Discover the Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon

With millions of years of geological history, Grand Canyon National Park is a marvel everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. But do you know when the best time to visit the Grand Canyon is? We're here to help!

Though you should take the opportunity to visit Grand Canyon National Park any chance you get, there are definite perks to timing your trip for the best weather and fewest crowds. There are a couple of seasons to pick from when it comes to the best time to visit the Grand Canyon, too. Once you're there, there are so many things to do in the Grand Canyon, and you might never want to leave. 

You'll need several days to explore the Grand Canyon National park - and even then, you'll probably only reach the very tip of this particularly rocky iceberg. Even so, when it comes to where to stay near Grand Canyon, there are a few Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts to choose from. Keep reading below to learn more about the best time to visit the Grand Canyon and where to stay near Grand Canyon. And thenbook that trip you've been dreaming of!

Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon

The summer weather in the Grand Canyon is perfect, with daytime highs in the 80s. It's also the time of year when many people are on summer vacations, making this the Grand Canyon's peak season. It's a delightful place to visit in the summer, but if crowds aren't your thing, summer is certainly not the best time to visit the Grand Canyon.

Winter's can be cold and snowy, but that is its own kind of magic. It's certainly the least crowded time to visit the Grand Canyon, though you'll be more limited on what you can do while there. Big crowds and weather limitations don't mean you can't visit the park, and it just means you'll want to prepare differently. 

So when is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon? You have your pick of spring, between March and May, or fall, between September and November. These shoulder seasons are a magical time to visit this extraordinary national treasure. 

Spring in the Grand Canyon

Spring is considered by many to be the best time to visit the Grand Canyon. During these spring months, temperatures will slowly rise, resulting in cool but mild temperatures - perfect for working up a sweat on hiking trails!  

The heavy crowds of summer don't start arriving until June, so that means you'll get to hit those trails and take in the majestic views of the canyon without the throngs of tourists, too.

Spring is also sensationally beautiful, as Mother Nature begins her grand reawakening after a long winter. Witnessing the spring bloom is one of the many reasons we consider this the best time to visit the Grand Canyon. 

The only thing to be aware of, especially in early spring, is potential snowfall on the North Rim. It can still be closed at this time of year. The South Rim, however, is open all year-round. Take plenty of layers, and keep an eye on the weather. 

Fall in the Grand Canyon

Another excellent option for finding the best time to visit the Grand Canyon is fall. Temperatures at this time of year are usually in the 60s - 70s, making it perfectly mild to enjoy the best things to do in the Grand Canyon.

There are, once again, far fewer crowds in the area as family's return to school, work, and routines, leaving the National Parks a veritable playground for the flexible outdoor enthusiast. 

Visiting the Grand Canyon in the fall also gives you a chance to enjoy the stunning fall foliage in nearby Flagstaff. The contrast between the sapphire blue skies and brightly colored foliage offering hues of reds, yellows, and purples is incredible. 

Just because we think spring and fall make the best time to visit the Grand Canyon doesn't mean you can't visit at other times of the year. Just be prepared for the weather and take the proper precautions - which rings true anytime you visit such a vast space as this. 

Where to Stay Near Grand Canyon

As you hone in on what, for you, looks to be the best time to visit the Grand Canyon, let's also talk about where to stay near Grand Canyon. Depending on how long you plan to be in the area and what you plan on doing while here, it will help you determine where to stay near Grand Canyon. Utilizing Select Registry's network of luxury Inns, you can also plan a road trip through northern Arizona (and beyond)!

Flagstaff is the closest major city to the Grand Canyon, but it's still about an hour south of Grand Canyon National Park. Instead of staying in Flagstaff, one of the best places to stay near the Grand Canyon is actually the charming, small town of Williams, Arizona. With plenty of Route 66 history, a charming downtown, and a wide variety of outdoor activities, there's no shortage of things to do in Williams, AZ, apart from spending your time at Grand Canyon National Park. 

The Grand Canyon is also about two hours north of the beautiful town of Sedona, famous for its healing energies, stunning red rock formations, and delightfully artistic community. We highly recommend you spend at least a day or two exploring Sedona while you're in northern Arizona. There are even a couple of luxurious Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts located there as well.

We've said it already, but we think it bears repeating. While we believe there is a best time to visit the Grand Canyon (or two great seasons, at the very least), we don't think there's a bad time to visit. Honestly, this National Park is stunning at any time of year, and it just depends on what kind of vacation you're looking for. 

As you think about what you want from your vacation, we're sure the time you choose will end up being the best time to visit the Grand Canyon - especially when you stay at our Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts in Arizona. We can't wait to see you this year!

Top Places to Stay for a Unique Grand Canyon Escape

Sheridan House Inn

You will hardly believe you are in Arizona when you arrive at the secluded forested mountain surrounding the Sheridan House Inn, a true oasis in this desert state. Located just an hour from some of the earth’s greatest treasures, including the majestic Grand Canyon and the inspiring red rocks of Sedona, this bed and breakfast in the pines is a world away from the tourist crowds, while close enough to see the sights - or do nothing at all. Life’s stresses and the chaos of traveling melt away as you unwind and reconnect with the one you love, leaving better than you came.

Each of the eight unique rooms offers thoughtfully appointed amenities and contemporary décor, all designed to enhance the experience of guests, from the 2-person rain showers to the high-end mattress toppers which envelope you in comfort. Breakfast is an experience, with ever changing menus and 4 entrée choices daily, each cooked-to-order and served in the dining room, the porch when weather permits, or in the comfort of your room. Outdoor living spaces become a gathering place for guests from all over the world who compare the day’s adventures in the mountains of northern Arizona.  

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Canyon Villa Bed and Breakfast Inn of Sedona

Experience Red Rock Views from your bed, patio, or deck in 10 of our 11 Elegant Guestrooms. As a custom-built, classic Bed & Breakfast Inn, Canyon Villa Inn in Arizona is uniquely located and designed to capture the visual experience of Sedona's world-famous Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte. "Stunning" and "breathtaking" are words heard daily as guests arrive at our door daily from around the world.

With the highlands desert for a backyard, this casual yet elegant Arizona bed and breakfast is a place to just be…to breathe…to join in or retreat in personal solitude. Sedona is the place for amazing adventures with back road jeep 4x4'ing, extensive, all levels hiking & biking, horseback riding, hot air balloon adventures, touring wine country, we have it all! For guests venturing to other parts of Northern Arizona including the Grand Canyon, then Canyon Villa and Sedona are an ideal base from which you can center your entire adventure.

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Adobe Grand Villas

Welcome to one of Sedona, Arizona's finest luxury inns! When planning a vacation to our beautiful city of Sedona, AZ, consider us first for your travel accommodations. Fill your days with the adventure and beauty only Sedona  can offer, then bask in luxury at our private villas and be pampered in our "Mansion Style" master suites. Each guest accommodation includes a variety of premium luxury amenities including fireplaces, private patios, tubs for two, FREE WiFi in Villa and throughout the property, and much, much more.  Look no further than Adobe Grand Villas when looking for a Sedona Arizona Bed and Breakfast.

Experience the hospitality and attention to detail that makes the Adobe Grand Villas a 5-star luxury inn. Come see why our guests are raving about our accommodations. When your travel plans bring you to Sedona, AZ, remember to think of the Adobe Grand Villas® first! Book your luxury accommodations today!

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