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Grand Canyon West Weather

This weather is for the Grand Canyon West – Skywalk, Kingman, Peach Springs, Arizona area.

26 Responses

  1. Hi, I would like to know what the weather and temperatures are from October 6-10, 2014, for the west end of the Grand Canyon. My husband and I are planning a trip for these dates.
    Thank you, D. Moore

    1. Donna,
      Early October is generally in the 70’s and 80’s at Grand Canyon West. It is a great time to visit because of the nice weather. I would recommend this time of the year to you. October is my favorite time of the year to be at the Canyon.
      Karlyn

    1. Ellen,

      November is generally good the first half. And oftentimes, will be good the whole month. Sometimes some storms will show up in the Thanksgiving time period that make Grand Canyon West difficult to visit.

      However, the Road is now COMPLETELY paved out to Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk, so that changes everything. It is now a Year Around destination without the worry of how weather will affect your ability to get there.

      Inclement weather now just affects your view when you arrive at Grand Canyon West. The Thanksgiving time period is often a time when many people will visit Grand Canyon West from Las Vegas.

      I hope this helps as you plan your Grand Canyon vacation.

      Thank You,

      Karlyn

  2. We are looking into doing the Mule ride with spending the night down at the Phantom Ranch. We were told that is what quite hot in early April. Can you let us know the best time for this trip, early spring or would late summer/fall be better. Not only the weather but also the vistas. thank you.

    1. Donna,

      First of all, given that you are leaving this comment in our West Weather I do want to clarify that the Mule Rides ONLY go from the South Rim down to Phantom Ranch, not the West/Grand Canyon West area of the Canyon.

      Also, you will notice that April’s Inner Canyon average high is 82 Degree’s. Depending on whether it is early April or late April, you can expect 82 degree’s more near late April. Notice that March is 71 and that May is 92 on average. April is a transition month and for the most part is very temperate, but you can have a Warm Day.

      I personally would not consider 82 quite hot. I hike in the Canyon a lot in May…and for the most part, it is very enjoyable. So, to me, April is an ideal month to be in the Canyon. I like the Spring time when everything is green….and, now and again, a late winter/early spring storm can make things interesting.

      Now, with that said, what is the best time for this trip: Late September through early November…why? Because generally the weather is more stable and consistent. The Temperatures are moderate and ideal. And, often, the leaves are turning and it’s just downright pleasant! It’s my favorite time of the year to be in the Canyon!

      And finally, not to throw cold water on everything…BUT the hardest time of the year to get on the Mule Ride to Phantom is late September and October….because of what I said above. However, if you don’t ask, you don’t receive…so, be on the phone with Xanterra at 888-297-2757 dialing, redialing, redialing…if you get the recording that they are not open yet…immediately redial and stay on the line if you get in the Queue as it is first come, first serve (Don’t Hang Up!)…by 7AM Mountain Daylight Time 13 months prior to the Month you would like to go down to Phantom Ranch. So, for October 2015, be on the phone October 1st, 2014 at 7AM MDT. This sells out within minutes…so you also have to be flexible and willing to take whatever dates are available and work your Travel Plans around that date…ALSO have Credit Card in hand and confirm as soon as the Agent let’s you know what the Availability is. YES, it sells out that fast!

      Remember you must weigh less than 200 lbs, speak fluent English, and not be afraid of heights. Also, not have any physical limitations that would prevent you from riding a mule.

      Thank you for your question,

      Karlyn

      Here are the Average Temperatures in the Inner Canyon:

      Average Temperatures in the Inner Canyon

      JAN

      FEB

      MAR

      APR

      MAY

      JUN

      JUL

      AUG

      SEP

      OCT

      NOV

      DEC

      High(F)

      56

      62

      71

      82

      92

      101

      106

      103

      97

      84

      68

      57

      Low(F)

      36

      42

      48

      56

      63

      72

      78

      75

      69

      58

      46

      37

      High(C)

      13

      17

      22

      28

      33

      38

      41

      39

      36

      29

      20

      14

      Low(C)

      2

      6

      9

      13

      17

      22

      26

      24

      21

      14

      8

      2

  3. Myself and my friends will going to Las Vegas this weekend, and we are interested go to see the Grand Canyon as well as the skywalk, for the driving part, will we need the snow tire for snowing or normal driving should be fine?

  4. Having been already to south rim, what’s best to do in May? I will be in Sedona for 4 days in Early May and want to spend like 4 or 5 days at the canyon, maybe the west side.. Any recommendations?

  5. I was just wondering if the skywalk has to close often? Someone told me that they are forced to close because of storms that come through the canyon.
    Thanks

    1. It doesn’t happen very often but there are times when it has to close. What happens more often than storm that closes Grand Canyon West, is wind or heat that shuts down the helicopter tours.

  6. Please give me your expert advices of what time of the year is best for visiting Havasupai Falls.
    Thank you so much.
    Tony V.

    1. Tony,

      There’s a BEST time of the Year…and then there’s a WHEN you can get a Permit time of the year.

      I would recommend Late April/May and Late September/October to you. However, I know that is when anyone else that knows how beautiful Havasupai Falls are…is also looking to go there. So, go take a look at the video 2nd down on the Havasupai Falls Arizona page: https://grandcanyon.com/planning/south-rim-planning-planning/havasupai-falls-arizona/

      You MUST be on the Phones endlessly starting February 1st when they open the permits for next year.

      Unfortunately, some incredible video’s and articles have gone viral this year…and it is sold out for 2016…and probably will go really fast for 2017 too!

      I hope this helps you with your planning.

      Thank You,

      Karlyn

  7. I’m wondering if Christmas USA good time to come out. My granddaughters are out of school and it’s the time of year we hope to take a Vacation

    1. Debbie,

      Yes, Christmas is a good time to visit Grand Canyon West. It is actually a popular time in the Winter when people do come to visit the Grand Canyon.

      There is the possibility of Snow storms, so you need to remain a bit flexible in your planning. Although, that very rarely affects a visit to Grand Canyon West. The South Rim can become a big challenge in a Snow storm.

      However, Snow makes the Grand Canyon much more beautiful for photo’s.

      Dress appropriately, be flexible…and it’s a good time to visit.

      Thank You,

      Karlyn

  8. We are planning a Canyon tour in Dec about 9 or 10. We have quite a limited time there. We have two elderly and two teenagers with us.
    1) Which should we choose the West or South rim? We want to come back by dinner time. Is the helicopter ride safe during winter and the boat ride too?
    2) Want to spend more time in Las too.
    3) Winter need to dress like inter wear?

    Jane

  9. Jane,

    You can ONLY choose Grand Canyon West in order to be back in Las Vegas by Dinner time. The South Rim is 4 1./2 hours away one-way.

    The Helicopter and Boat Ride at Grand Canyon West are as safe as those activities can be all year around.

    Again, given that you want to spend more time in Las Vegas, I definitely recommend that you go to Grand Canyon West for the day.

    Winter Wear at Grand Canyon West is generally a coat and gloves on those colder December days.

    Thank You,

    Karlyn

  10. Hello,

    I’m part of a group of three adults that are hoping to visit the Grand Canyon and do the “over the edge” helicopter/boat combo tour in late August. Reading through the above comments has made me question, what are the odds this will be postponed or cancelled due to the heat? If that’s likely, is it better to look at an earlier morning flight time?

    Regards,
    Lucy.

    1. Lucy,

      It’s a good idea to shoot for an earlier morning tour in August. It’s not often that the tours are Cancelled due to heat…however, this coming weekend June 17th – June 20th there is an excessive heat warning and tours may be Cancelled due to heat.

      Enjoy,

      Karlyn

  11. Which rim of the canyon is best for visitors from India who have never seen anything like this.
    We were thin of the west rim because of the skywalk.
    What is your recommendation

    1. Samina,

      It comes down to what you expect of your Grand Canyon visit.

      If you are looking for those huge vista’s that you’ve most likely seen pictures of over time…you should visit the South Rim first.

      If you are looking specifically to walk on the Skywalk and experience a Native American portion of the Grand Canyon then Grand Canyon West is a great choice.

      Thank You,

      Karlyn

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