If you’re wondering what to wear to the Grand Canyon, you’re in the right place! This is your ultimate guide to Grand Canyon fashion. We’ll help you plan the perfect outfits so you can snap the most incredible Grand Canyon photos.
These are the essential pieces of Grand Canyon clothing that you must pack! This guide also discusses the best month to go to the Grand Canyon, and how to dress for Grand Canyon activities based on the season you choose to visit. Including what to wear to the Grand Canyon in April, and what to wear to the Grand Canyon in September.
What to Wear at the Grand Canyon
What to Wear at the Grand Canyon
Table of Contents
The Grand Canyon is one of the most legendary places in America. It’s considered one of the natural wonders of the world. It’s vast, colorful & dramatic. It’s incredibly instagrammable!
See all the top Grand Canyon sites by air.
But… to snap the perfect Grand Canyon photo… you need the perfect Grand Canyon outfit! So, if you’re wondering ‘What should I wear to the Grand Canyon?’ We’re here to answer that question.
When I first started thinking about what to wear in the Grand Canyon. I was somewhat discouraged… Is it possible to find cute hiking clothes? How can I manage to hike all day & also make a fashion statement? I didn’t want to compromise activities, but I wanted to look good. Read this guide, and you’ll find out exactly how I did it!
Best time to visit the Grand Canyon
The best time of year for Grand Canyon sightseeing is when the weather is milder. This is typical during the fall or spring seasons. You can get to the Grand Canyon in under 3 hours from Sedona.
The best time to hike the Grand Canyon is March through May, or September through November. Grand Canyon weather in May, and Grand Canyon weather in September is on the warmer end of the spectrum.
Temperatures can get up to the high 70s or down to the low 40s during those two months. This is considered the best time to go to the Grand Canyon if you prefer hiking in warmer temperatures that aren’t too hot.
Take the legendary Grand Canyon Hummer Tour.
Grand Canyon weather in June and Grand Canyon weather in August can get up into the high 80s with lows in the 40s still. Many are surprised by how cold it can get at the Grand Canyon in June. Remember, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is 7,000 ft above sea level! So, if you’re thinking about what to wear to the Grand Canyon in July… you’ll still need layers!
Experience Skydiving at the Grand Canyon.
1. Graphic tee
Regardless if you are packing for Grand Canyon summer, fall or spring… you’ll need some T-shirts. If you are visiting the Grand Canyon in summer, you can expect temperatures in the 80s. The Grand Canyon in August is just as hot!
Even if you are planning to visit the Grand Canyon during cooler months, you’ll still need a T-shirt. Layers are the first and best rule when you’re thinking about what to wear to the Grand Canyon. A good quality tee can be an excellent base layer.
Lovin’ these graphic tees from the Lucid Muse Collective on Etsy.
I’m not talking about just any ordinary tee. This tee is your chance to show some flair & personality. Pick out a cute logo tee that’s environmentally focused. Think national park logo or similar.
Take a bicycle tour along the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
Obsessed with these graphic tees from the Nature Supply Company on Etsy.
A cute tee can take your outfit from ordinary to extraordinary! It’s one of my best tips for how to dress for Grand Canyon sightseeing.
So, stop wondering what to wear to the Grand Canyon in August, and get one of these amazing eco tees from Alpenglow Apparel on Etsy.
2. Cargo Pants
When I think of cargo pants I think of comfortable cotton, breathability, and Indiana Jones style explorer vibes. These pair so well with a white blouse & a Western-style hat.
Cargo pants are the perfect item to wear during your activities at the Grand Canyon. They’re great for a bike ride, mule ride, or early morning trek. If you are thinking about what to wear for Grand Canyon tours, you’ll need your cargo pants!
The Grand Canyon provides so many opportunities to get beautiful romantic couples photos. The nearby city of Sedona is another excellent destination for couples.
The weather in Grand Canyon in October can be cold in the mornings and evenings, but scorching mid-day! So, what to wear to the Grand Canyon in October?? For optimal comfort — you’ll need a pair of pants and a pair of shorts. This is also the perfect strategy for what to wear to the Grand Canyon in March.
***The best thing to do is plan 2 layers for your lower body & 2-3 layers for your upper body. Pants and shorts for below. A tee, long sleeve, and sweater for above.*** Especially if you’re anything like me & you hate being cold!
3. Felt Fedora
The felt fedora is a slightly more sophisticated cousin to the traditional cowboy hat. It’s exactly what to wear when hiking the Grand Canyon. Think, hiking chic.
Have a private photography session at the Grand Canyon.
This wide brim hat is functional because it provides warmth and sun protection. It will keep that pretty face of yours from burning in the desert sun. It’s also the ultimate accessory. When you find yourself at some of the best places to visit at the Grand Canyon, you’ll be glad you brought your felt fedora…because you’ll be able to create the most beautiful wild western scene.
Also, it’s required for certain activities at the Grand Canyon. If you were wondering what to wear on Grand Canyon mule ride, it’s this! A wide-brim sunhat is necessary.
These embellished hats from Noam Boho on Etsy are AMAZING!
My photos with this felt fedora were some of my best of the Grand Canyon.
4. Flannel Shirt
We talked a little bit about layers. They’re important because of the big temperature fluctuations you’ll see at the Grand Canyon. A flannel shirt is a perfect item to layer! Also, it’s in style.
A flannel shirt is especially important if you’re thinking about what to wear at the Grand Canyon in October, or if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon in November. It’s the ultimate autumn item!
Go on a ranger tour of the Grand Canyon.
Check out these adorable flannels from the Freezing Squirrel on Etsy.
Layers are important at the Grand Canyon because the temperature fluctuates, but they’re also important because your activity level fluctuates. As you enjoy various activities near the Grand Canyon, you’ll go from hiking a steep incline to walking, sitting, or resting. If you tend to sweat through your clothes in the sun, you’ll want to bring some extra items.
So, what do you wear to the Grand Canyon?
A good rule of thumb is 3 layers for your upper body: one tee, one flannel & one sweater.
5. Quarter zip
This is part 3 of our perfect layer combination for the most optimal comfort at the Grand Canyon. It’s the warmest layer you’ll need to bring. Unless, of course, you’re thinking about what to wear to the grand canyon in December — then the warmest layer will be a puffer coat.
Still, thinking about what to wear to the Grand Canyon in January, you’ll need a good quality sweater to wear under your puffer coat.
It can get very cold at the Grand Canyon! So, a quarter-zip sweater is especially important if you plan on staying to catch sunrise or sunset. This is true even if you’re wondering what to wear hiking in the Grand Canyon in May.
6. Bandanna
This is one of my favorite accessories on our Grand Canyon fashion guide! I love this because it’s cheap to get. It’s also very versatile and functional!
You can use your bandanna to cover your mouth and nose while you’re hiking the Grand Canyon in May. This is the windy season, although it can be very windy all year round. Let’s remember that the Grand Canyon geography is exceptionally dry and windy. Dust in the air is common and unpleasant.
Although if you’re at the Grand Canyon in July and it’s not as windy… Use your bandanna to make a statement in your outfit. The average temperature of the Grand Canyon in July gets into the 80s, so use your bandanna as a headband or hair accessory.
If you’re wondering what to wear to the Grand Canyon in April that will make a statement, or what to wear when hiking the Grand Canyon in November…it’s a bandanna of course!
7. Shawl
What to wear for Grand Canyon sunrise photos? We got you! Wear a shawl and fur pom beanie for the perfect outfit on a chilly and mesmerizing morning at the Grand Canyon.
This is one of my favorite outfits.
A wool shawl is very much on theme for the Grand Canyon. It’s cozy & warm. A wool shawl will elevate your outfit from hiking casual to western diva. If you’re wondering what to wear to Grand Canyon in November or what to wear to Grand Canyon in March… this is it!
Although, the Grand Canyon in October can be pretty chilly as well. Instead of a fur pom hat, you could also pair this shawl with your felt fedora.
8. Fur Pom Hat
Thinking about what to wear to the Grand Canyon in January or what to wear to the Grand Canyon in November? The fur pom hat is an absolute must-have item for the Grand Canyon in November.
These gorgeous hats are brought to you by CherishKnitArt on Etsy. Click to purchase!
A fur pom hat is a stylish and functional accessory. You’ll want to go with wool or cashmere for maximum breathability and durability. Wool is stain-resistant and moisture-wicking. It’s the perfect fabric if you’re wondering what to wear in Grand Canyon in December or what to wear in Grand Canyon in November.
9.Hiking Boots
The best Grand Canyon hiking shoes are comfortable, breathable, and light. The best grand canyon hiking boots are cute, NOT ugly. There are so many ugly hiking shoes out there, you can do better!
Suede hiking boots tend to be a little more fashion minded. If you can find a well-reviewed suede hiking boot that’s waterproof and light… it’s going to become a part of your must-have Grand Canyon gear.
If you want to hit the best trails at Grand Canyon’s South Rim, you’ll need the best shoes for hiking the Grand Canyon. If you don’t have the right shoe, you won’t be able to get to all the best places to see in the Grand Canyon. You’ll get blisters and you’ll regret it!
Skip sandals here. The best shoes for hiking Grand Canyon trails are boots!
10. Backpack
Hiking the Grand Canyon in April requires a good backpack. Think about all the layers you’ll need, a good water supply, and essential camera gear. Plus, sunscreen and toiletries, even meds and first aid tools like bandaids. Yep, you’ll need to backpack the Grand Canyon. (just kidding, you’ll need a backpack for the grand canyon).
Many of the best places to go at the Grand Canyon are far away from one another. Many of the best things to do at the Grand Canyon require that you carry some items with you. In the end, you’ll be glad you brought one.
A backpack that’s comfortable is key when thinking about what to wear hiking the Grand Canyon. You may be hiking for hours! Your pack might weigh 20 lb. That can put a huge strain on your neck and shoulders.
