Weather
In May, the weather around the canyon is warm and pleasant. Early mornings can be around 50°F (10°C), and afternoons often reach temps from 70 to 75°F (21–24°C). Keep in mind that the canyon is about 10°F (5–6°C) cooler inside, so it’s a good idea to wear layers.
May is generally dry, and while rain is rare, it’s always a good idea to check the forecast. The chance of flash floods is low, and tour guides will keep you safe if the weather looks risky.
Severe Weather
May is usually dry, and the risk of severe weather or flash floods is low. We still recommend checking the forecast before you go. If a surprise shower pops up, your guide may delay or cancel the tour to keep you safe.
Safety is always the top priority for every tour operator.
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
By May, all our Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tour operators are in full swing. Because the weather is lovely and people are looking for outdoor adventures, tours can fill up fast—especially during midday when light beams occur.
💡 You need to join a guided tour to explore the canyon, as it is located on Navajo land. Different tour times are 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 from our trustworthy operators. 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.
Visitor Testimonial
“We booked a tour at 9:15 AM and were told that at this time we won’t see the iconic sunbeams, which was ok for us. At this time of year, in the morning, it was chilly and started around mid-40s, but warmed to about mid-50s at the end of our tour.
The Tour Company was easy to find as we booked via this website. The tour company staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The ride to the canyon is dusty and bumpy. So keep that in mind.
Our guide was extremely friendly, professional, and knowledgeable and provided unexpected expertise in the smartphone picture-taking process. With his tips and his help, we were able to take amazing pictures with our iPhones!
The tour through the canyon is flat for the whole length of the tour and it was dusty! However, we loved every minute. This tour is not to be missed even without the light beams.
My tip: Plan a tour in the mid-day for better sunlighting in the canyon so you can experience those beams.”
Light Beams
May is already a great month to see the iconic sunbeams. Early May beams may be a bit shorter and less intense, but as the month goes on, the beams become stronger, clearer, and more frequent. By late May, you can often enjoy beams that are nearly as impressive as those seen in the peak summer months. But keep in mind that the sky must be clear and sunny and not overcast or cloudy.
Planning your visit towards the end of May increases your chances of catching those magical, picture-perfect beams.
Time of Day to See the Beams
In May, and during the whole ‘beam season’, the light beams are visible inside the canyon around midday, usually between 11 AM and 1:30 PM. So, 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’ won’t be a cloudy one 😉
Booking a 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, or 12:00 PM tour is advised because these are the light beam times.
Crowds in May
May is a popular month. The canyon can be crowded, especially at midday when everyone hopes to see the beams. If you prefer fewer people, consider going early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You might miss out on the beams that way, but you’ll have more space to enjoy the canyon’s shapes and colors. If the beams are important to you, book in advance and be ready to share the view with others.
What to Wear
Wear layers, starting with a light jacket or sweater in the morning and a t-shirt underneath for the warmer afternoons. Comfortable walking shoes are important because the canyon floor can be sandy and uneven. A hat and sunglasses are helpful for the bright sunlight outside, and a scarf or bandana can help if the wind stirs up dust.