Plateau PointThings to Do
Nearby Attractions to Plateau Point
When to Go
Best Time to Visit Plateau Point
Plateau Point is best in spring and autumn when temperatures below the rim are manageable; summer brings intense heat and increased risk for heat-related illness.
Spring
Mar-May · 5-20°C on the rim; hotter below
Mild rim temperatures; trails below the rim start warming but remain navigable.
Autumn
Sep-Nov · 10-22°C on the rim; cooler evenings
Fewer crowds and comfortable hiking conditions; watch for sudden weather changes.
Winter
Dec-Feb · -5-10°C on the rim
Rim can be cold and snowy; trails below may be icy. Access to inner-canyon destinations like Plateau Point is possible in clear weather.
Weather & Climate near Plateau Point
Climate
Plateau Point's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 40°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
Air Quality:
AQI 18
Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
0°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 0° - 11° | 4° | 17 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 3° - 15° | 8° | 14 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 6° - 20° | 13° | 18 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 9° - 25° | 17° | 11 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 14° - 30° | 22° | 8 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 19° - 36° | 28° | 4 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 23° - 40° | 32° | 20 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 23° - 39° | 31° | 27 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 19° - 34° | 26° | 19 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 12° - 28° | 20° | 17 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 5° - 18° | 12° | 14 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 1° - 13° | 6° | 14 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |
Getting There & Around
How to Get to Plateau Point
Plateau Point is reached from the South Rim via the Bright Angel/Funnyjack Trail network (often accessed from the Bright Angel Trailhead near Grand Canyon Village). It is a long day hike; check current trail conditions and National Park advisories before setting out.
Tips for Visiting Plateau Point
- Start early: hikes to Plateau Point are long and temperatures in summer can be extreme.
- Bring a permit for overnight stays below the rim; day-hikers should carry plenty of water and a headlamp for early starts.
- Sit on the promontory at sunrise or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and to see the Colorado River change color.