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Grand Canyon Weather
The
South Rim is 7000 feet above sea level, which means snow in winter and
cool nights even in summer. Inner canyon hiking (below the rim) is
another story, however: summer temperatures along the Colorado River at
the canyon bottom can reach 120º F. The North Rim is 8000 feet above sea
level and can receive snow throughout most of the year. Weather is
particularly changeable in spring and fall; visitors should be prepared
for a variety of climates.
The high altitude of both
the South and North Rims may cause visitors with respiratory or heart
problems to experience difficulties. All walking at this elevation can
be strenuous.
SUMMER
Summer temperatures on the South Rim,
at 7000 feet/2134 n are relatively pleasant (50°-80° F/l10°-20°
C). But at 2400 feet/732 m inner canyon temperatures are
extreme. Daytime highs at the river often exceed 100° F/38° C.
North Rim summer temperatures are cooler than those on the South Rim due
to increased elevation. The North Rim is 8000 feet/2438 m above
sea level.
WINTER
Winter conditions at the South Rim can
be extreme. Expect snow, icy roads and trails, and possible road
closures. Canyon views may be temporarily obscured during winter storms.
In such cases entrance fees are not refundable. The road from Jacob Lake
to the North Rim (Highway 67) is closed during the winter months.
SPRING AND FALL
Spring and fall weather is extremely
unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather at those
times of year.
Weather Statistics from Grand Canyon Airport
|
Month |
Average high |
Average low |
Warmest on
record |
Coldest on
record |
Average
precipitation |
Average
snowfall |
|
JAN. |
41 |
18 |
68 |
-22 |
1.5 |
15.8 |
|
FEB. |
45 |
21 |
65 |
-17 |
1.6 |
12.6 |
|
MARCH |
51 |
25 |
74 |
-7 |
1.4 |
9.7 |
|
APRIL |
60 |
32 |
81 |
9 |
0.9 |
3.2 |
|
MAY |
70 |
39 |
89 |
10 |
0.6 |
1.6 |
|
JUNE |
81 |
46 |
98 |
26 |
0.4 |
Trace |
|
JULY |
84 |
54 |
98 |
35 |
1.9 |
Trace |
|
AUG. |
81 |
53 |
96 |
35 |
2.3 |
Trace |
|
SEPT. |
76 |
47 |
93 |
22 |
1.6 |
Trace |
|
OCT. |
65 |
36 |
82 |
13 |
1.2 |
0.9 |
|
NOV. |
52 |
27 |
78 |
-1 |
0.9 |
5.3 |
|
DEC. |
43 |
20 |
70 |
-14 |
1.7 |
12.5 |
|