Grand Canyon National Park Airport

KGCN / GCN

Grand Canyon - Tusayan, US

Last Updated
Jul 5, 00:54Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 15 min ago
00:54Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
29°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: -14°C
6 kt
Variable G15 kt
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1024 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KGCN 050054Z VRB06G15KT 10SM CLR 29/M14 A3025 RMK AO2 SLP151 T02941139

Weather Briefing

VFR

Grand Canyon National Park Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the variable directions at 6 knots with gusts to 15 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 10 SM. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 29°C (84°F) with a dewpoint of -14°C, indicating very dry conditions. High temperatures at this elevation may result in significant density altitude effects. Pilots should calculate density altitude and adjust performance expectations accordingly.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1024 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
804 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (6,609 ft)
Pressure Alt
6,287 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 9,553 ft (High - Reduced Performance)
ISA Deviation: +27.2°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KGCN 042320Z 0500/0524 20008KT P6SM SKC FM050200 VRB03KT P6SM FEW250 FM051800 21010G20KT P6SM SCT120
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
01:08Z BASE
+0h
VFR 200° 8 kt
Visibility: >6SM
02:00Z FM050200
+1h
VFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: >6SM

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
Chart Features
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
GCN
03
21

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
03/21 8,999 ft 150 ft ASP 40° No wind data
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KGCN

7,565 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
87.5%
MVFR
6.1%
IFR
3.9%
LIFR
2.6%

Grand Canyon National Park Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 87.5% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 8.5 knots. Calm conditions occur 33.4% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -18°C to 32°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are July, March, June.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: SW (225°)
Average Speed: 8.5 kt
Maximum Recorded: 30 kt
Calm Winds: 33.4%
Direction Distribution:
E
6.4%
N
2%
S
9.8%
W
7.2%
NE
14.2%
NW
2.2%
SE
1.4%
SW
23.4%

Temperature Range

Average: 7.9°C
Range: -18°C to 32°C
-18°C 32°C

Visibility

Average: 9.7 SM
Below 3 SM: 1%
Fog Frequency: 0.5%

Best Months for VFR

July March June

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 03/21
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.2 kt

Statistics computed from 7,565 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Grand Canyon National Park Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KGCN
IATA Code: GCN
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 6,609 ft MSL

Location

City: Grand Canyon - Tusayan
Country: US
Latitude: 35.952400°
Longitude: -112.147003°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+7

Runway Information

Runway 03/21
Length: 8,999 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Grand Canyon National Park Airport

Overview

Grand Canyon National Park Airport serves the Tusayan region near the iconic Grand Canyon, situated at a high elevation of 6609 ft MSL. The medium-sized airport supports tourism and regional aviation operations in northern Arizona, providing critical access to one of the most significant natural landmarks in the United States.

Flying Conditions

Pilots can expect predominantly VFR conditions 81% of the time, with marginal and instrument conditions occurring less frequently. The airport experiences a significant temperature range from -17°C to 27°C, and consistent southwest winds averaging 7.9 knots with occasional calm periods. Visibility remains strong, averaging 9.6 statute miles with minimal instances of reduced visibility.

Notable Features

The airport's high elevation at 6609 ft MSL presents performance considerations for aircraft, particularly during warmer months. The single runway 03/21 is 8999 feet long with an asphalt surface, accommodating a wide range of aircraft types. The surrounding terrain includes the dramatic landscape of the Grand Canyon, which can generate complex local wind and thermal conditions.

Approach Considerations

Runway 03/21 demonstrates favorable wind alignment, with wind conditions supporting runway usage 100% of the time and minimal average crosswind of 3 knots. Pilots should note the best VFR months are September, October, and December, which offer the most consistent flying conditions. Understanding the airport's elevation and potential thermal interactions is critical for safe operations.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.