Lower Antelope Canyon’s sculpted sandstone walls, carved by centuries of wind and water in an artful manner, are a site to see regardless of the time of year. However, winter months are especially great as visitors get a unique perspective of this wonder.
One of the biggest benefits of visiting during winter, outside of course of the near-perfect weather, is getting to see how the sun reflects off the canyon walls–differently than it does when it’s much higher in the sky during summer months.
Below, we put together a travel guide to help Lower Antelope Canyon visitors who visit during the colder winter months. Please visit our tours page to shop our Lower Antelope Canyon winter adventures, if you haven’t already booked your tour.
Preparing for Winter Conditions
As you would imagine, winter months are considerably cooler. Typically, you can expect temps in the mid-40s by December. Nights are even colder, hitting the 20s during December and January.
In other words, it goes from chilly to freezing on any given day, so button up! Here’s some clothing advice:
- Moisture-wicking clothing is ideal as it draws sweat and moisture away from your body–to the outer surface of the material. This base layer, worn beneath warmer layers, allows you to remain dry, warm, and comfortable throughout your visit.
- Accessorize with purpose by choosing insulated gloves, a close-fitting hat–fleece or wool beanie you can pull over your ears, and hiking boots–preferably waterproofed with sturdy soles that have good traction on wet or uneven terrain.
- Carry a compact, insulated jacket. A lightweight that can be packed into a small bag and has a high warmth-to-weight ratio–down insulation, for example–is ideal. This tip can make a big difference on warmer days, preventing overheating by wearing a jacket, and can come in handy when the sun hides and the temp dips.
Expect Limited Daylight
During winter, the days are shorter, with roughly 10 hours of daylight per day. You can expect the sun to come up shortly after 7:00 AM on the shortest days and go back down around 5:15 PM–at which point the desert temps drop quickly.
To see Lower Antelope Canyon in all its beauty, we recommend that you see it during the morning and midday light. This time of day usually offers warmer weather and safer hiking conditions when trekking to and from the canyon.
Winter light is a great opportunity if you plan to take pictures of the canyon. As mentioned above, the light reflects off the canyon walls differently when it sits lower in the sky.
Some of the most beautiful photographs of Lower Antelope Canyon are taken early morning–soon after the sun rises. Photographers find the most even illumination of the canyon walls late morning to early afternoon.
Stay Hydrated, Stay Energized
Although you’re planning your Lower Antelope Canyon tour during winter, you must keep in mind that the Colorado Plateau is a high desert region with many real-life dangers. In addition to extreme temperature fluctuations, flash flood risks, and limited resources for survival, all visitors must battle dehydration.
Remember to drink water the morning of your trip and consistently throughout the day. While you may not feel overheated or hyperthermic, the old adage still rings true: if you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.
You’ll also want to stay energized. Eat a calorie-rich breakfast and pack energy-dense snacks to refill on throughout your day trip. Trail mix, granola bars, and dried fruit are all high in nutrition and are easy to pack.
We also have a selection of warm beverages, snacks, and tacos at our on-site cafe!
5 Advantages of Visiting Lower Antelope Canyon in Winter
While any time of year is a great time to see Lower Antelope Canyon, here are a few of our favorite reasons to make your trip during winter:
#1 Fewer People
With fewer visitors, crowd sizes are much smaller, allowing you to explore further, get to the best viewpoints, and take fewer obstructed photos.
#2 Soft Lighting
As mentioned, the sun’s lower angle adds a uniqueness to the colors and light reflecting off the canyon’s walls that only winter offers.
#3 Cooler Temps
The region can really heat up during summertime, with temperatures climbing well into the 90s–too hot for many. Winter, and to be fair, fall and spring alike, offer much more hiker-friendly weather conditions.
#4 More Tour Options
To visit Lower Antelope Canyon, you must book your trip with an official guided tour. Due to winter having less demand, this means you get more freedom in choosing the day that best suits you–rather than working around what’s available.
#5 Enhanced Tranquility
There’s a certain level of reverence, peacefulness, and calm one enjoys when visiting Lower Antelope Canyon during winter.
What Are You Waiting For? Book Your Lower Antelope Canyon Trip Today!
If you’re looking for a wintertime adventure in the Southwest, we know you’re going to love seeing Lower Antelope Canyon. With so many reasons to see this highly desirable destination during the off-peak season, you owe it to yourself to visit in person.
Ken’s Tours is an official Lower Antelope Canyon tour provider, established in 1994 and supported by the Navajo Nation. Please take a moment to get to know us and check out the tour options that are available to you.
