When to Go

There's no bad time to visit the canyon, though the busiest times of year are summer and spring break. Visiting the South Rim during these peak seasons, as well as holidays, requires patience and a tolerance for crowds. If you plan to hike into the canyon, be aware that temperatures rise as you descend; summer daytime highs at the bottom are often over 100º F. Fall and winter at the South Rim are spectacular and far less crowded. Note that weather changes on a whim in this exposed high-desert region. The North Rim shuts down mid-October through mid-May due to weather conditions and related road closures.