What's the best time to visit Antelope Canyon?
The best time to visit Antelope Canyon is from March to October, when midday sunlight creates stunning photographic effects inside the slot canyons, as recommended by the Arizona tourism board. During spring and early fall, temperatures are more comfortable for exploring not only Antelope Canyon but also nearby attractions like Lake Powell and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, avoiding the intense summer heat.
Antelope Canyon in Arizona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, after the Grand Canyon. Antelope Canyon is a series of slot canyons in the Navajo Nation whose swirling sandstone sides were sculpted by thousands of years of wind and rain.
Visit to marvel at the unique rock formations, try out some of the hiking trails, and bring your best photo equipment to capture the unique interplay of sun on the rocks.
While this is one of the most unique places to visit in the United States, it requires a bit of advance planning. Below, we’ll show you when to go, when to go to save money, and more.
Overall Best Time to Visit Antelope Canyon
hkalkan/Shutterstock
The best time to visit Antelope Canyon is from March to October, when you can get the best photos. The sunlight is best at midday. The official tourism board of the state of Arizona recommends visitors come to Antelope Canyon from March through October.
That is when the sun is high enough in the sky to create the photographic effects that you see online, of sunlight peeping in through the top of the slot canyons and dappling the red sandstone. The best photographic effects are visible at midday.
Antelope Canyon is located in the Navajo Nation, in the part of the nation’s land that covers northern Arizona. This region is mostly desert, which means that you can expect very hot weather in the summer.
Average spring temperatures in Page, Arizona, the closest city to Antelope Canyon, are around 78 degrees Fahrenheit in May.
Summer temperatures are drastically hotter, with the next month, June, already reaching 90 degrees. By early September, temperatures are more bearable, with average high temperatures of 83 degrees Fahrenheit.
March to early May and September to early October allow you to take in the famous light show in Upper Antelope Canyon, while avoiding the worst of the heat. During spring and early fall, temperatures are pleasant enough for hiking and trying out other outdoor activities without worrying about heat stroke.
The mild weather allows you to visit other places that are close to Antelope Canyon and the nearby town of Page, such as:
- Lake Powell, a popular destination for jet skiing and other water sports
- Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument
If you’re making the trip up to this remote region of the Southwest, you might as well do so when you can check out some of the other attractions. Spring and fall are also when there are the most events nearby so you can kick back and relax after a long day of hiking or going on a guided tour.
Locals put on the most events during this time instead of summer because the weather is better. Besides marquee events such as the Page Fine Arts Festival (April), enjoy golf tournaments, free outdoor concerts, and more.
Cheapest Time to Visit Antelope Canyon
aounphoto/Shutterstock
The least expensive time to visit Antelope Canyon is during the winter, from November to February, when accommodation prices in nearby Page Arizona drop.
Some costs associated with visiting Antelope Canyon, such as the entry fee and the guided tour cost, are the same all year round.
If you’re not a professional photographer, opt for a general tour instead of a photography tour, as those cost less money. The biggest expense you can save on by visiting during the off-season is accommodation.
During the warmer seasons, hotel prices in Page tend to increase due to its proximity to Lake Powell, a popular warm weather destination. In winter, you can expect hotel discounts of up to 40% compared to what you would pay during the spring or summer.
From most of the United States, getting to Antelope Canyon is a bit of a trek. Your best bet is to fly into Phoenix, then drive 4.5 hours to Page.
The least expensive month to fly to Phoenix is usually January, but you can also find good deals in early spring, or in summer when most tourists don’t want to visit Arizona. Winter is Phoenix’s tourist off-season, so you can negotiate a discount on your car rental as well.
Least Busy Time to Visit Antelope Canyon
Ozkan Ulucam/Shutterstock
The least busy time to visit Antelope Canyon is in the winter, from November to February. There are some downsides to visiting in the winter.
Due to the lower position of the sun, you won’t get to see the sunlight streaming into the slot canyons, which create the famous light effects you’ve seen in photos. However, those famous light effects are what draw the most crowds.
Visiting in the quieter winter has its own majesty. The softer light creates interesting designs on the slot canyons, and having fewer people around allows you to take in the true majesty of the landscape around you.
There are some fun events taking place around Antelope Canyon during this time. One of the best is the Page Lake Powell Balloon Regatta, which takes place in late October and early November.
Less popular than the Albuquerque balloon regatta, it’s still a wonderful sight to see the colorful hot air balloons over the craggy landscape. The weather in the winter can get surprisingly chilly around Antelope Canyon, especially at night.
While daytime temperatures in January are a mild 43 degrees Fahrenheit, at night they drop by 20 degrees to 26 degrees Fahrenheit, well below freezing. Be sure to pack layers for your visit to the canyon!
Visiting in winter also allows you to see something that the summer crowds will not—snow. A dusting of snow makes the red canyon walls stand out even more. Just keep in mind that the canyon closes to visitors when there is heavy snowfall, so check the forecast ahead of time.
Worst Time to Visit Antelope Canyon
Jay Yuan/Shutterstock
The worst time to visit Antelope Canyon is the height of summer (June-August), when the high heat and high crowds will affect your experience.
Antelope Canyon is located in the desert, so expect the summer to be blazing hot. Nearby Page has average high temperatures of a whopping 95 degrees Fahrenheit in July, and many days in the desert are even hotter.
Since there is little shade and no sources of water in the canyon itself, these conditions are dangerous for visitors who are sensitive to heat. Summer is also the monsoon season in the desert.
Due to the high heat, there is a high risk of severe thunderstorms in the afternoon and evenings, which can also cause flash flooding. Decades ago, flash floods killed nearly a dozen hikers in Antelope Canyon.
To avoid the risk, the Navajo Nation now closes the canyon to visitors when there are flash floods predicted. Summer is also the most crowded and most expensive time to visit Antelope Canyon.
Accommodation prices in Page are the most expensive due to the many visitors who are coming to nearby Lake Powell to cool off for the summer. To make the most of the summer, try your hardest to beat the crowds. Visit during the weekday instead of on the weekend and try to visit early in the day.
Antelope Canyon by Month: Climate & Activities
Edwin Verin/Shutterstock
Still unsure about the best time to visit Antelope Canyon? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
January in Antelope Canyon brings cooler temperatures, around 3-11°C (37-52°F). This month is ideal for photography enthusiasts, as the winter light creates unique photographic conditions in the canyon.
February
February continues with cool and often sunny weather, perfect for exploring Antelope Canyon’s Lower and Upper sections, and enjoying the peaceful, less crowded paths.
March
As spring approaches, temperatures range from 5 to 17°C (41-63°F). March is a great time to explore the surrounding area, including the nearby Horseshoe Bend, and experience the stunning play of light in Antelope Canyon.
April
April brings milder weather, with temperatures around 8 to 22°C (46-72°F). Enjoy the beauty of Antelope Canyon with fewer crowds before the peak season, and explore the Lake Powell area.
May
May sees warmer temperatures from 14 to 29°C (57-84°F). It’s an excellent time for boat tours on Lake Powell, visiting the Glen Canyon Dam, and witnessing the changing light patterns in Antelope Canyon.
June
June brings hot, dry weather, with temperatures between 20 to 35°C (68-95°F). Early morning tours of Antelope Canyon offer cooler temperatures and magical light beams.
July
July is very hot in Antelope Canyon, with temperatures from 25 to 38°C (77-100°F). Early morning or late afternoon visits are best, and exploring nearby attractions like Rainbow Bridge National Monument is recommended.
August
August continues with hot weather, offering temperatures from 24 to 36°C (75-97°F). It’s a good time to explore the Colorado River, enjoy water activities on Lake Powell, and visit Antelope Canyon during cooler times of the day.
September
As fall begins, temperatures in the canyon range from 19 to 31°C (66-88°F). September is perfect for enjoying the less crowded canyon and experiencing the changing season in the surrounding desert landscape.
October
October sees cooler temperatures from 11 to 25°C (52-77°F). The softer autumn light in Antelope Canyon makes for excellent photography, and nearby attractions like Vermilion Cliffs National Monument are less crowded.
November
Fall temperatures in November range from 4 to 17°C (39-63°F). This month is ideal for tranquil visits to Antelope Canyon, enjoying the serene beauty without the crowds, and exploring the Navajo Nation.
December
Winter brings cooler temperatures ranging from 0 to 11°C (32-52°F). December is a unique time to visit the canyon with fewer tourists, offering a more personal experience of the canyon’s majestic beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
GagliardiPhotography/Shutterstock
Here are a few common questions people have asked about visiting Antelope Canyon:
What months can you see the light beams in Antelope Canyon?
You can see the light beams in Antelope Canyon between March and early October. They are best visible at midday.
Which is better: Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?
Upper Antelope Canyon is better for the famous landscapes you’ve seen in photos and the light beams. Lower Antelope Canyon is better for hiking and getting away from the crowds.
How far in advance do you have to book Antelope Canyon?
Most tour companies require at least 24 hours advance booking. For popular slots, such as midday in May, you should book two or three months in advance.
Is Antelope Canyon free?
No, Antelope Canyon is not free to enter. The entry fee is $8, and then you pay an additional fee for the private guide or tour that you book.
Is Antelope Canyon worth it?
Antelope Canyon is worth it due to the beautiful natural landscape. The unique light cast by the sun in the canyons is like nowhere else in the world.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Antelope Canyon?
The best time to visit Antelope Canyon is from March to October for the light beams. For the best weather, visit from March to May and September to early October.
So, with so much to see and do and plenty of amazing times to visit, what are you waiting for — book your trip today and experience for yourself all that Antelope Canyon has to offer. Happy travels!