Weather Overview for Grand canyon
Located
in Arizona
of the US;
the Grand Canyon’s
climate varies by its location. Both borders being at high elevations, the
weather is generally cooler than the inner canyon, which is closer to sea
level. At any positioning of the canyon the weather can alter rapidly and
visitors should always be prepared for a variety of climates and conditions.
The
north border of the Grand Canyon,
experiences climates much colder than the south, and due to heavy snowfalls
that particular part of the park is usually closed every winter. With the south
border at 7,000 feet above sea level and the North at 8,000 feet, travellers
commonly experience altitude sickness.
Given
the Grand Canyon's
South Rim has an altitude 2135m above sea level means snow in the winter and
cool nights throughout the summer. The Inner Canyon;
located below the southern rim has a noticeably diverse climate. With it’s
location at the base alongside the Colorado
River its distance from the ground is roughly a mile
lower. Temperatures now along the Colorado
River at the canyon bottom can reach as high as 49°C.
Located
a lot higher than the South Rim, the North Rim is 2400m above sea level and can
obtain snow throughout the majority of the year. Weather is principally erratic
in spring and autumn so tourists to Grand
Canyon should be equipped for a variety of climates.
Typical
summer climates on the South edge are mildly enjoyable with climate
averaging between 10ºC to 20ºC. Where as the North Rim summer temperatures are
a lot colder than the temperatures in the South Rim due to amplified elevation
and can linger from anywhere between 5°C and 15°C. Inner canyon temperatures
are generally quite severe with daytime highs at the river; 1500m below the
rim, often exceeding 40ºC. Thunderstorms commonly take place throughout July,
August, and early September over the entire region.
Winter
conditions on both the North and South Rim can again be rather extreme.
Travellers visiting the South rim should always be prepared for snow, icy roads
and trails, and possible road closures. Even though streets on the South Rim
are ploughed when needed, the torrential snow still causes dangerous and
unstable driving conditions. Canyon outlooks can at times be provisionally
concealed by fog during passing storms; however entrance fees are yet still not
refundable because of adverse weather conditions. The North Rim can also
experience heavy snowfall throughout the winter months; therefore the road into
the North Rim is normally closed from the first heavy snow in November or early
December to mid-May.
Spring
and autumn weather in the Grand
Canyon is very unpredictable, hence visitors should
also be prepared for sudden changes in the weather at those times of year. May
and October can be some of the driest months and late April and May are the windiest, though
snowstorms may still take place. Spring and autumn distribute mild temperatures
with warm days and cooler nights, and can be the best times to for climbing in
the canyon.
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