Havasu Falls is a waterfall located in the reservation of the Havasupai people, and in the Grand Canyon, Arizona.
It is the most visited of the numerous falls along the Havasu Creek and is composed of one ~30m chute of water falling into pristine plunge pools.
The pools are an enticing true aquamarine colour due to the high calcium carbonate concentration, so for many tourists, diving in is a highlight of the trek.
Briefly, we would say that the best time for you to hike the Havasu Falls is in March/April and October/November, or in early spring and late fall.
This article will provide you with weather charts showing the average temperatures, precipitation and wind speed by month. It will then provide a month-by-month breakdown of what you can expect during the month for which you have booked your permit.
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Havasu Falls - When To Go
While the summer months can get really hot to walk in – a dip in the pools after a long, hot morning hike is so satisfying that it’s almost worth it.
Remember, though, that the trails into Supai will be closed if the temperatures reach 115°F or higher and there is no guarantee by the permit administration of a refund or reschedule of your hike.
Furthermore, if you are planning on hiking in summer and opt for the July/August period, note that this is monsoon season and there is a serious risk of flash floods. In fact, the flash floods are a major influence on the landscape of the region and even wiped out the original Navajo Falls in 2008.
There was another flash flood in 2018, so it is important that you check the rain forecast in the days leading up to the hike, just in case.
However, the trail is open from February through until November and getting a permit for any time of the year is so competitive that we strongly suggest that if you have the opportunity to go whatever the time of year – take it.
The Falls: Temperature By Month
As can be seen by the chart below, June, July and August are the warmest months and have scorching daily maximums of around 100°F.
However, even during these months the night time temperatures drop significantly to around 65°F so it is necessary to plan for relatively cold weather as well. The key to tackling variable weather is through layering.
For more information, check out our packing list for the multi-day trekking.
Rainfall By Month
The figure below reveals that by far the most rainfall occurs in July and August (~1.3 inches of rainfall per month), which is to be expected as these are the monsoon months.
However, the likelihood of encountering rain even during these months is low, with a total of approximately 5 or 6 days per month (in July and August) affected by rain.
The real issue with rain is not merely discomfort, but instead it is the chance of a flash flood, which could be dangerous. Thus, if you do plan you trip for summer, make sure you keep checking the rain forecast.
Historical Wind Speed
Over the course of the year, the average wind speeds tend to fluctuate between 6 mph and 12 mph with the windiest months being roughly in winter and spring.
The wind speed is not high enough to be a cause for concern at any time of the year, although gusts are known to reach 19 mph.
Havasu Falls Weather Conditions: By Month
January Conditions
The Havasupai trail is regularly closed off in January, so avoid planning your trek for this time of year. If the trail happens to be open, read on.
It’s off-season so everything is accessible and quiet. Definitely too cold to swim, and camping may be unpleasant but you can make use of the lodge to overnight.
Temperature:
High: 53 °F
Low: 27 °F
Rain: 0.2 in
Wind: 7.4 mph
Snow: 0.4 in
February Conditions
It’s off-season for the Havasu Falls so everything is accessible and quiet. Definitely too cold to swim, and camping may be unpleasant but you can make use of the lodge to overnight.
Temperature:
High: 60 °F
Low: 32 °F
Rain: 0.4 in
Wind: 7 mph
Snow: 0.2 in
March Conditions
It’s still too cold to swim at the Havasu Falls but hiking in these conditions is manageable if you bring the right gear. Great time to hike if you are looking to have the trail to yourself. Another advantage of the early spring is that you won’t have to deal with insects!
Temperature:
High: 67 °F
Low: 37 °F
Rain: 0.9 in
Wind: 8 mph
Snow: None
April Conditions
April is a great month for a pleasant Havasupai hike. As the weather warms and the trees turn green, there will be more days that are suitable for swimming. At this point the trails will already be filling with other hikers though.
Temperature:
High: 75°F
Low: 43°F
Rain: 0.4 in
Wind: 9.3 mph
Snow: None
May Conditions
The weather is still lovely for pleasant midday hiking and chances are you’ll get to have a nice dip in the pools. The trails are really busy in this period.
Temperature: High is 86°F and Low is 50°F
Rain: 0.4 in
Wind: 8.5 mph
Snow: None
June Conditions
In June, the daytime starts getting really hot, so you have to leave for your hike early on otherwise the temperatures can become unbearable.
The trails are also really crowded as this is peak season. On the upside, you can reward yourself after a long day’s walk with a well-deserved swim. Small chance of thunderstorms and flash floods.
Temperature: High is 96°F and Low is 60°F
Rain: 0.3 in
Wind: 8 mph
Snow: None
July Conditions
It now can get really hot in July, well above 100°F, and there is the risk that your permit will be denied if the temperature is forecasted to be above 118°F. Must leave in the early morning to hike. Very crowded. Swimming is great in this weather. July is a monsoon month so keep an eye on the rain predictions in case of flash floods.
Temperature: High is 99°F; Low is 66°F
Rain: 1.2 in
Wind: 7.4
Snow: None
August Conditions
August is really hot to hike, and there is the risk of being turned away if the temperature is forecasted to be above 118°F. Must leave early in the morning for hiking – an afternoon swim is really lovely. Trails and pools are very crowded. August is monsoon month so keep an eye on the rain forecast in case of flash floods.
Temperature: High is 99°F; Low is 64°F
Rain: 1.4 in
Wind: 6.2 mph
Snow: None
September and October Weather
Perfect hiking conditions without the worry of overwhelming midday sun. Most days are warm enough to have a swim in the pools, but there are some times of the day that it would be too chilly for a swim. Trails still busy.
Temperature: High is 78°F; Low is 46°F
Rain: 0.6 in
Wind: 6.8 mph
Snow: None
November Conditions
The trails are starting to quiet down, and the weather is very pleasant for hiking, although many report that it is now too cold for swimming in the pools. There is the slight risk of snow.
Temperature: High is 64°F; Low is 35°F
Rain: 0.7 in
Wind: 6.8 mph
Snow: 0.1 in
December Conditions
The trail was closed in the 2018 December, and is likely to be closed during this period again. Visiting in this season might be possible, but is too cold for swimming and is not very comfortably for camping. Consider overnighting in the lodge.
If you’re willing to take on the cold, this is a great time to have the trail all to yourself.
Temperature: High is 53°F; Low is 27°F
Rain: 0.8 in
Wind: 6.2 mph
Snow: 0.6 in
