When is the Best Time to Visit Antelope Canyon?
Antelope Canyon is one trip that you don’t want to miss. There are many amazing memories to be made at this incredible natural beauty. However, because this canyon is so incredible, one of the most photographed places in the world, many want to come to this beautiful site. Whether you are trying to get great photos or beat the crowds, it is very important to know the best times to visit Antelope Canyon.
The best times for reflective colors and direct sunlight
Many people who are choosing to visit Antelope Canyon are coming for amazing photo opportunities. The first thing that you are going to want to take into account is the time of year that you are visiting. The months of November through March are considered off-peak season. During this period the colors of the walls in Lower Antelope Canyon can be different than the orange and red hues that are found in the summer months, when the sun is shining directly overhead. The peak season, which is April through October, is the busiest time of year, due to the warmer weather and summer colors reflecting throughout the canyon.
The best times to take the tour during peak season are usually in the morning between 7:15 am and 10:45 am or between 2:15 pm and 4:15 pm in the late afternoon. These are the best times to witness the incredible changing colors of the canyon, including the dark purples and dark pinks as the sun moves beyond its peak position and shadows begin to appear in the canyon. Due to the changing position of the sun during the winter months (off-peak season), all tour times throughout the day are ideal for lighting, and capturing that perfect photo. The most popular tour times are between 11 AM and 1:30 PM.
Planning depending on the weather
When figuring out the best time to visit Antelope Canyon, you need to take into account the weather. During the summer months, you are not going to have to deal with many weather concerns. Still, in July and August temperatures have reached triple digits in the past, so be sure that you bring water and are medically capable of dealing with high temperatures. However, when you are traveling during the winter months, you must be careful and be sure to dress appropriately for potentially cold or freezing temperatures. On rare occasions, the slot canyon must close due to the potential for flash flooding, so it is always important to check the weather before you head out on your tour to see if there are heavy rains forecast for the day you are visiting.
Finding the right accommodations
During the busiest months of the year at Antelope Canyon, it can even be hard to find the right accommodations. If you are planning on coming during the busy spring and summer seasons, you need to make sure you are finding the right accommodations early on. You wouldn’t want to show up in Page, Arizona to find that you didn’t have a place to stay. However, if you come in the cooler months, you shouldn’t have any problem rolling into town and finding vacancies – with the exception of the holidays. It is always a good idea to call in advance and check.
Make Sure you Aren’t Driving at Night
Here at Lower Antelope Canyon, we always advise people to only drive during the day. However, dangerous road conditions can even be hazardous during the day. Navigating the sheer drop-offs, twists-and-turns, and other obstacles is very difficult at night, especially considering that most roads have no street lighting. You could not only damage your rental car but put your life at risk. Make sure to only drive during the day when traveling to or from Antelope Canyon.
How to Avoid the Crowds
If you are looking for a fun trip, but are trying to avoid the crowds, we know just the tips for you. Weekdays are always far less crowded than weekends, especially in the summer. The same goes for off-peak months during the winter. Finally, going on our guided tours later in the day can also be a great way for you to not have to deal with as many tourists.
Ask Locals for Their Opinion
Once you reach Page, Arizona, it can be great to get to know some of the locals. They will be able to help you find out the tips and tricks that will bring you to the great local spots around Antelope Canyon. While you may have to wait for the best time to visit the canyon, the locals will help you find fun things to do during your downtime. Locals can also help you learn when the best time to visit Antelope Canyon is. Honestly, the locals will most satisfactorily know the best days and times to maximize your Antelope Canyon experience.
Go With the Lower Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon has convinced many people that it offers a greater experience. If you are physically up to claiming stairs and ladders, this is the trip for you. Many travelers are not as used to the obstacles of stairs and ladders and they would rather have a Jeep tour or easy walking tours. However, at any time of the year, the lower canyon will always be less crowded than the upper canyon. Here, you will find more intimate tours with smaller groups at the lower canyon.
Book Your Trip to Include Some Other Great Areas
Zions National Park, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and The Wave are only a few of the incredible places nearby that allow you to experience even more of the Navajo Nation. When learning about the different places nearby, you can determine the time of year you would want to take your trip.
If you want to hit up different places on your trip, make sure to take into account the time that would be great to go to those places as well.
When finding the best time to visit Antelope Canyon, know that just about any time of year provides a great experience. However, different times of year are better for whatever you want to accomplish. If you are trying to beat the crowds, try coming during the winter. However, if you prefer warmer weather and are trying to get amazing changing color photos, you should come during the summer.
So what are you waiting for? Now that you know the best times to come to Antelope Canyon, contact us to set up your amazing Lower Canyon trip.