Grand Canyon Weather in April: What to Expect and What to Pack

Monthly averages are NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. Check the NPS alerts page for road and trail closures before you go.

By John Love I've been here · Apr 2022Facts checked against NPS.gov · Updated October 6, 2026

April in Grand Canyon61°F days, 29°F nights at South Rim (6,785 ft), with about 0.6 inches of precipitation and 2.8 inches of snow. Cool, mostly dry spring days near 60°F on the South Rim; nights still near freezing. Strong winds are common.

Layered red and tan canyon walls seen from the South Rim — Looking across the canyon from the South Rim.Photo: John Love © Volt Grid Media, LLC

How elevation changes the weather in Grand Canyon

Estimated average high and low for each area in April, highest first. Air cools about 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet you climb, so the same day can feel like two different seasons.

8,297 ftNorth Rim56° / 24°
7,000 ftSouth Rim60° / 28°
2,460 ftInner canyon76° / 44°

Estimates based on the long-term average at South Rim (6,785 ft). Check the live forecast for each area above before you go.

April compared with the months around it

Month	Avg high	Avg low	Precipitation	Snowfall
March	54°F	25°F	1.9 in	8.1 in
April	61°F	29°F	0.6 in	2.8 in
May	70°F	36°F	0.4 in	0.1 in

April is 7°F warmer than March by day, and May warms another 9°F.

Weather hazards to plan for

Extreme heat below the rim, May through September (Phantom Ranch averages 106°F in July and has hit 120°F)
Monsoon lightning at exposed rim viewpoints, typically July to early September, mostly 11 am to 6 pm
Flash floods in side canyons and debris flows on burned North Rim slopes during summer storms
Icy, snow-packed rim trails and viewpoints in winter
Large day-night temperature swings; rim nights can drop below freezing from October through April

What to pack for Grand Canyon in April

Picked from Grand Canyon's average weather in April.

Sleeping bags rated 24°F and below

Nights average 29°F at South Rim, and higher campgrounds run colder. A bag rated about 10°F below the low keeps you warm.

Shop at Coleman

Camp stoves

With nights near 29°F, hot meals and drinks make mornings much easier. Stoves are usually allowed even when campfires are banned.

Shop at Coleman

Lanterns

Long, cold evenings come early in April. A rechargeable lantern lights camp without a fire.

Shop at Coleman Warm jacket on Amazon Base layers on Amazon

Some links above are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this works

Grand Canyon in April: questions

What is the weather like in Grand Canyon in April?

At South Rim (6,785 ft), April averages 61°F by day and 29°F at night, with about 0.6 inches of precipitation. Cool, mostly dry spring days near 60°F on the South Rim; nights still near freezing. Strong winds are common.

How cold does Grand Canyon get at night in April?

Nights average 29°F at South Rim. Up at North Rim (8,297 ft) expect it about 5°F colder, near 24°F.

Does it snow in Grand Canyon in April?

Yes. South Rim averages about 2.8 inches of snow in April, and higher areas get more.

How does April compare with March?

April averages 61°F by day, 7°F warmer than March, and May averages 70°F.

What should I wear in Grand Canyon in April?

Plan for warm layers, a puffy jacket, a hat and gloves. Check the forecast for each area you will visit a few days before you go.

Live forecast by areaThe 7-day National Weather Service forecast for each part of Grand Canyon, plus all 12 months side by side.Open the Grand Canyon weather guide

More for your Grand Canyon trip

Grand Canyon National Park guideFees, hours, maps, where to stay and a first-day plan.
Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National ParkWhen to visit Grand Canyon: South Rim and North Rim seasons, inner-canyon heat, monsoon storms, winter snow, crowds, and what is open in fall 2026.
Grand Canyon South Rim Itinerary: How to Spend 1 or 2 DaysA 1- or 2-day South Rim plan: free shuttle routes, Hermit Road, the best viewpoints, rim and below-rim day hikes, sunrise and sunset spots, and where to stay.
Best Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park15 Grand Canyon hikes from the paved Rim Trail to Plateau Point, with NPS distances, elevation, fall 2026 flood closures, water status and heat safety.
Camping in Grand Canyon National Park: Campgrounds, Reservations and TipsGrand Canyon camping for fall 2026: Mather, Desert View and North Rim campgrounds, Recreation.gov booking, dry camping rules, RV limits and backcountry permits.