United States, North America

Grand Canyon in February

Still peaceful and cheap. Presidents Day weekend is the one busy spike.

Quiet valueCold, highs near 46F (8C)

Grand Canyon, United States — Grand CanyonPhoto: Tuxyso, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Grand Canyon. Still peaceful and cheap. Presidents Day weekend is the one busy spike.

Weather: Cold, highs near 46F (8C)
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What February is like in Grand Canyon

February stays cold and calm on the South Rim, with highs near 46F (8C) and freezing nights. Crowds are thin and prices low, with one exception: Presidents Day weekend, the third Monday in February, brings a short busy spike. Snow is possible, and upper trails below the rim can stay icy.

It suits budget travelers, photographers and families who want quiet viewpoints and don't mind the cold. It is not a month for long below-rim hikes. For comfortable hiking temperatures from rim to river, plan for April instead. Rim walks and viewpoints, though, are at their most peaceful now.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Grand Canyon this month.

Peaceful viewpoints

Outside Presidents Day weekend, the main South Rim overlooks are calm even at midday.

Crisp winter light

Clear winter air and low sun angles bring out the canyon's layers, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Junior Ranger days

Kids can work through the Junior Ranger program and visit the Yavapai Geology Museum without summer crowds.

What to pack for February

Warm layers and a windproof jacket
Traction devices for icy trails
Gloves and a warm hat
Sunglasses and sunscreen for bright winter sun

Our timing tip

Skip Presidents Day weekend and go midweek, when lodging is cheapest and the rim is at its quietest.

Book Grand Canyon for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Grand Canyon
Opens a hotel search for Grand Canyon in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Grand Canyon
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Grand Canyon
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Grand Canyon for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Grand Canyon

Full guide

South Rim viewpoints along Hermit Road

Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from March 1 to November 30; ride the free shuttle to Hopi Point and Mohave Point for sunset.

Tickets and tours →

Desert View Watchtower

The Mary Colter-designed tower at the east end of the South Rim, 25 miles from the village and less crowded at sunrise.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Bright Angel Trail

The classic below-rim trail from the village. Turn around at a sensible point; the park strongly warns against hiking to the river and back in one day.

Tickets and tours →

South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point or Cedar Ridge

The best short below-rim view hike. Steep, exposed, and without water, so go early.

Tickets and tours →

Rafting the Colorado River

Multi-day trips run roughly April through October and book a year or more ahead with licensed outfitters.

Tickets and tours →

Grand Canyon Railway

Vintage train service from Williams to the South Rim, running year-round.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Be at a viewpoint for sunrise. The rim is nearly empty at dawn in every month, and the light is better than at sunset.
Enter through the East Entrance at Desert View rather than the South Entrance, where lines back up in summer mid mornings.
Visit November through February for the emptiest South Rim; snow on the canyon is a genuine highlight, not a compromise.
Stay inside the park or in Tusayan to avoid the drive from Flagstaff or Williams at peak entry times.

Know before you go

The South Rim, including the South Entrance and the East Entrance at Desert View, is open 24 hours a day, all year.
The North Rim traditionally operates from about mid May to mid October, with Highway 67 closing for winter snow. After the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge, the North Rim reopened for 2026 with its roads and viewpoints open but limited services and the North Kaibab Trail damaged; check the park's current North Rim status before you go.
Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from March 1 through November 30; use the free shuttle. In winter you can drive it.
Phantom Ranch and in-park lodging book through lotteries or far-ahead reservations; summer rim lodging often sells out many months in advance.