Grand Canyon Weather in October: 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

October in Grand Canyon65°F days, 33°F nights at South Rim (6,785 ft), with about 1.2 inches of precipitation and 1.1 inches of snow. Crisp and mostly dry (South Rim highs near 65°F, lows near 33°F). The first snow is possible late in the month. On the North Rim, Cape Royal and Point Imperial roads close Oct 15 to Nov 3, 2026 for repairs, and the campground closes after Oct 15.

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 October, 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 Rim60° / 28°
7,000 ftSouth Rim64° / 32°
2,460 ftInner canyon80° / 48°

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

October compared with the months around it

Month	Avg high	Avg low	Precipitation	Snowfall
September	76°F	44°F	1.5 in	0.0 in
October	65°F	33°F	1.2 in	1.1 in
November	53°F	25°F	0.8 in	2.2 in

October is 11°F cooler than September by day, and November cools 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 October

Picked from Grand Canyon's average weather in October.

Sleeping bags rated 24°F and below

Nights average 33°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 33°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 October. 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 October: questions

What is the weather like in Grand Canyon in October?

At South Rim (6,785 ft), October averages 65°F by day and 33°F at night, with about 1.2 inches of precipitation. Crisp and mostly dry (South Rim highs near 65°F, lows near 33°F). The first snow is possible late in the month. On the North Rim, Cape Royal and Point Imperial roads close Oct 15 to Nov 3, 2026 for repairs, and the campground closes after Oct 15.

How cold does Grand Canyon get at night in October?

Nights average 33°F at South Rim. Up at North Rim (8,297 ft) expect it about 5°F colder, near 28°F.

Does it snow in Grand Canyon in October?

Yes. South Rim averages about 1.1 inches of snow in October, and higher areas get more.

How does October compare with September?

October averages 65°F by day, 11°F cooler than September, and November averages 53°F.

What should I wear in Grand Canyon in October?

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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