Would you like to visit the popular Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon but aren’t sure when the best time to go is? Not sure which month or time of day is ideal? Then this guide is for you!
Antelope Canyon is one of the most famous landmarks in the United States and a must-see if you’re traveling in the Southwest.
This exceptionally beautiful natural formation is truly unique. It’s a slot canyon that you can approach from two points. These are called the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon.
Around 4 million visitors come here each year, and you’ve probably already seen the red, wavy-shaped rock canyon in magazines, photos, and on social media.
If you’re planning a trip to Antelope Canyon, whether to the upper or lower section, this guide will tell you everything you need to know, with a special focus on the best time to visit.
When is the best time of year and day? Choosing the right time can greatly affect your experience, and this guide will help you decide when to visit Antelope Canyon under the best conditions.
First, let’s go over some basic information about Antelope Canyon. Then, we’ll take a detailed look at what to expect during different visit times and answer some common questions about planning your trip.
General information about Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon
Where is Antelope Canyon located
Antelope Canyon is located east of Page, Northern Arizona, near State Route 98, on both sides of the road. To the north of the road, close to the road, you’ll find the Lower Canyon, while the Upper Canyon is a bit further south of the road.
The canyon’s parking lots are only about 4 miles from the center of Page, making it very easy to reach if you’re visiting the city.
What an Antelope Canyon tour looks like
Both places are guided by private companies, and it’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, as the canyon is extremely popular, and tickets often sell out.
The guided tours are held at specific times, multiple times a day. Therefore, it’s important to plan ahead to decide when the best time to visit the canyon is and which time slot to book.
When you arrive at the site, after check-in, you’ll walk to the Lower Canyon entrance on foot, and for the Upper Canyon, you’ll be transported by vehicle. The tours are conducted in small groups, and the local Navajo guides share a lot of interesting information about the area.
During the tour, you’re not allowed to bring a bag or many other items, so it’s important to be prepared. It’s best to only bring your phone for photos and 1-2 essential items you’ll definitely need.
Both canyon sections are relatively short, with the Lower Canyon being a bit more difficult to walk through, with narrow places and steep stairs, while the Upper Canyon is easier to walk through.
Can you visit Antelope Canyon without a tour guide?
No, you can’t go without a guide. The area is managed by private companies, which provide tours with local guides from the Navajo Nation.
How to get to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon
There are two ways to reach the Upper Antelope Canyon, depending on which tour company you book with.
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours, which we chose, has a parking lot along State Route 98, so it’s best to drive there. Once you park your car and check in at the site, you’ll be split into groups of up to 8 people. These small groups are then taken by jeep to the entrance of the Upper Canyon, where the tour continues on foot.
Other companies, like Antelope Canyon Tours by Carolene Ekis or Antelope Slot Canyon Tours, pick up tourists in Page and transport them by minibus all the way to the entrance of the Upper Canyon.
Getting to the Lower Antelope Canyon is simpler. Since it’s located near State Route 98, you can just drive to Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours or Ken’s Tours Lower Antelope Canyon, park your car, and then check in for the guided tour.
Best time to visit Antelope Canyon
Now, let’s go over what you need to know about the best time to visit the Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon. We’ll cover the best seasons, months, and times of day to ensure you have the most perfect visit possible.
Best time of year to visit Antelope Canyon
Winter months
The winter months in Page are mainly November, December, January, and February. During this time, daytime temperatures are typically between 5°C and 18°C (41°F and 64°F), and it often freezes at night.
There are two advantages to winter: fewer crowds and lower prices. However, due to the cold weather, outdoor activities can be less pleasant, making these months not ideal for visiting Antelope Canyon.
Spring months
The spring months of March, April, and May offer much nicer weather. Daytime temperatures average between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F), which is ideal for outdoor activities. There’s also more daylight, which can be a plus.
Of the spring months, May stands out as a great option, with warm but not too hot weather yet. The only downside is a higher chance of rain, so it’s good to check the forecast. Also, prices are usually at their highest during this time.
Summer months
The summer months of June, July, August, and sometimes September are the hottest. During these months, daytime temperatures typically range from 28°C to 36°C (82°F to 97°F). The dry heat makes it less comfortable for outdoor activities, and we don’t recommend visiting during this time. Summer also brings larger crowds and relatively high prices. It might be cheaper than spring, but the heat makes it less ideal.
Fall months
Fall lasts from late September to early November. The weather is pleasant, with daytime temperatures between 18°C and 30°C (64°F to 86°F), similar to spring, with some occasional rain. However, prices are still above average. But if you travel during good weather, you can have a really nice experience.
Speaking of fall, October stands out as an excellent choice, with fewer crowds, pleasant daytime temperatures, and moderate prices.
Pro tip: You need to watch out for rain because the Antelope Canyon tours can be canceled in wet weather! Both sections can be dangerous in the rain, as the canyon can quickly flood. Always check the weather forecast ahead of time. If there’s a risk of rain, your tour might be canceled.
Best time of day to visit Antelope Canyon
For both sections of the canyon, the same principle applies when looking for the best time of day to visit: the more light that enters the canyon, the better photos you can take.
For both locations, this means late morning to early afternoon hours.
So the best choice is to plan your visit between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.!
It’s best to choose a time as close as possible to 11 a.m. or 12 p.m., as the walk through the canyon section itself takes about an hour. Therefore, I recommend booking a tour for the 11 a.m. or 12 p.m. time slots.
If you’re lucky, especially in the Upper Canyon, you might get a chance to see light beams filtering through, which are a favorite among photographers.
If you arrive in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the sun reaches the canyon less directly, you’ll see cooler, bluer tones instead of the redder hues that you would during midday. This is also beautiful, and I don’t want to discourage anyone from booking a morning or afternoon tour.
Plan your visit
Just a few extra details if you want to carefully plan your trip to Antelope Canyon:
What to bring for your visit
Since you can’t bring a lot of things into the canyon (such as bags, food, tripods, etc.), it’s important to check with the tour company in advance to find out what you should bring.
Here’s what you should definitely take with you:
- Comfortable shoes: The area is sandy and made of sandstone, and the Lower Canyon has stairs and is harder to walk through. Make sure to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
- Phone with a good camera: Your phone is best if it can take good photos. Unless you’re a professional photographer, your phone will likely be enough.
- Some cash: If you want to tip your guide.
Where to stay near Antelope Canyon
Since Antelope Canyon is just outside Page, the best place to stay is in Page.
Here are two good options I recommend:
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Page, AZ: This was our personal choice in Page. It’s a three-star hotel in the mid-price range with a great location.
- Wingate by Wyndham Page Lake Powell: Another three-star hotel with a great location and slightly lower prices.
Other places to visit nearby
If you want to see more beyond Antelope Canyon, here are some other famous places worth considering for your visit:
- Horseshoe Bend
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Lake Powell and Alstrom Point
- Glen Canyon Dam and Carl Hayden Visitor Center
- The Wave
To conclude, choosing the right time to see Antelope Canyon will enhance your experience. By planning your visit during the ideal months and times of day, you can avoid large crowds and capture the best views. Take the time to enjoy the natural beauty of this iconic landmark, and make the most of your visit by coming prepared with essentials. With the right preparation, your trip to Antelope Canyon, AZ will be one to remember.
