Updated: April 4, 2024

The ideal time to raft the Grand Canyon largely depends on personal preferences and what you’re looking to get out of the experience. Here’s a quick guide:

• Spring (April-May): Ideal for cooler weather enthusiasts and those interested in floral displays and extended hiking opportunities. Average air temperatures of 60°F-80°F (15°C-27°C) and water temperatures of 50°F-60°F (10°C-16°C).
• Summer (June-August): Perfect for lovers of sunny skies, warm(er) water, and experiencing the canyon’s dramatic monsoon season, especially in July and August for high water levels and cooler temperatures post-storm. Air temperatures of 80°F-100°F (27°C-38°C) and water temperatures of 60°F-70°F (16°C-21°C).
• Fall (September-October): The best choice for those seeking a mix of warm days and cool nights with fewer people, making it prime time for peaceful exploration and side hikes with air temperatures of 70°F-90°F (21°C-32°C) and water temperatures of 60°F-70°F (16°C-21°C).

While the rafting season extends from April to October, each month presents unique advantages, whether it’s the blooming flora of spring, the adventurous rapids of summer, or the serene beauty and pleasant weather of fall. Your best time to raft will align with your desires for adventure, scenery, and weather preferences.

Average Inner Canyon Temperatures near Phantom Ranch

Grand Canyon Rafting in April

This is the month when most outfitters plan their hiking intensive trips because the cooler air temperatures allow the guides to take their passengers on side-canyon hikes that aren’t possible during the significantly hotter summer months. What makes the Grand Canyon rafting experience most exceptional during this time of year are the exquisite desert wild flowers in bloom.

However, the cooler air temperatures and the potential for a late winter storms require extra preparation for the whitewater portion of the river trip by dressing in layers of warm, quick-drying clothing with a wool cap and socks and your outer most layer being quality waterproof rain gear (rain gear is important for every Grand Canyon trip).

There are less trips launching this time of year and group sizes are required to be smaller during the shoulder seasons. This means that April availability is more limited than other times of year making for a secluded river experience.

April Highlights (Best Time for Wildflowers)

Weather: Cool with occasional storms. Windy one day out of three.
Hiking: Excellent hiking. Good time to get up above the river
River: Flows is between 8,000 and 13,000 cfs. Moderate, fun whitewater. Green water above the Little Colorado (mile 62) and muddy below it.
Crowds: Few crowds, mostly private trips with a few commercial trips
*** Flowers blooming and Springs flowing

May Rafting

This is the month when the Grand Canyon National Park Service (NPS) allows rafting outfitters to increase their group size 28 passengers on their motorized trips and 24 passengers on their non-motorized trip. Early May is the optimal time to raft if you’re looking to avoid the heat and find the last blooming wildflowers. It is possible for late winter storms to occur through mid-May.

May Highlights

Weather: Warm, dry, windy
Hiking: Good in canyons and on ridges
River: Flows is between 8,000 and 14,000 cfs. Moderate, fun whitewater. Clear, green water throughout.
Crowds: Many trips on the river, mainly commercial
*** Still some wild flowers blooming and a few springs flowing

Rafting in June

June trips enjoy a plentitude of clear skies and sunny days with average day time temperatures of 95 degrees and highs in the 100’s. This is one of the best months to raft for clear water which means the main river is going to be a deep emerald green with some of the side canyon streams most notably the Little Colorado and Havasu Canyon being a brilliant turquoise blue.

June Highlights

Weather: Hot, dry, some winds
Hiking: Good, best in tributaries and slot canyons
River: Flows is between 9,000 and 15,000 cfs. Big, fun whitewater. Clear, green water throughout.
Crowds: Many trips on the river, mainly commercial

July and August Rafting (Best Month for High Water)

It is arguable as to whether these are the hottest months to raft in the Grand Canyon because the monsoons are in full swing. The average daytime temperature is in the 100’s with highs around 115; however, the cloud cover provided by the monsoon storms does cool things off and if it does rain it can drop the temperature by 20 to 30 degrees depending upon the severity of the storm. July and August are unrivaled for the beauty of the storms and high flows.

Monsoon Season

Monsoon storms typically roll in each afternoon and are localized, meaning that the rain storms are usually intense but brief as they roll through your area. Of course this is weather and these are generalizations. Be prepared for intense heat and humidity as well as significant rain storms and potentially even hail. 

This season is when the river has its most natural appearance: sediment laden and taking on different colors and consistencies depending on where the flash floods are occurring. The clouds and river color make this is a popular time for photographers to visit the canyon because the monsoon storms create unique lighting opportunities. For the properly geared, a rain storm in the Grand Canyon is magical.

Highwater

July and August are the best months for high water since Glen Canyon Dam releases additional water to help with the power demands of the southwest. That added water makes for some huge rapids. It also means trips travel faster downstream allowing more time for hiking, exploring and relaxing.

July Highlights

Weather: Hot, start of monsoons; occassional thunderstorms increase as the month progresses. Some winds
Hiking: Good, best in the mornings and afternoons. Narrow Canyons can flood.
River: Flows is between 10,000 and 18,000 cfs. REALLY big whitewater. Clear, green to Little Colorado and muddy afterwards.
Crowds: Many trips on the river, mainly commercial

August Highlights

Weather: Hot but cooler than July. Heart of monsoon season; frequent thunderstorms in the afternoons and evenings. Some winds
Hiking: Good, best in the mornings and afternoons. Narrow Canyons can flood.
River: Flows are between 10,000 and 18,000 cfs. REALLY big whitewater. Clear, green to Little Colorado and muddy afterwards.
Crowds: Quietest month of the summer on the river. Not many commercial or private trips.

Rafting September (Best Time for Side Hikes)

Grand Canyon guides say September is the best month for rafting Grand Canyon. Monsoon season is ending in September. The maximum trip size returns to 20 passengers on motorized trips and 16 passengers on non-motorized trips. The last motorized trip through the inner gorge departs from Lee’s Ferry on September 15 every year. After that there are only non-motorized multi-day trips available which means you’d have to dedicate at least six days to rafting. This begins the “quiet time” for commercial boating in Grand Canyon.

September has temperatures that are similar to June and is generally a pretty stable month weather wise. However, fall rafters should expect to experience significant heat and chill over the course of a trip and even throughout a single day. Boaters who come prepared for all of the elements with high quality gear and layers enjoy their trips immensely. Hiking is at its best in September. The mild weather turns what would be scorching, heat stroke creating hikes into relaxing saunters. 

September Grand Canyon Highlights

Weather: Hot to warm as the moth progresses. Monsoon season tapers off by mid-month. Some winds
Hiking: Good, improves as temperatures cool.
River: Flows is between 8,000 and 14,000 cfs. Moderate, fun whitewater. Clear, green to Little Colorado and muddy afterwards. Lowers gets clear towards the end of the month.
Crowds: Many commercial and private trips on the river. On September 15 the motorized raft season ends. The second half of the month is quiet as the last of the motor rigs exit the canyon.

October Rafting

Early October is many people’s favorite time to be on the water. There are fewer launches in October than September because there is less daylight and the trips have to be longer. Multiday trips are strictly non-motorized during this time of the year; however, for those who cannot dedicate at least seven days, the one day motorized trip in the lower gorge (starting at Diamond Creek, River Mile 225) runs through October 31 every year. 

The average daytime temperature is about 80 degrees with highs in the low 90’s – the temperature difference between standing in the sun versus the shade during this time of the year is extreme in October. Also the later you raft in October the more important it is to be properly dressed in case of early winter storms. October is a quiet time for slower paced trips, longer dry hikes, and shorter days. Bring a book or two to read in the evening. 

October Highlights

Weather: Warm to Cool. Short days particularly in the second half of the month.
Hiking: Outstanding
River: Flows is between 8,000 and 12,000 cfs. Moderate, fun whitewater. Clear, green for the whole trip.
Crowds: Moderate number of trips on the water. Mostly private.

Final Thoughts on when to Raft Grand Canyon

Ultimately, it’s about being prepared and enjoying the moment. Every time of year in Grand Canyon is special and unique. We are regularly asked what is the best time of year to raft the Grand Canyon. Our answer is, “it depends.” For those that don’t like that answer:

If pushed to choose, September and October are the best months in the Grand Canyon. The milder weather and longer shadows make the warmth of the canyon appealing. That being said there is no bad time run the river. It is a wilderness trip and no matter when you travel so be prepared for weather. We’ve seen hot days in the winter and cold days in the summer.

About Rivers & Oceans

With over 100 different Colorado River rafting options, planning the best Grand Canyon white water rafting trip can be challenging. For many people, it is easiest to talk with one of our Adventure Travel Specialists at (928) 526-4575. We can help you narrow down the rafting trip options to those trips that are available and fit your schedule. Since 1987 our service has been free and we work with all 16 Grand Canyon rafting outfitters. The cost is guaranteed to be the same rate you would get booking your trip directly with an outfitter.