If you're planning a trip to Northern Arizona, you've probably realized that Page isn't Phoenix. It’s higher, windier, and surprisingly moody. People often get caught off guard because they assume Arizona equals "scorching heat" year-round, but that's a mistake that can ruin a hike through Antelope Canyon or a boat day on Lake Powell. Understanding the Page AZ weather by month is basically the difference between a dream vacation and shivering on a houseboat in a surprise rainstorm.
The town sits at about 4,300 feet. That elevation changes everything.
You’re on a high desert plateau. It’s dry. The air is thin. Because of that, the temperature swings can be absolutely wild—sometimes 30 or 40 degrees between noon and midnight. If you come in March expecting summer vibes, you’ll be buying a $60 tourist sweatshirt within an hour of sunset. I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count.
The Winter Reality: December to February
Most people skip Page in the winter. Honestly? They’re missing out, but only if they hate crowds more than they hate the cold.
December and January are the coldest months. You’re looking at highs in the mid-40s ($7-9^{\circ}C$) and lows that frequently dip below freezing. It’s a crisp, biting kind of cold. The sun is bright, but it doesn't have any "bite" to it. If you’re visiting Horseshoe Bend in January, the wind coming off the Colorado River will make it feel ten degrees colder than the thermometer says.
Snow happens. Not a ton, but a dusting of white on the red sandstone of the Vermilion Cliffs is one of the most beautiful things you’ll ever see. It usually melts by noon, though.
February starts to see a tiny bit of warming, but it’s the wind you have to worry about. This is the start of "wind season." The transition from winter to spring creates these massive pressure shifts. If you’re out on Lake Powell, the water can go from glass to three-foot swells in a heartbeat. It’s sketchy.
Spring Break and the Famous Wind: March to May
March is when the crowds start trickling back. The Page AZ weather by month data shows highs climbing into the 60s, which sounds perfect for hiking. And it is, mostly. But March and April are notoriously the windiest months in Northern Arizona.
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We aren't talking about a light breeze. We're talking about sustained 25 mph winds with gusts that can hit 50 mph. If you’re in a slot canyon during a windstorm, it literally rains sand. It gets in your hair, your mouth, and it can wreck a camera lens in seconds.
By May, things get spectacular.
May is arguably the best month to visit Page. The average high is around 80°F ($27^{\circ}C$). The lake is still too cold for most people to swim comfortably—water temps usually linger in the 60s—but for kayaking or paddleboarding, it’s paradise. You get the heat without the "I’m melting" feeling that June brings.
Why May Wins
- Longer daylight hours for photography.
- The "Monsoon" hasn't started yet (low flood risk).
- Warm enough for shorts, cool enough for long hikes.
The Scorching Summer: June to August
June is the driest month, and it is hot. Really hot.
Expect 90s and 100s. Because the humidity is often in the single digits, you don't sweat like you do in Florida. You just dehydrate. You’ll be walking along the rim of a canyon, feeling fine, and then suddenly realize you’ve got a pounding headache because the air literally sucked the moisture out of your skin.
Then comes July. July is the pivot point.
The Monsoon Factor
Mid-July through August is Monsoon season. This is the most misunderstood part of Page AZ weather by month. It doesn't rain all day. Instead, the morning is blue and still. By 2:00 PM, massive towering clouds (cumulonimbus) build up over the Kaibab Plateau.
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When it breaks, it’s violent.
Lightning in Page is no joke. If you’re on the water, you need to get to a canyon or a marina immediately. But the real danger is flash flooding. You could be standing under a clear sky in Page while it’s pouring ten miles away, and suddenly a wall of mud and debris roars through a slot canyon. This is why tour operators for Antelope Canyon are so strict about weather closures. If they say no, don't argue. They’re literally saving your life.
August is also incredibly humid by Arizona standards. It’s the "sticky" month.
The Golden Window: September and October
If you can’t make it in May, come in October.
September is still quite warm—highs in the upper 80s—but the lake water has been baking all summer. This is the best time for swimming. The water temperature in Lake Powell stays in the 70s well into September. It feels like a bathtub.
October is the local favorite.
The crowds thin out as kids go back to school. The temperature drops to a perfect 70-75 degrees. The lighting for photography becomes softer and more golden as the sun sits lower in the sky. If you’re planning on doing the big hikes like Buckskin Gulch or Wire Pass, October offers the most stability. The flash flood risk drops significantly, and you won’t get heatstroke on the trail.
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Late Autumn Chill: November
November is the "forgotten" month. Highs drop into the 50s. It’s brisk.
This is when you start needing layers again. A morning hike will require a heavy fleece, but you’ll be down to a T-shirt by 1:00 PM. The days are short, though. By 5:00 PM, the sun is dipping, and the temperature craters.
Practical Realities of Page Weather
You have to respect the sun here. Even in January, the UV index is higher than you’d expect because of the altitude.
What to pack based on the season:
- Summer (June-Aug): Long-sleeve "sun shirts" with UPF rating. They’re actually cooler than tank tops because they keep the sun off your skin. Also, electrolytes. Plain water isn't enough when you're hiking in 105-degree heat.
- Spring/Fall (Mar-May, Sept-Oct): Layers. A windbreaker is non-negotiable in March and April.
- Winter (Nov-Feb): A real coat. Don't be the person in flip-flops in 40-degree weather.
A Note on Antelope Canyon Photography
If you are going specifically for the "light beams" in Upper Antelope Canyon, the Page AZ weather by month dictates your schedule. The beams only happen when the sun is high enough in the sky, typically from late March to early September. If you book in November, you won’t see them. You’ll get beautiful colors, sure, but no beams.
Final Strategic Tips for Travelers
Don't trust a 7-day forecast too deeply when it comes to wind or rain. The geography around Page—the lake, the massive cliffs, the desert floor—creates microclimates.
- Check the Lake Powell water levels: The weather affects the boat ramps. In dry years (which are common), some ramps close entirely in the heat of August.
- Flash Flood Monitoring: Use the National Weather Service site specifically for Coconino County. Look for "Flash Flood Watches."
- The "Feel" of 100 Degrees: Remember that 100°F in Page feels like 90°F in a humid climate, but it burns you twice as fast.
The best way to handle Page is to plan for the "shoulders." Early morning (sunrise) and late afternoon (sunset) are always the most comfortable and visually stunning times, regardless of the month. If it's July, do your hiking at 6:00 AM and be back in the AC or on a boat by 11:00 AM.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the moon phase if you're visiting in the clear-sky months of May or October; Page has incredible dark skies for stargazing.
- Download offline maps like Gaia GPS or AllTrails before you arrive, as the high-desert heat can make phone batteries drain faster, and signal is spotty outside town.
- Book your Antelope Canyon tours at least 4-6 months in advance if you're aiming for the "prime weather" window of May through June.
- Buy a wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap. In the wind of Page, a regular baseball cap will end up at the bottom of a canyon within ten minutes.