Grand Canyon in February: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Best window · VisitWhen score 66/100 · #1 of 12 months

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Grand Canyon National Park: crowds run 34% of the July peak (180,693 average visits), days average 45°F with 10.9 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Partial access: The North Rim is closed to vehicles roughly December–mid-May; the South Rim is open year-round. Current NPS conditions →

Crowds in February

Grand Canyon averages 180,693 recreation visits in February — 34% of what July, the peak month, draws — the second-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.

Average visits (February)

180,693 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

3.9% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

34%

Weather & daylight

It is properly cold (highs average 45°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 27°F). It is typically dry (1.4″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10.9 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station GRAND CANYON VISITOR CTR, AZ US (1 mi from park coordinates, 7,083 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of February.

What to pack for Grand Canyon in February

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 27°F, below freezing
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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Also at their best in February

Other parks whose computed February verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

Zion in February — 25% of peak crowds, highs 58°F, score 80/100
Shenandoah in February — 9% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 77/100
Capitol Reef in February — 10% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 76/100
Carlsbad Caverns in February — 39% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 76/100

Common questions

Is Grand Canyon crowded in February?

No — February is one of the quieter months: 34% of the July peak, averaging 180,693 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Grand Canyon in February?

Average highs of 45°F, lows of 27°F, 1.4″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, GRAND CANYON VISITOR CTR, AZ US station).

What should I pack for Grand Canyon in February?

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

Is everything open at Grand Canyon in February?

The North Rim is closed to vehicles roughly December–mid-May; the South Rim is open year-round. Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.

See also: the best national parks to visit in February · Last verified 2026-09-12