Planning • Winter 2026–27
Visiting Antelope Canyon in Winter
No light beams from mid-October to mid-March, but the tours keep running, the crowds thin out and the sandstone glows in deep orange and violet. Which canyon to pick, the best time slots, holiday closures, cold, snow and the winter drive to Page.
Quick answer
Yes, go. Unless the light beams are your only reason for the trip, winter is one of the best-value times to see Antelope Canyon. From roughly mid-October to mid-March the sun sits too low for beams to reach the canyon floor, but tours keep running, crowds thin out, hotel rates in Page fall to their lowest of the year, and the sandstone glows in deep oranges, purples and blues. If the beam shot is the whole point, come back between late March and early October.
Checked in October 2026. Tour times, prices, holiday closures and road conditions change, sometimes week to week, so recheck before booking. Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Is It For You
Who winter is great for, and who should wait
Winter suits you if you're:
- On a budget. When we checked, Hotels.com's monthly averages for Page put January at about $85 a night and February at $95, against $214 in August and $217 in September.
- Avoiding crowds. Guides consistently describe December and January as the slowest months.
- Into color and texture. Without beams, your eye goes to the curves. Operators describe a subdued glow that brings out orange, red and purple tones.
- A photographer who likes soft light. Contrast is gentler, so hard, blown-out highlights are rarer.
Wait for spring or summer if the light-beam photo is the reason you're going. Beams need a high midday sun. At Page's latitude the sun climbs to about 77° around the June solstice but only about 30° in late December, and Upper Antelope's beam season runs roughly late March to early October. Our best time to visit Upper Antelope Canyon guide has the beam months and slots.
Round Out Your Trip
Other experiences you might enjoy around Page
Winter is a good time to pair the canyon with Horseshoe Bend, where the overlook is quiet at sunrise, and with Glen Canyon Dam and the Carl Hayden Visitor Center on the edge of town. Antelope Canyon X and Lower Antelope Canyon are both a few minutes' drive from Page, and some visitors come in on a day trip from Las Vegas. Live availability for tours around Page, Arizona is below.
Nov 2026 – Mar 2027
Winter month by month
| Month | Beams? | Crowds | Typical high / low (°F) | Snow | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | None (beams fade mid-October) | Low; a spike around Thanksgiving | mid-50s / ~40 | ~0.7 in | DST ends Nov 1; the tribal park is listed as closed Thu Nov 26 and Fri Nov 27 (Navajo Nation Family Day) |
| December | None | Lowest in early December; busy Dec 24–Jan 1 | mid-40s / upper 20s | ~1.0 in, ~2.5 snow days | Earliest sunset (~5:10 pm, Dec 6); Christmas Day closure |
| January | None | Very quiet after New Year's | mid-40s / upper 20s (coldest month) | ~1.4 in, ~2.4 snow days | New Year's Day closure; Ekis' January–February discount (when offered) |
| February | None | Quiet, but busier around Lunar New Year (Feb 6, 2027) and Presidents' Day (Feb 15, 2027) | low 50s / mid-30s | ~1.1 in | Lower Antelope's shorter winter hours still apply |
| March | Beams start to return mid-to-late March | Rising: spring break crowds | Milder, warming fast | Rare (~0.1 in) | DST resumes Mar 14, 2027; seasonal camps such as Under Canvas reopen in spring |
Climate figures are long-term averages compiled from several weather sources. Sources differ by a few degrees (January highs are listed anywhere from 44°F to 46°F), so treat them as ballpark numbers.
In The Canyon
What winter canyon light looks like
On a winter tour, expect a darker interior with a soft, even glow. Shaded sections lean toward violet and blue, while the upper walls still catch warm orange. It feels moodier and quieter than the summer postcard. Some visitors prefer it, but phones struggle more in the dim sections.
Best winter time slots: go at midday, about 10:30 am–1:30 pm Arizona time, when the most light gets into the slot. Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours warns that from November 1 through March 31 its 3:15 pm tour is darker, and recommends its 11:05 am and 1:10 pm tours for full sunlight. For Lower Antelope, Dixie's recommends booking between 10:15 am and 1:15 pm in winter.
Which canyon is best in winter?
- Upper Antelope is still the easiest walk, flat and sandy. In winter, though, you pay its premium without getting the beams. Pick it if your group includes young children, has limited mobility or wants the most famous name. Book through the Upper Antelope Canyon Entry Ticket and Guided Tour (4.5★ from 3,043 reviews, from $115), whose options include Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours. Ekis' Antelope Canyon Tours sells only on its own website.
- Lower Antelope is our top winter pick for most travelers. It's cheaper ($80.50 all-in at Dixie's), longer, and its open V-shaped top lets in bright, even light all day. The catch is the metal stairs, which can be slick after snow or rain. Book the Lower Antelope Canyon Entry and Navajo Guided Tour (4.7★ from 9,705 reviews) or Ken's Tours (4.7★ from 3,077 reviews).
- Antelope Canyon X is the best budget and crowd-free pick. Taadidiin Tours charges $47 per adult plus a $15 permit. Expect smaller groups, but some sections get very dark under a low winter sun. Book the Antelope Canyon X guided tour (4.7★ from 4,583 reviews).
For the full comparison, see Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon.
Times & Prices
Winter tour schedules and prices (checked October 2026)
| Operator | Canyon | Listed tour times | Adult price | Winter notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours (via the Entry Ticket and Guided Tour) | Upper | 8:20, 10:40 am, 1:00, 3:20 pm | $85 + $15 permit = $100 | Premium slot listed at $105 + $15 = $120 |
| Antelope Canyon Tours (Ekis) | Upper | 7:50, 9:50 am, 12:00, 2:00 pm (off-season page) | From $92 + $15 permit + fees | Noon priced higher; a Jan 1–Feb 28 discount is sometimes offered |
| Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours | Upper | Four daily slots, the last around 3:15 pm | $120 (ages 13+) | 3:15 pm tour darker Nov 1–Mar 31 |
| Antelope Slot Canyon Tours | Upper | Not listed online | From $95 (varies by date) | Non-refundable unless you add $10 protection |
| Tsé Bíghanílíní Tours | Upper | 8:45, 11:05 am, 1:25, 3:45 pm | $135 (permit included) | Refund drops sharply inside 72 hours |
| Dixie's | Lower | Winter hours 8:45 am–2:45 pm | $80.50 all-in | Check the dates the winter hours apply on Dixie's site |
| Ken's Tours | Lower | Winter: last tour around 3 pm | $80.50 all-in | Winter hours start around the second week of November |
| Taadidiin Tours (Antelope Canyon X guided tour) | Canyon X | Daytime | $47 + $15 permit | January–March tickets released Dec 1 |
What this means for your trip
- Schedules shrink, they don't disappear. The big change is at Lower, where Dixie's winter day (8:45 am–2:45 pm) is about four and a half hours shorter than its summer day (6:15 am–4:45 pm).
- Discounts are modest and inconsistent. Ekis advertises an occasional January–February rate. Most other operators keep similar prices year-round, but the midday "prime time" premium matters less when there are no beams. The real winter saving is lodging. More in our Antelope Canyon tickets and prices guide.
- Booking windows: a few days ahead is usually enough outside holiday weeks. For Christmas–New Year's, Lunar New Year and Presidents' Day weekend, book 2–4 weeks out. Ekis says advance reservations are required year-round. Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours accepts walk-ins when space allows.
- All tours run on Arizona time (MST, no daylight saving).
Compare operators in our Upper Antelope Canyon tours compared guide.
Holiday closures: a conflict to know about
Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation's Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park page states that the park is closed during all major Navajo Nation holidays, and lists Thanksgiving Day, Navajo Nation Family Day (the day after Thanksgiving), Christmas Day and New Year's Day. For 2026–27 that means Nov 26, Nov 27, Dec 25 and Jan 1. However, Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours has said it is open on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, and Ekis says it is open 365 days a year. If your trip touches any of those four dates, get written confirmation from your operator. Have a backup plan as well, such as Horseshoe Bend, which is run by the City of Page, not the Navajo Nation.
Weather
Winter weather risks
- Snow and ice. Operators can cancel when steps or ladders ice over, which mostly affects Lower. Page averages about 3 inches of snow a year, with measurable snow on only a couple of days on average, and snow rarely sticks for long.
- Rain and flash floods. The risk is much lower than in the July–September monsoon, but it isn't zero. Operators cancel if storms threaten the watershed.
- Cold. Page averages roughly 24 days a month below freezing in December and January. Upper tours start with a ride in an open-air 4x4, and with wind chill the ride feels much colder than the canyon itself.
- Wind and sand. Winter fronts can bring gusty days. Keep your lens cap handy and wear eye protection for the truck ride.
Getting There
Driving to Page in winter
- From Las Vegas: I-15 to UT-9/US-89 through Kanab, then on to Page, about 4.5 hours. The route mostly stays below the high mountain passes, but check UDOT and ADOT 511 after storms. In winter Page is one hour ahead of Las Vegas. More in our Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas guide, or skip the drive on the Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend day trip from Las Vegas (4.7★ from 2,478 reviews).
- From the Grand Canyon South Rim: Desert View Drive (AZ-64) and the East Entrance are open year-round unless temporarily closed by snow. From there, AZ-64 runs 25 miles to US-89 at Cameron, then north to Page.
- From Flagstaff or Phoenix: the storm-prone stretches are I-17 near Flagstaff and I-40, which ADOT closes during heavy snow. In March 2025, for example, ADOT closed long stretches of northbound I-17 and SR 89A near Sedona and Flagstaff after multiple vehicles slid off in heavy snow. US-89 north of Flagstaff is lower and usually clears quickly. Carry water, a blanket and a full tank, and check az511.com.
- North Rim: closed for winter. ADOT stops plowing SR-67 from Jacob Lake, although US-89A stays open.
- Daylight: Page's earliest sunset is around 5:10 pm on Dec 6, and its latest sunrise around 7:40 am on Jan 5. Avoid driving remote stretches after dark, when elk, cattle and black ice are all hazards.
- Time zones: Arizona stays on MST year-round, while the Navajo Nation, Utah and Nevada observe daylight saving. From Nov 1, 2026 to Mar 14, 2027, Page, the Navajo Nation and Kanab, Utah all show the same clock time, which makes this the easiest time of year to schedule tours.
There's no car-rental partner on this site; the main rental companies all operate at Las Vegas and Phoenix airports.
Nearby
Horseshoe Bend in winter
The City of Page charges $10 per standard vehicle for parking, $5 for motorcycles and more for RVs and large vehicles. America the Beautiful passes are not accepted, and on Thanksgiving and Christmas the booth may switch to cash only. The lot is generally open sunrise to sunset, and the walk to the overlook is a little under a mile each way.
In winter the best light shifts earlier, to roughly 3:00–4:30 pm. Sunrise is quiet and the dawn colors are lovely. After a freeze the trail can carry patches of ice, so microspikes are cheap insurance.
Pair it with the canyon using our Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in one day plan, or book the Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend & Glen Canyon Dam Tour from Page, which takes you to Upper or Lower plus the overlook (4.6★ from only 12 reviews, so read the recent ones).
In Town
Lake Powell and Page in winter: what's open
- Carl Hayden Visitor Center (Glen Canyon Dam): winter hours of about 9 am–4 pm MST from November to late February. It's closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
- Boat tours: limited. Lake Powell Resorts lists its Wahweap Antelope Canyon boat tour as unavailable until further notice, and some other cruises run on reduced or seasonal schedules. More in our Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell guide.
- Under Canvas Lake Powell–Grand Staircase: closed all winter. It runs a March-to-October season, so check its reopening date if you're planning a March trip.
- Restaurants and shops: most stay open, but some run shorter hours or close early in the week. Call ahead for dinner plans.
Lodging
Where to stay, and what you'll pay
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Summer (Jun–Aug) | |
|---|---|---|
| Average hotel rate (Hotels.com, when checked) | About $85 (Jan) and $95 (Feb); December higher around the holidays | About $214 in August |
| Tour price | Same or slightly lower | Full price + prime-time premiums |
| Crowds | Lowest of the year (except holidays) | Highest |
| Light beams | None | Best of the year (Upper, midday) |
| Canyon colors | Deep purples, soft orange glow | Bright orange, high contrast |
| Weather | Highs mid-40s °F, lows upper 20s | Highs low-to-mid 90s °F |
December is the exception to "winter is cheap". Some booking sites list December as Page's most expensive month because of holiday demand, so book Christmas week early. In January and February you can often book within a week. Our where to stay in Page, AZ guide compares the hotels and areas and links to live rates.
Packing
What to wear and pack
- Insulated jacket: a packable down or synthetic puffy for the truck ride and the early tours.
- Touchscreen gloves, so you can shoot without bare fingers.
- Warm, grippy boots: sand inside the canyon, ice at Horseshoe Bend.
- Microspikes for icy overlook trails after a storm. Most operators won't allow them on tour, so leave them in the car.
- Beanie, buff or neck gaiter, sunglasses and lip balm: the air is dry and the high-desert sun is strong even in winter.
Bag rules don't relax in winter. Check Antelope Canyon rules: what you can and can't bring before you layer up with bulky packs.
Photography
Winter photography tips
- Expose for the highlights and lift the shadows later. Winter scenes are darker, so expect a higher ISO.
- Look for purple-blue shadow tones in the shaded sections. A cooler white balance shows them off.
- Keep spare batteries in an inside pocket, because cold drains them fast.
- Wipe off condensation when you move from the cold truck into the canyon.
Full phone and camera settings are in how to photograph Upper Antelope Canyon.
Itinerary
A sample two-day winter itinerary
| Time | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Drive in (from Vegas, ~4.5 hrs, or from the Grand Canyon via Desert View) | Coffee; sunrise at Horseshoe Bend (optional, quiet) |
| Midday | Late lunch in Page | Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, 10:30 am–1:30 pm slot |
| Afternoon | Horseshoe Bend, ~3:00–4:30 pm | Canyon X or the Carl Hayden Visitor Center (closes 4 pm) |
| Evening | Sunset ~5:10–5:40 pm; early dinner | Stargazing (long winter nights); depart next morning |
Light-beam timing doesn't apply in winter, but our best time to visit guide explains why, which helps if you're weighing a March trip.
FAQ
Antelope Canyon in winter: questions
Is Antelope Canyon worth it in winter?
Yes, for most people. You trade the beams for lower hotel prices, smaller crowds and richer, softer color. If the beam photo is the main reason for your trip, go between late March and early October.
Are there light beams in December?
No. The midday sun in December peaks at only about 30° above the horizon, too low to send beams to the canyon floor. Beams generally return in late March.
Is Antelope Canyon open in winter?
Yes, tours run all winter. The Navajo Nation Parks website lists closures on Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, though some operators say they're open on those days. Weather can also force same-day cancellations.
How cold is Antelope Canyon in January?
January is Page's coldest month. Typical highs are in the mid-40s °F and lows in the upper 20s, and early tours and the open-air truck ride feel colder. Inside the canyon you're out of the wind.
Does it snow in Page, AZ?
A little. Page averages about 3 inches of snow a year, mostly from December to February, and it usually melts quickly.
Upper or Lower in winter?
Lower for most people: it's cheaper, brighter and more varied when the beams aren't the goal. Choose Upper if you need a flat, ladder-free canyon floor. Choose Canyon X for the smallest groups and the lowest price.
What time should I book in winter?
Midday, roughly 10:30 am–1:30 pm Arizona time, gives the brightest canyon light. Avoid the last slot of the day, which gets noticeably darker from November to March.
Plan Your Trip
The rest of our Antelope Canyon planning guides
- Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon: which tour should you book?
- Upper Antelope Canyon tours compared
- Antelope Canyon tickets, prices and permits
- Best time to visit Upper Antelope Canyon, and the light beams
- Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas
- Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in one day
- Where to stay in Page, AZ
- Antelope Canyon rules: what you can and can't bring
- How to photograph Upper Antelope Canyon
Bottom Line
Go at midday, allow two nights, and check the holidays
Winter at Antelope Canyon means fewer people, lower prices and moodier light, but no beams. For budget travelers, crowd-avoiders and color lovers, it's arguably the best time of year to go. Book a midday Lower Antelope or Canyon X tour, spend two nights in Page to absorb weather delays, avoid the four holiday dates unless your operator confirms in writing, and watch ADOT 511 if you're coming through Flagstaff. If the beam shot is your dream photo, come back in spring.
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