South Rim weather at rim height
Grand Canyon South Rim weather follows the altitude. At about 7,000 feet (2,100 m) the rim is far cooler than the desert cities around it, and the inner canyon is far hotter than the rim. Winters bring snow, ice and freezing nights. Summers are mild during the day, with thunderstorms in the afternoon from July.
The figures on this page are long-term monthly normals for 1991 to 2020 from a weather station at the South Rim, at 6,785 ft (2,068 m). They are averages, not a forecast and not readings for a particular year. If you plan to join a Grand Canyon South Rim tour or hike, check the forecast a few days before you go.
Grand Canyon South Rim weather by month
Average daily high and low and total precipitation, 1991 to 2020 normals.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44 °F (6.8 °C) | 19 °F (-7.1 °C) | 1.8 in (44.7 mm) |
| February | 46 °F (7.9 °C) | 21 °F (-6.1 °C) | 1.2 in (31.2 mm) |
| March | 54 °F (12.0 °C) | 25 °F (-3.9 °C) | 1.9 in (47.0 mm) |
| April | 61 °F (16.1 °C) | 29 °F (-1.8 °C) | 0.6 in (16.3 mm) |
| May | 70 °F (21.1 °C) | 36 °F (2.0 °C) | 0.4 in (10.2 mm) |
| June | 82 °F (27.8 °C) | 43 °F (6.1 °C) | 0.2 in (5.6 mm) |
| July | 85 °F (29.4 °C) | 50 °F (10.2 °C) | 2.3 in (59.2 mm) |
| August | 82 °F (27.8 °C) | 50 °F (9.9 °C) | 2.2 in (55.6 mm) |
| September | 76 °F (24.3 °C) | 44 °F (6.5 °C) | 1.5 in (38.1 mm) |
| October | 65 °F (18.1 °C) | 33 °F (0.7 °C) | 1.2 in (31.2 mm) |
| November | 53 °F (11.8 °C) | 25 °F (-4.1 °C) | 0.8 in (19.6 mm) |
| December | 43 °F (6.1 °C) | 18 °F (-7.7 °C) | 1.3 in (31.8 mm) |
Precipitation is the water equivalent of rain and snow together. For most visitors, May, June and September give the warmest days without the monsoon storms, and the driest stretch is May and June. A walk along the rim is comfortable in most of those months. Do not apply these numbers to Phantom Ranch or the North Rim, which are different places.
Our pick: for a clear day
A short helicopter flight from Tusayan when the sky is clear.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Grand Canyon South Rim tours and flights
Guided tours, day trips and helicopter flights.
Weather by season
What each part of the year feels like at the rim.
Winter, December to February
Highs stay in the 40s °F (6 to 8 °C) and nights fall to about 18 to 21 °F (-8 to -6 °C). Expect snow and ice at the rim and short road or trail closures.
Grand Canyon in December →Spring, March to May
Late frosts and snow are possible, and the days warm quickly. April and May are dry. March and April also bring spring break crowds.
Best time to visit →Summer and the monsoon
June is dry and warm. Thunderstorms are common in July, August and early September, often between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Lightning and flash floods can happen even when the rain is far away.
Autumn, September to November
Autumn is drier on average than the monsoon months, but the weather can still change fast. Nights average about freezing in October and fall below it from November.
Grand Canyon snow
How much falls and when.
At the South Rim station an average of 43 inches (109 cm) of snow falls per year. December averages 8 inches (20.3 cm) and January 12.9 inches (32.8 cm). Annual totals of up to about 58 inches (147 cm) are quoted for other parts of the rim, because stations and measuring periods differ. These are totals of fresh snowfall, not the depth of snow lying on the ground. A white Christmas is possible but never certain.
Rim paths can ice over. Keep at least 2 m (6 ft) from the edge and stay behind railings.
Heat, daylight and what to pack
Weather matters most on the trail.
Heat in the canyon
In summer the river near Phantom Ranch is often above 100 °F (38 °C), much hotter than the rim. The park advises against hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in summer. Bring food and water, take breaks, and remember that drinking far too much water can also be dangerous.
Open trails and closures →Winter on the trail
Trails ice over. Slip-on traction aids and trekking poles are recommended. Do not expect an ice-free route.
Daylight through the year
The park keeps Mountain Standard Time all year. Sunrise and sunset in 2026: 1 January 7:39 a.m. and 5:25 p.m., 1 March 6:58 a.m. and 6:23 p.m., 1 June 5:13 a.m. and 7:40 p.m., 1 September 6:00 a.m. and 6:55 p.m., 1 December 7:20 a.m. and 5:14 p.m.
Sunrise and sunset spots →
Grand Canyon South Rim weather: frequently asked questions
What is the weather like at the Grand Canyon South Rim?
The rim is cool for its latitude because of the altitude. Average highs run from 43 °F (6.1 °C) in December to 85 °F (29.4 °C) in July, and winter nights fall below freezing.
What is the warmest month at the South Rim?
July, with an average high of 85 °F (29.4 °C), followed by June and August at 82 °F (27.8 °C). July and August are also the wettest months because of the monsoon storms.
Does it snow at the Grand Canyon?
Yes. The South Rim station averages 43 inches (109 cm) of snow a year, mostly from late autumn to spring. Snow can close AZ 64 or Desert View Drive for a short time.
When are thunderstorms most likely?
In July, August and early September, often between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Plan your walks along the rim for the morning and move indoors when you hear thunder.
Is the weather at the river the same as at the rim?
No. In summer the river is often above 100 °F (38 °C) while the rim stays milder. The monthly figures above apply only to the South Rim.