyon ranks against all 63 parks in February, April and June.
Last verified 2026-09-24 · all parks