What Time of Year Is it Best to Go Whitewater Rafting in the Grand Canyon?
- The river through the Grand Canyon stretches 277 miles and the climate and altitude varies greatly from one end to the other. The same can be said for the weather.
Plan your river trip in the spring or the fall to catch the best seasons for personal comfort. Summer is definitely the most popular time to visit the canyon, but temperatures in June and July routinely reach above 115 degrees and severe rainstorms are most likely later in the summer, according to Oars.com.
April, September and October provide the most comfortable temperatures for hiking during stops along the river and the evenings are perfect for the campfire. - No matter where you go on vacation in America, the crowd is almost always the worst in the summer months. The Grand Canyon is no different.
Plan your trip for times that are outside of peak season. Large crowds and intense summer heat can take away from the peacefulness and time of reflection that makes this natural wonder so special. More than 20,000 people will be rafting the river each year, according to TheCanyon.com, and most of them will be there during the summer. - One of the reasons you come to raft the Colorado River through the canyon is the amazing scenery. You could find rapids in a lot of places, but no place will compare to the scenic experience you'll get rafting here. So plan your trip when the scenery is at its best.
Visit in April to see the wildflowers and cacti in full bloom throughout the canyon, suggests Oars.com. April also commonly has clear blue skies and the water is clean and clear.
Come in October if you want the best photographs. Known as the "yellow season," an abundance of yellow plants are blooming and the position of the sun tends to provide a unique light that makes for spectacular photographs. - All things considered, the best time of the year to go whitewater rafting is in April or October. Crowds are smaller, the weather is more comfortable and clear and the scenery is at its best, according to Oars.com.
In addition, many commercial rafting companies schedule longer trips during these months, which may be preferable to some visitors. Rafting trips typically range from two days to more than two weeks depending on where you first put in and where you choose to end your voyage.
