Gift a River Trip with Hatch River Expeditions this Holiday Season! Going on a Grand Canyon river trip can be so...
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.
Find more information about the average weather by month in our FAQs!
What to do about the weather
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.