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Best Time for the US Southwest Grand Circle

Sweet spot: February, November, January — computed from NASA POWER climate normals across the route's overnight towns, balancing temperature, rainfall and daylight.

Desert heat is serious — hike at dawn, carry more water than feels reasonable, and nap midday.
Bryce and both canyon rims sit high — expect snow and icy trails; carry traction spikes.
MonthTempRainDaylight
January-16.2–19.1°C24 mm9.7 h
February-16.0–21.4°C25 mm10.6 h
March-9.8–27.1°C19 mm11.7 h
April-5.4–31.0°C14 mm13.0 h
May-2.5–37.1°C12 mm14.0 h
June3.7–40.1°C6 mm14.5 h
July11.7–40.9°C28 mm14.3 h
August9.7–39.5°C30 mm13.4 h
September1.0–38.4°C22 mm12.2 h
October-8.1–32.0°C24 mm11.0 h
November-11.1–25.2°C16 mm10.0 h
December-15.1–18.3°C23 mm9.5 h

Plan it for your month →