Weather
In April, the weather around Antelope Canyon is warmer and more comfortable compared to early spring. However, keep in mind that mornings can still be a little chilly.
The early morning temps hover around 45–50°F (7–10°C). Later in the afternoon, the temperature can reach about 65–70°F (18–21°C). We always tell visitors that this is quite pleasant compared to the summer months. In other words: The conditions in April are almost perfect.
Good to know: Inside the canyon, it’s about 10°F (5–6°C) cooler than outside. We recommend that you bring a light jacket or an additional sweater or a vest that you can remove later.
Rain: The chances of rain are low in April, and the risk of flash floods is still relatively small. It’s always good to watch the weather forecast before you go, just in case.
You will be informed ahead of time if a tour will be canceled. Our tour operators will usually send an email and/or a text.
Tours
All of our tour operators (the ones we offer on our service site) for both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are running in April. Because this month can be busier due to spring break, make sure to book your tour early.
💡 You must join a guided tour to explore the canyon, as it is located on Navajo land. There are different tour times available, so pick one that works best for you. If you want to see the light beams, make sure to check our time of day tip below.
Please make sure to book a tour with reliable service. We selected those with the best booking services and the best guides for you!
Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon
- Upper Antelope Canyon: The part of the canyon with the stunning and popular light beams. The floors are mostly flat here; that means it’s easier to walk. However, it can get crowded, especially during the midday tours, when the light beams appear.
- Lower Antelope Canyon: This canyon is a bit more challenging. The reason for that is stairs/ladders and narrow passages. Some light beams can happen here, but not as often as in Upper Antelope. Still, you can enjoy beautiful colors and sometimes a slightly quieter experience.
The Light Beams in April
The light beams will already be visible in Antelope Canyon around March 20. Now, by April, they do appear on sunny days. However, the beams are only visible when the sun is high in the sky. April is still early in the beam season. But when visiting during this month, you can already experience them if you visit at the right time.
💡 Just keep in mind that there are no light beams on a cloudy day! Even when you book a tour around noon.
Visitors often ask us if April is the perfect month to experience the light beams. Our answer: No! While April is already a good time, the peak season for the sunbeams starts later in May!
However, the experience depends on many factors. Here is a review from one of your recent visitors:
“I took a photo tour at the beginning of April, after the spring equinox. The beams were really great! As part of the photo tour, people are cleared out of the picture, which doesn’t happen on other tours. You can’t visit alone; you need to book a tour and be accompanied by a guide. We were told the best beams are seen between 11am and 1pm. A must for everyone!”
The beams last until early October, with June, July, and August being the best months. Even though April isn’t peak season for beams, you can still catch them if the weather conditions are right: A clear and sunny sky.
Best Time of Day for Light Beams
The light beams are visible inside the canyon around midday, usually between 11 AM and 1:30 PM. For the best chance to see them, book a tour that puts you in the canyon at this time. If it’s cloudy, you won’t see beams even at midday.
We sometimes tell our visitor to cross their fingers that their ‘tour day’ will be sunny 😉
Booking a 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, or 12:00 PM tour is recommended because these are the light beam times.
Crowds
April is slightly busier than March because of spring break and nicer weather. More people come to see the canyon’s beauty and the higher chance of seeing the light beams.
If you don’t care that much about the light beams and want to avoid the crowds, you can also book an early morning or a late afternoon tour.
However, if experiencing the beams is important to you, you may have to share that experience with others in a fully booked group/tour.
We always suggest booking a tour in advance to make sure to get the desired spot.
Extra Tips
- Clothing: Dress in layers. It may be cooler in the morning, but by the afternoon, you’ll enjoy warmer weather. Good walking shoes are important for the sandy and sometimes uneven canyon floor.
- Photography: The canyon’s walls have beautiful colors. We highly recommend bringing a camera or a smartphone to capture its beauty.
- Respect the Canyon: This is a special place on Navajo land. Please listen to your guide’s instructions at any time.
Summary: The weather during this month is pleasant, the beams are starting to show regularly if you time it right, and all tours are operating.
While crowds can be larger during this time compared to early spring, visitors report that they had an amazing experience during April.
Enjoy the mild weather, the magical light beams (if you’re lucky), and the stunning colors that make this canyon a must-see place.