Antelope Canyon: Best Time to Visit + Top Tips for Planning Your Trip

One of the real highlights of any visit to Arizona, Antelope Canyon is one of the state’s best-known landmarks (along with that little-known spot called the Grand Canyon) for good reason.

So, you’re planning to visit Antelope Canyon? Discover the best time to visit and top tips to help you plan your trip with this practical guide. 

Ready for a deep dive into why and when you should visit Antelope Canyon? Of course, you are. Let’s do it!

Why Visit Antelope Canyon?

Visiting Antelope Canyon is an exhibition of just how much of a show Mother Nature can really put on. With its flowing shapes, glowing walls – it’s little wonder that it’s a revered spot.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon is actually two separate canyons – Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. You need to book onto separate tours to explore them. I’ll delve into the differences between them here.

Best Time to Visit Upper Antelope Canyon

Timing-wise, the Canyon is at its busiest in the peak summer months (July and August) and particularly at weekends – so avoid those if you can.

If you are travelling during those months, book your tour as far ahead as possible as they sell out well in advance. Plan your excursion around midday. Between 11 am and 1:30 pm the sun shimmers through the canyon.

Best Time to Visit Lower Antelope Canyon

Fewer sunbeams reach this part of Antelope Canyon and there’s a lot more effort involved in the tour. This does have the upshot that it’s great to visit at any time of year.

As for the best time of day to visit Lower Antelope Canyon, go for either early morning or mid-afternoon as these tours tend to be quieter. Crowds in the lower canyon fluctuate in size during the day.

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