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Weather
Weather changes with the seasons in Black Canyon, though there is a temperature difference between the canyon rim and canyon floor.
Guide Sections
Use Weather's guide sections to understand how this stop fits into the larger park plan.
Weather Details
Difficulty
Open
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
Basic Information
The weather at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is characterized by a significant difference in conditions between the canyon rim and the river below. This variance is due to the park's large elevation range. The rim can be windy, and because of the park's elevation, temperatures can fluctuate widely between the rim and the bottom of the canyon. The bottom of the gorge, being mostly in shadow, can be much colder and more humid compared to the rim. During late spring and summer, the park experiences its sunniest days, providing the best light for observing and photographing the canyon walls and bottom around noon, when the sun is at its highest. These conditions make late spring and summer ideal times for visiting, especially for those interested in photography. The park is generally dry most of the year, with the possibility of thunderstorms in the summer and occasional snow in the winter. The North Rim of the park is closed from mid-October to mid-April due to snow. Temperature-wise, April sees average highs of 56.1F (13.4C), while July, the hottest month, averages at 82.1F (27.8C). The coldest months are December and January, with average lows of around 13F (-10.5C to -10.6C).
