Grand Canyon Weather in May: 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

May in Grand Canyon70°F days, 36°F nights at South Rim (6,785 ft), with about 0.4 inches of precipitation and 0.1 inches of snow. Pleasant rim weather (highs near 70°F) and one of the driest months. The North Rim is typically closed to vehicles through May 14; inner-canyon highs reach the 90s °F.

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 May, 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 Rim65° / 31°
7,000 ftSouth Rim69° / 35°
2,460 ftInner canyon85° / 51°

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

May compared with the months around it

Month	Avg high	Avg low	Precipitation	Snowfall
April	61°F	29°F	0.6 in	2.8 in
May	70°F	36°F	0.4 in	0.1 in
June	82°F	43°F	0.2 in	0.0 in

May is 9°F warmer than April by day, and June warms another 12°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 May

Picked from Grand Canyon's average weather in May.

Sleeping bags rated 25–39°F

Nights average 36°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 36°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 May. 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 May: questions

What is the weather like in Grand Canyon in May?

At South Rim (6,785 ft), May averages 70°F by day and 36°F at night, with about 0.4 inches of precipitation. Pleasant rim weather (highs near 70°F) and one of the driest months. The North Rim is typically closed to vehicles through May 14; inner-canyon highs reach the 90s °F.

How cold does Grand Canyon get at night in May?

Nights average 36°F at South Rim. Up at North Rim (8,297 ft) expect it about 5°F colder, near 31°F.

Does it snow in Grand Canyon in May?

Rarely at South Rim, which averages only a trace to 0.1 inches in May. Higher areas can see snow, especially early or late in the month.

How does May compare with April?

May averages 70°F by day, 9°F warmer than April, and June averages 82°F.

What should I wear in Grand Canyon in May?

Plan for layers you can add and remove: a fleece or light puffy for mornings and evenings. 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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