double clickWeather in Grand Canyon on the Colorado River
Grand Canyon
6 or 7 Day Rafting Vacation

Weather in Grand Canyon

Although the weather in Grand Canyon is warm and sunny for the most part, Mother Nature will occasionally surprise us with a renewing rainstorm or cooler temperatures. As you review the weather information provided here, bear in mind that weather and temperatures at the bottom of the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River can differ vastly from forecasts at the higher surrounding elevations on the rim and beyond - such is the vastness of a place like the Grand Canyon! For the most accurate river-level forecast be sure to check the Phantom Ranch section below.

Temperature and Precipitation Averages in Grand Canyon

MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT
Mean Max. Temp 71° 82° 92° 101° 106° 103° 96° 84°
Mean Min. Temp. 48° 56° 63° 71° 79° 75° 70° 58°
Precipitation .79" .47" .36" .30" .84" 1.4" .97" .65"

Weather Forecast for Colorado River in Grand Canyon from Phantom Ranch

Phantom Ranch is located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon where the footbridges take hikers and mule trains across the Colorado River. Forecasts for this location are much more indicative of what you'll find on the Colorado River.

Phantom Ranch Forecast (NOAA)



Water Temperatures in Grand Canyon

Water temperatures in the Colorado River average 50° year round as it flows from the Glen Canyon Dam. Side streams and waterfalls where we occasionally stop for hikes can be much warmer.

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Pack Your Rain Gear »

Since weather conditions can be unpredictable and river water in the Grand Canyon is 52°, we recommend having a two-piece rain suit available during the day. You may wish to fold it tightly and keep it in your personal day-use dry bag.

See Packing List