Monsoon season in Arizona is a phenomenon to behold. Monsoons are the storms (or storm season) created by a seasonal wind shift and the resulting precipitation. To Arizonans, the monsoon season is a period between about mid-July to mid-August where we encounter spectacular rainstorms with lots of electrical activity. Given we don’t see rain or storms often in this state (average precipitation near Grand Canyon is 8 inches/year), I would venture to say most Arizonans love witnessing the natural events of the season. It is fun, exciting and really beautiful.

Monsoon season in Grand Canyon, in particular, is pretty impressive. Rafters on the Colorado River will see lots of waterfalls (pour-overs from the rain runoff) and features that aren’t often there.  The good news is that the typical monsoon greets boaters just for a brief time in the afternoons. The monsoons roll through, give us a show and roll on out, usually leaving us in time to serve dinner and camp under the blue sky! NOTE: I am being general here and talking “the usual” — the monsoonal pattern isn’t guaranteed, obviously! River trips charge on, rain or shine, and monsoons aren’t something to worry much about. Just make sure to pack your rain gear!