United States, North America
Grand Canyon in November
Quiet and cheap outside Thanksgiving week, with good light. Nights on the rim drop below freezing.
The straight answer
November is a good month to visit Grand Canyon. Quiet and cheap outside Thanksgiving week, with good light. Nights on the rim drop below freezing.
- Weather
- Cold, highs near 52F (11C), first snow possible
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What November is like in Grand Canyon
November is cold but quiet, with rim highs near 52F (11C) and nights below freezing. The first snow is possible, and the low autumn sun gives soft, warm light for photos. Crowds and prices drop, except over Thanksgiving week, the fourth Thursday of November, when families arrive for the holiday.
It suits photographers, budget travelers and anyone happy to trade warm weather for peaceful viewpoints. It is less ideal for long hikes if snow or ice arrives. For milder weather with similar calm, early October or April are the alternatives.
Make the most of November
What is especially good about Grand Canyon this month.
Soft autumn light
Low sun angles bring out the canyon's colors and shadows, especially around sunrise and sunset.
Quiet trails
Walk the Rim Trail west of Bright Angel Lodge and you may barely see anyone.
Lower prices
Outside Thanksgiving week, in-park lodging is easier to book and more affordable.
What to pack for November
- A warm jacket, hat and gloves
- Traction devices in case of early snow
- Layers for big swings between day and night
- A thermos for hot drinks
Our timing tip
Avoid Thanksgiving week for the quietest trip, and check the forecast since early storms can bring snow to the rim.
Book Grand Canyon for November.
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- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Grand CanyonOpens a hotel search for Grand Canyon in November, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Grand CanyonWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Grand CanyonTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Grand Canyon for November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Grand Canyon
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rafting the Colorado River
Multi-day trips run roughly April through October and book a year or more ahead with licensed outfitters.
Grand Canyon Railway
Vintage train service from Williams to the South Rim, running year-round.
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.
Grand Canyon in November, quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Grand Canyon?
November is a good month to visit Grand Canyon. Quiet and cheap outside Thanksgiving week, with good light. Nights on the rim drop below freezing.
What is the weather like in Grand Canyon in November?
Cold, highs near 52F (11C), first snow possible.
Is Grand Canyon crowded in November?
November is one of the quieter months in Grand Canyon; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Grand Canyon.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in November
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