Grand Canyon Weather Guide

Be prepared for your trip’s conditions

Weather Forecast

Wondering what to bring and wear on the Colorado River? Check the weather
before your trip so you can make last minute adjustments!

Check the 7 day forecast for Phantom Ranch at the bottom of Grand
Canyon.

photo of river guide with Oar raft on colorado river with clients on boat

Find more information about the average weather by month in our FAQs!

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Phantom Ranch, US
5:52 pm, Dec 3, 2024
temperature icon 57°F
scattered clouds
Humidity Humidity: 33 %
Pressure Pressure: 1022 hPa
Wind Wind: 6 mph
Wind Gust Wind Gust: 6 mph
Clouds Clouds: 44%
Visibility Visibility: 6 mi
Sunrise Sunrise: 7:23 am
Sunset Sunset: 5:14 pm

What to do about the weather

Weather is notoriously unpredictable the world over—Grand Canyon is no different! There are a few elements that we can pretty much guarantee you’ll need to prepare to encounter in the canyon: water, sand, and sun. For more specific details, we recommend checking the weather before your trip and packing what you’ll need to be comfortable even if conditions are not quite what you expect.
group getting pre trip education for grand canyon rafting trip with Hatch River Expeditions
group getting pre trip education for grand canyon rafting trip with Hatch River Expeditions

Cold Weather (Spring and sometimes Fall)

You are most likely to encounter cold weather in Grand Canyon on trips in April or May. Our packing list has suggestions for gear to bring to help keep you warm and comfortable—clothing items that insulate and keep you dry are the best. On these trips, make sure you have layers of clothing available that you can add or take away as needed, and be sure to have your rain gear on or at the ready!

Hot Weather (Summer)

Summer travel in Grand Canyon means being ready for temperatures well over 100°F. Although it may feel counterintuitive, we recommend wearing lightweight long sleeves and pants to cover your skin, keeping it cool and protected from the sun. Drenching your clothing and immersing your body in cool river water whenever you have the opportunity will also help you stay cool. If you are hiking, make sure to take breaks in the shade as often as you need. In camp, try to set up away from the rocks that will radiate the day’s heat throughout the night.

Rainy Weather (Anytime!)

Monsoon season on the Colorado Plateau occurs during July and August, which means if you are traveling with Hatch during this time, you may encounter some storms. Most last only an hour or two before moving on. We recommend having your lightweight rain gear ready in case a storm comes through while you’re traveling. If your trip is particularly stormy, you might want to set up a tent that you can quickly shelter inside it if it does start to rain while you’re in camp.