A Four Season Climate

The sun casting unique shadows on the canyon. It almost looks like Mickey Mouse ears!
The sun casting unique shadows on the canyon. It almost looks like Mickey Mouse ears!

The South Rim is open 365 days a year. Prepare for drastic differences in temperatures, humidity, and precipitation throughout the year. Each season has its’ advantages and disadvantages. The summer season is more crowded and temperatures can get pretty warm, especially at the lower level if you plan on hiking. However, you do not have to worry about any snow or road closures. However, you do have to be aware of monsoons, which happen frequently from June-August. These intense storms often come on suddenly even when the weather looks clear in the morning.

Weather can change very suddenly during summer monsoon season. Check the forecast in advance and attempt to plan your visit on a day that there is zero chance of rain, or else you may end up stuck on a trail with some pretty intense weather!
Weather can change very suddenly during summer monsoon season. Check the forecast in advance and attempt to plan your visit on a day that there is zero chance of rain, or else you may end up stuck on a trail with some pretty intense weather!

At 7000 feet elevation, the weather can vary dramatically over the course of the year. Unlike Southern Arizona, Northern Arizona sees four seasons. Summer temperatures are in the 80’s, although it can get up into the 100’s near Phantom Ranch. Afternoon storms are common during monsoon season (July-September). Lows can drop into the 40’s and 50’s. Lighting strikes are not all that uncommon. I recommend reading Over the Edge: Death at the Grand Canyon before visiting (an awesome book by the way).

Fall temperatures are typically in the 50’s-60’s or 70’s-80’s along the river. Along the rim, night temps can fall below freezing. It’s generally dry with little rain during this time. Be prepared for sudden dramatic weather changes (such as an early snowstorm). These are common in high elevation areas.

In the winter, you need to be on the lookout for road closures due to heavy snow. Check the park website for alerts prior to your visit. Snow typically begins in November and can last until April. The real cold begins to arrive by December, with afternoon highs in the 40’s by the rim (the same by the river as the cold becomes trapped) and lows in the teens. Average snow is 50-100 inches! It’s a beautiful time to visit, however, you must check weather reports and follow safety precautions. Not a great time to hike. As detailed in Over the Edge, some scary deaths have occurred during the cold months.

Spring temps vary from the 50’s-60’s early in the season to 70’s-80’s. Low temps are typically in the 40’s-50’s. Snow is still possible and the area can see strong winds, although rain isn’t common. Read more about the yearly temperature patterns and road closures on the National Park website’s Weather and Road Conditions page.

Transportation to the Grand Canyon

Arriving at the Grand Canyon via the Grand Canyon Railway is one option for a stress-free trip.
Arriving at the Grand Canyon via the Grand Canyon Railway is one option for a stress-free trip.

The closest major airport to the Grand Canyon is Phoenix Sky Harbor, a 3.5 hour drive from the entrance. Although this is doable, it would severely limit your time at the canyon, unless of course you have a hotel booked. Renting a car and staying in a hotel closer to the entrance like Flagstaff (80 miles way) or Williams (60 miles) will maximize your time at the canyon and shorten your drive. Flagstaff is a popular base location as it offers plenty of budget friendly hotels, a historic downtown with lots of local restaurants and pubs, and many great attractions of its’ own (Walnut Canyon, Buffalo Park, and various hiking trails to name a few).

Williams is a good option if you plan on taking the Grand Canyon Railway, or if you are looking for a shorter morning drive as the canyon is located just 60 miles north of Williams.  The Railway, which departs on a daily basis, is a 2 1/2 hour scenic ride in your choice of a budget-friendly or more luxury passenger car. Snacks and drinks for purchase, on-site country-western entertainment, and a pre departure Wild West Shootout show are some of the perks of booking a ride on the railway. If you need a break from driving, a ride on the Railway may be the way to go (just be prepared to pay a lot more!). Read more about the Grand Canyon Railway.

Riding the Grand Canyon Railway to the Grand Canyon's South Rim

Lodging at the Grand Canyon

There are 6 lodging options at the canyon, all of which fill up extremely fast, especially during the busy warmer seasons. Book your stay months in advance to guarantee your property and room of choice. Below is a brief overview of the various accommodations.

The historic El Tovar hotel is built just 20 feet from the rim!
The historic El Tovar hotel is built just 20 feet from the rim!

El Tovar – The El Tovar hotel, located just 20 miles from the rim, is the luxury lodging option at the South Rim. As so, it tends to fill up well in advance. The historic accommodations, built back in 1905, offers 78 rooms, no 2 of which are alike. Rates vary from $197 for a standard room to $321 for a deluxe.

Bright Angel Lodge – The Bright Angel Lodge is the more budget-friendly hotel alternative to the El Tovar. Both lodge rooms and rustic cabins are available. Rates range from $89 for a standard lodge room to $197 for a Rim Cabin with a fireplace.

Phantom Lodge – Phantom is the only lodging available at the bottom of the canyon. Quite unique as it can only be accessed through a mule ride, hike, or rafting trip. Space is very limited and reservations must be made well in advance. You can hike to Phantom’s Ranch via a 7.3 mile walk along the South Kalibab trail. Dorm style rooms, available exclusively for hikers, and cabins are available. A cabin for 2 runs $135 while a dorm is $47 per person.

Maswik Lodge – These hotel rooms are more modern as they were just built in the 60’s. 250 rooms built within the Ponderosa pines are available, just steps from the canyon. It was named after a Hopi Kachina, whom is said to guard the canyon. The North Rooms, which are a bit bigger and features extras like a Keurig and a larger fridge are $196, while the smaller South room are $102.

Thunderbird Lodge – Like Maswik, Thunderbird opened in the late 60’s, and thus, features a more contemporary design. It also sits directly on the rim, and therefore, is popular with tourists due to the convenient access to area activities. Being located right on the Rim Trail, it is the perfect option for exercise enthusiasts looking to complete a hike during their visit. Modern amenities like a Keurig and flatscreen TV are available. Some rooms feature partial canyon views, and are priced at $221, while rooms without a view are $205.

Kachina Lodge – Kachina is another modern lodging option, built in the late 60’s like the Thunderbird and Maswik. The lodge is located within walking distance to the Bright Angel trail, Kolb studio, and several gift shops. Like Thunderbird, it’s location directly on the Rim trail makes it a perfect choice for hikers. Partial canyon view rooms are $221, while street view rooms are $205.

*Rates are for the 2015 season. Expect prices to increase slightly in 2016. These are the only lodging choices at the South Rim. The next closest option would be renting a cabin or camping within the Kalibab National Park, a 1.6 million acre forest which borders both the North and South Rim.

Gorgeous views of the Grand Canyon from the Rim Trail

Helpful tips for your visit

*Bring a water bottle and refill it at the spring water stations. The dry, high altitude climate means you must drink tons of water to stay hydrated.

*Wear plenty of sunscreen. There really isn’t much in the way of shade.

*Wear gym shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking and will be much more comfortable.

*Research lodging options and book at least half a year in advance. You need more than one day to take in all the sights!

*If signing up for a rafting or helicopter trip, book well in advance to ensure your desired date.

*Bring a quality camera and tripod, if available.

*Visit on a free national park day to save on the pricey entrance fee. Check the National Park website for a list of free days throughout the year.

Gorgeous views at the Grand Canyon's South Rim

Address & Admission Fees

The South Rim is open 365 days per year. Lodging, camping, and food are also open year-round. Admission is $35 per vehicle or $20 per person for those traveling by foot or bike (15 an under are free).

For directions to the Grand Canyon from a variety of starting points, visit the National Park website.

Have you visited the South Rim of the Grand Canyon? What was your favorite scenic overlook?