Should You Visit Grand Canyon in September? Yes! Here’s Why

Both rims are open. Rim temperatures are mild. Inner canyon temperatures are tolerable. That’s what it’s like visiting the Grand Canyon in September! I visited Grand Canyon National Park in September, and it was the perfect time to explore the North Rim, South Rim, and the inner canyon.

I picked September to visit the Grand Canyon because both rims are open, and a perfect combination of mild rim temperatures and tolerable inner canyon conditions is present this time of year.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting the Grand Canyon in September, including weather, crowds, and valuable tips. On top of what you can expect, I’ll share where to stay and what to do in Grand Canyon in September.

But first, five reasons why it’s a great idea to visit Grand Canyon National Park in September!

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Should You Visit Grand Canyon in September? Yes! Here’s Why

1. The North Rim is open.

A huge perk of visiting the Grand Canyon in September is that the North Rim is open! The North Rim closes to vehicles from December 1 to May 14, but visitor services aren’t available beginning October 16.

So the window to visit the North Rim is pretty slim. And the window to visit the North Rim when the South Rim and inner canyon temperatures are also tolerable is even slimmer.

2. Rim temperatures are mild.

During the month of September, the South Rim temperatures average around 76 degrees F during the day and 47 degrees F at night, which is ideal for hiking, biking, camping, and driving.

During the month of September, the North Rim temperatures average around 69 degrees F during the day and 39 degrees F overnight, which is also great for all of the outdoorsy activities.

3. Inner canyon conditions are tolerable.

The inner canyon temperatures average around 97 degrees F during the day and 69 degrees F overnight in September.

The inner canyon can get around 15 degrees hotter than the South Rim. Obviously, the further you go into the canyon, the closer it will get to that temperature.

We ventured about 3 miles into the canyon to Skeleton Point, and the temperature never exceeded 75 degrees. This was in mid-September 2024.

4. Camping conditions are fantastic.

The window for tolerable camping conditions on both the North Rim and the South Rim (and also the inner canyon) is pretty slim.

Overnight temperatures are most tolerable on the North Rim from June through September. However, the South Rim’s and the inner canyon’s daytime temperatures are most tolerable in the spring and fall, leaving September as your best option for tolerable conditions all day and all night on both rims and the inner canyon!

5. Kids have gone back to school.

If you visit the Grand Canyon in March (spring break time) or the summer, you will likely see a plethora of school buses and hordes of kids.

In September, we saw a total of maybe five kids the entire week that we were in the Grand Canyon!

While the crowds were certainly there, the lack of kids was very noticeable and generated a totally different experience than in other months.

Planning Your Trip to Grand Canyon in September

Now that I’ve (possibly!) convinced you to visit Grand Canyon in September, here are some things you can expect.

Grand Canyon in September: Weather

September is a fantastic time to visit the Grand Canyon! Daytime temperatures are comfortable on the rims, and even in the inner canyon. Nighttime temperatures are still warm enough to camp on both rims, and mild enough to camp in the inner canyon.

In September, daytime temperatures in the Grand Canyon South Rim hover around 76 degrees F while overnight temperatures average around 47 degrees F.

In September, daytime temperatures in the Grand Canyon North Rim hover around 69 degrees F while overnight temperatures average around 39 degrees F.

And while inner canyon temperatures can climb into the 90s in September, temperatures aren’t usually that high just a mile or two below the rim.

Rainfall chances are sporadic in September, varying from rim to rim. On average in September, 1.5 inches of precipitation falls on the South Rim, 1 inch in the inner canyon, and 2 inches on the North Rim.

Grand Canyon in September: Crowds

An average of 430,000 people visit the Grand Canyon in September. However, 90% of visitors stay on the South Rim, never dipping below the rim, and never venturing to the North Rim.

For fewer crowds, I’d recommend…

• Hiking below the Rim – The further you go into the canyon, the fewer people you’ll see. For example, we hiked to Skeleton Point (3 miles below the South Rim) and we had the entire viewpoint to ourselves.
• Venturing to the North Rim – It’s much more remote than the South Rim.
• Stepping away from the Village – If you want to stay on the South Rim, venture away from the Village (the lodges, visitor center, campgrounds, restaurants, etc). Ideas: drive Desert View, hike to Shoshone Point, bike Hermit Road, etc.

READ NEXT: Grand Canyon North Rim Vs. South Rim: Which Is Best?

Grand Canyon in September: Tips For Your Visit

Book your accommodations well in advance. Overnight stays in the Grand Canyon book up quickly, so I’d recommend planning your trip early and booking your stays well in advance. Campground reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance and in-park lodging reservations can be made up to a year in advance. To stay at Phantom Ranch, the only lodging below the rim, you’ll need to apply for the difficult lottery 15 months in advance.

Pack layers. Temperatures vary from rim to rim, rim to canyon, and even morning to mid-day, so always be prepared to add and shed layers as needed.

Avoid crowds by venturing away from the Village. 90% of Grand Canyon visitors never venture outside of the South Rim, so to escape the crowds, hike into the canyon and/or visit the North Rim.

Never attempt to hike rim to river to rim in one day. Many rescues in the park happen because hikers are attempting to hike to the Colorado River and back in one day. I’d only recommend going 3 to 4 miles MAX into the canyon in one day – and that’s only if you’re experienced!

You’ll need to win a lottery to camp or stay below the rim. The only lodging below the rim is Phantom Ranch – staying here requires applying for (and winning) a lottery 15 months in advance. Backcountry camping below the rim also requires entering a lottery – requests can be made up to 4 months in advance.

READ NEXT: 6 Helpful Things to Know Before Visiting the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon in September: What to Do

Here are five of the best things to do in the Grand Canyon in September!

Cruise Desert View Drive

Desert View Drive is a 23-mile scenic drive that runs along the rim, starting at the Grand Canyon Village and stretching to the park’s east entrance. The shuttle does not operate on Desert View Drive (aside from Pipe Creek Vista), so you’ll need to hop in your personal vehicle for this adventure.

There are many points of interest along Desert View Drive, including scenic overlooks, picnic areas, hiking trails, and of course, the famous watchtower.

If you are short on time and don’t have time to make every stop, here are the stops I’d recommend prioritizing:

• Duck on a Rock – overlook
• Grandview Point – overlook and hiking trail
• Lipan Point – overlook (amazing at sunset!)
• Desert View – overlook, gift shop, restrooms, snack bar, market, gas station, campground, and watchtower

Climb the Desert View Watchtower

The Desert View area is located on the far east side of the park, right off Desert View Drive. This is a great spot to stretch your legs, grab an ice cream cone, and gaze out at the canyon.

Here you will find an overlook, a gift shop, restrooms, a snack bar, a market, a gas station, a campground, and of course, the Desert View Watchtower.

The Desert View Watchtower, one of the most iconic structures on the South Rim, is a 70-foot circular stone tower perched on the canyon’s edge.

While there is a guarded viewpoint behind the watchtower that offers great views of the canyon, the best viewpoint is at the top of the watchtower.

Grab your free ticket at the entrance, climb four flights of stairs, and see the amazing views from the top of the tower!

Hike Below the Rim

You thought the views from the South and North Rims of the Grand Canyon were incredible – wait until you see the views from inside the canyon! The views will take your breath away. The further you get into the canyon, the more frequently your jaw will drop.

Three maintained trails dip below the rim:

• South Kaibab – South Rim
• Bright Angel – South Rim
• North Kaibab – North Rim

All three are great hikes for most people because you can venture as far as you’re comfortable. First-time canyon hikers, families with small children, and casual hikers might enjoy only going a mile or less into the canyon, while more seasoned hikers might enjoy going three or more miles into the canyon. And of course, dedicated backpackers can hike all the way down to the river – a backcountry permit is required to camp below the rim.

Never attempt to hike rim to river to rim in one day.

Here are some of my inner canyon day hike recommendations:

• South Kaibab to Ooh Aah Point (beginners)
• South Kaibab to Skeleton Point (seasoned hikers)
• Bright Angel to 1.5-Mile Resthouse (beginners)
• Bright Angel to 3-Mile Resthouse (seasoned hikers)
• North Kaibab to Coconino Overlook (beginners)
• North Kaibab to Supai Tunnel (seasoned hikers)

Bike Hermit Road

Biking is a unique way to explore the park. And my favorite road to bike in the Grand Canyon is Hermit Road! Why? Because from March 1 through November 30, vehicles are prohibited from driving on Hermit Road. So bikers will only have to share the road with shuttles!

Conveniently, there are bike rentals and bike tours available in the Grand Canyon Village, just steps from the Visitor Center.

Bright Angel Bicycle gives you a few options when it comes to biking in the Grand Canyon:

• Rentals
• Guided tours
• Self-guided tours with shuttle

We originally booked a self-guided tour, but when we arrived, we were told there were not enough drivers to drop us off at Hermit Road. So instead, we joined a guided tour, which was still fun!

We got to bike the entire length of Hermit Road, stop at all of the overlooks, and learn about the history and geology of the park. It was a great way to spend an afternoon!

Catch a Sunset

Grand Canyon has some of the most amazing sunsets I’ve ever seen!

Here are my sunset spot recommendations:

• Lipan Point (South Rim)
• Shoshone Point (South Rim)
• Transept Trail (North Rim)
• Cape Royal (North Rim)

READ NEXT: Ultimate 3 Day Grand Canyon South Rim Itinerary

Where to Stay In/Near Grand Canyon

There are many accommodation options in and near the Grand Canyon! To maximize your time spent in the park, I’d highly recommend camping in the park or staying in one of the park lodges.

Camping in the Park

There are two park-operated campgrounds on the South Rim – Mather and Desert View.

Mather is larger, more centrally located, and open year-round, while Desert View is smaller, more remote, and open seasonally.

We stayed four nights at Mather and highly enjoyed it! We tent camped in the Juniper Loop all four nights – one night at site 136 and three nights at site 115.

There is one park-operated campground on the North Rim – North Rim.

North Rim Campground is within walking distance of the North Kaibab trailhead and the Grand Canyon Lodge.

We stayed one night on the North Rim at tent-only site T-09. We loved this campsite because we were only a few hundred feet from the rim. This made it super easy to hike until dark, catch an amazing sunset before turning in for the evening, and then watch a sunrise just steps from our tent in the morning.

There is also a privately operated campground on the South Rim – Trailer Village RV Park. It is open year-round and is the only in-park campground with full RV hookups. (It’s pricey though!)

Camping Outside of the Park

If you can’t snag a campsite inside the park, camping outside of the park would be a great option.

Here are some campgrounds outside of the National Park boundaries (South Rim):

• Canyon Gateway RV Park – Glamping sites are available, and the Grand Canyon Railroad Depot and William’s Golf Course are nearby.
• Grand Canyon KOA – Deluxe cabin, RV, and tent camping

Here is a campground outside of the National Park boundaries (North Rim):

• Jacob Lake Campground – RV and tent camping, large group campsites available

Free Camping Outside of the Park

There are lots of great free campsites outside of the park! Here are a few of them on the South Rim side:

• Long Jim Loop
• Forest Road 688
• Forest Road 306

Lodging Inside the Park

There are six lodges on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park: Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Yavapai Lodge, and Maswik Lodge.

There is one lodge on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park: Grand Canyon Lodge.

There is one lodge below the rim: Phantom Ranch. This is located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon near the Colorado River and is available on a lottery basis. It can only be reached on foot, by mule, or by rafting the Colorado River.

Lodging Outside the Park

These are the best towns to stay in when visiting Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim):

• Tusayan – 15 minutes from the visitor center – the closest town to the South Rim
• Williams – 1 hour from the visitor center – small-town vibes off Route 66
• Flagstaff – 1.5 hours from the visitor center – wide array of lodging with lots to do

I’d recommend these stays near the South Rim:

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon – chain hotel in Tusayan – just 15 minutes from the visitor center
• Historic Grand Canyon Hotel – charming Victorian-themed hotel with modern comfort – 1 hour from the visitor center
• Little America Hotel – suites with lots of amenities like an outdoor pool, hot tub, and bar – 1.5 hours from the visitor center

These are the best towns to stay in when visiting Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim):

• Jacob Lake – 1 hour from visitor center – the closest town to the North Rim
• Kanab – 1.5 hours from visitor center – lots of outdoorsy things to do

I’d recommend these stays near the North Rim:

• Jacob Lake Inn – basic inn with restaurant and cafe – 1 hour from visitor center
• Red Canyon Cabins – cabins with a view – 1.5 hours from visitor center
• Best Friends Roadhouse – pet-friendly lodging near Kanab Sand Caves – 1.5 hours from visitor center

Need more help deciding where to stay in or near the Grand Canyon? Read my full guide where I break down each rim and gateway town, sharing the best places to stay plus things to do in and around the accommodations!

What to Bring to the Grand Canyon

Here are a few items that you’ll want to bring for your trip to the Grand Canyon!

• Reusable water bottle
• Layers
• Sturdy footwear
• Sunscreen
• Sun hoodie
• Hat
• Binoculars
• Day pack with the 10 essentials

Grand Canyon in September: FAQs

Is September a Good Time to Visit the Grand Canyon?

Absolutely! In my opinion, it’s the only full month that’s 100% ideal to visit the Grand Canyon. Other great options would be late May or early October.

If you’re considering visiting the Grand Canyon in March, you’re going to want to read my March blog post before you go!

What Is the Weather Like at the Bottom of the Grand Canyon in September?

The average temperature at the bottom of the Grand Canyon in September is 97 degrees F during the day and 69 degrees F overnight.

Is It Better to Visit the Grand Canyon in September or October?

Both are great options, but if you visit in October and want to explore the North Rim, make sure to go before October 15! All of the North Rim visitor services, including lodging, restaurants, visitor centers, etc., close from October 16 – May 14 every year.

Things to Do Around Grand Canyon

Here are some amazing things to do around the Grand Canyon! Pssst: these are all great places to visit in September, too!

• Visit the Kanab Sand Caves
• Sled Down Coral Pink Sand Dunes
• Explore Horseshoe Bend
• Kayak Antelope Canyon
• Explore Zion National Park

Finish Planning Your Trip to the Grand Canyon

Make your trip unforgettable and stress-free with the help of my Grand Canyon guides!

• Where to Stay When Visiting the Grand Canyon: MAPPED!
• Grand Canyon North Rim Vs. South Rim: Which is Best?
• 6 Helpful Things to Know Before Visiting the Grand Canyon
• South Kaibab to Skeleton Point: Ultimate Trail Guide
• Should You Visit the Grand Canyon in March?
• Ultimate 3 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary: 3 Epic Days on the South Rim

Discover Your Next Adventure

Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!

• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Petrified Forest National Park
• Sedona
• Saguaro National Park
• Death Valley National Park

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