Grand Canyon in February: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
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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). Weather: highs average 45°F and lows 27°F, with 1.4″ of precipitation and 10.9 hours of daylight. Roads and services are only partly open this month — see the access note below. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Grand Canyon in February
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 27°F, below freezing.
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
- Water bottles for the daySee it on AmazonWhy: hydration is one of the NPS Ten Essentials.
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Grand Canyon in February: what the park service says
In February, Grand Canyon's North Rim is closed for the winter: the park service keeps it open only through November 30 or the first major snowstorm, and its campground's tentative reopening date is May 15, 2027. Hikers should also know that the entire North Kaibab Trail, with Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground, has been closed since August 29, 2026 because of flash flooding, with no reopening date yet.
Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in February
Grand Canyon averages 180,693 recreation visits in February — 34% of what July, the peak month, draws — this is the second-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.
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). See every month at Grand Canyon.
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). Compare it with other national parks in February.
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. Going in March instead? Grand Canyon in March has its own list.
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 2026-09-24