Grand Canyon weather
in January
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 7 rainy days across the month, on average.
January is the Grand Canyon at its most dramatic — and its emptiest. The South Rim receives regular snow, dusting red rock in white. Daytime highs sit around 6°C (43°F), dropping well below freezing at night. The North Rim is entirely closed for the season, its road buried in snow.
This is the month for photographers who want snow-on-canyon shots without competing for tripod space. Overlooks that see 3,000 visitors on a July day host maybe 200 in January. Wear layers, bring traction devices for icy paths, and book South Rim lodging at unusually low winter rates.
What to pack for Grand Canyon in January
- A proper insulated winter coat
- Thermal base layer for canyon rim walks
- Waterproof boots with traction — icy overlooks are real
- Wool hat and warm gloves
- Sunglasses (snow glare) and sunscreen — high elevation UV is intense
What to pack for Grand Canyon in January
- →Merino wool base layerAmazon · shop this
- →Insulated puffer jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Thermal glovesAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
- →Polarized sunglassesAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Grand Canyon
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
South Rim overlook photography (Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Desert View), Bright Angel Trail (upper section only), Grand Canyon Railway winter tour, Yavapai Geology Museum indoor exhibits.
Other places with a similar climate right now
Grand Canyon in January — FAQ
Q01Is January a good time to visit Grand Canyon?
Is January a good time to visit Grand Canyon?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In January, Grand Canyon averages a high of 4°C (39°F) and a low of -5°C (23°F), with 41mm of rainfall across roughly 7 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Grand Canyon in January?
What is the average temperature in Grand Canyon in January?
The average high temperature in Grand Canyon during January is 4°C (39°F), with an average low of -5°C (23°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Grand Canyon have in January?
How many rainy days does Grand Canyon have in January?
Grand Canyon averages approximately 7 rainy days in January, with a total monthly rainfall of about 41mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Grand Canyon in January?
What should I pack for Grand Canyon in January?
For Grand Canyon in January, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Grand Canyon in January?
How crowded is Grand Canyon in January?
Tourist crowds in Grand Canyon during January are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.