Grand Canyon Weather in March: 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

March in Grand Canyon54°F days, 25°F nights at South Rim (6,785 ft), with about 1.9 inches of precipitation and 8.1 inches of snow. Variable weather with late snowstorms possible. Hermit Road switches to shuttle-only on March 1.

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 March, 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 Rim49° / 20°
7,000 ftSouth Rim53° / 24°
2,460 ftInner canyon69° / 40°

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

March compared with the months around it

Month	Avg high	Avg low	Precipitation	Snowfall
February	46°F	21°F	1.2 in	7.8 in
March	54°F	25°F	1.9 in	8.1 in
April	61°F	29°F	0.6 in	2.8 in

March is 8°F warmer than February by day, and April warms another 7°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 March

Picked from Grand Canyon's average weather in March.

Sleeping bags rated 24°F and below

Nights average 25°F at South Rim, and higher campgrounds run colder. A bag rated about 10°F below the low keeps you warm.

Shop at Coleman

Tents with a full rainfly

March averages 1.9 inches of rain and melted snow here. A full-coverage rainfly keeps you and your gear dry.

Shop at Coleman Rain jacket on Amazon

Camp stoves

With nights near 25°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 March. A rechargeable lantern lights camp without a fire.

Shop at Coleman Warm jacket on Amazon Base layers on Amazon

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Grand Canyon in March: questions

What is the weather like in Grand Canyon in March?

At South Rim (6,785 ft), March averages 54°F by day and 25°F at night, with about 1.9 inches of precipitation. Variable weather with late snowstorms possible. Hermit Road switches to shuttle-only on March 1.

How cold does Grand Canyon get at night in March?

Nights average 25°F at South Rim. Up at North Rim (8,297 ft) expect it about 5°F colder, near 20°F.

Does it snow in Grand Canyon in March?

Yes. South Rim averages about 8.1 inches of snow in March, and higher areas get more.

How does March compare with February?

March averages 54°F by day, 8°F warmer than February, and April averages 61°F.

What should I wear in Grand Canyon in March?

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

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