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

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 62/100 · #8 of 12 months

January is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Grand Canyon National Park: crowds run 32% of the July peak (169,417 average visits), days average 42°F with 10 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 January

Grand Canyon averages 169,417 recreation visits in January — 32% of what July, the peak month, draws — the quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.

Average visits (January)

169,417 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

3.6% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

32%

Weather & daylight

Expect cold conditions (highs average 42°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 26°F). It is typically dry (1.8″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10 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 January.

What to pack for Grand Canyon in January

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

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 26°F, below freezing
Headlamp — only 10 hours of daylight in mid-January
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Grand Canyon are February and April.

Also at their best in January

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

Channel Islands in January — 35% of peak crowds, highs 66°F, score 76/100
Zion in January — 23% of peak crowds, highs 54°F, score 76/100
Carlsbad Caverns in January — 38% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 73/100
Mammoth Cave in January — 15% of peak crowds, highs 48°F, score 70/100

Common questions

Is Grand Canyon crowded in January?

No — January is one of the quieter months: 32% of the July peak, averaging 169,417 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Grand Canyon in January?

Average highs of 42°F, lows of 26°F, 1.8″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, GRAND CANYON VISITOR CTR, AZ US station).

What should I pack for Grand Canyon in January?

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Headlamp; 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 January?

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 January · Last verified 2026-09-12