Grand Canyon National Park Airport

KGCN / GCN

Grand Canyon - Tusayan, US

Last Updated
Mar 5, 06:54Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 14 min ago
06:54Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
-1°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: -8°C
3 kt
60°
--
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1015 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KGCN 050654Z AUTO 06003KT CLR M01/M08 A2997 RMK AO2 SLP107 T10111083 401671067 $
QNH
1015 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
795 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (6,609 ft)
Pressure Alt
6,557 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 6,223 ft
ISA Deviation: -2.8°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KGCN 050520Z 0506/0606 22005KT P6SM BKN250 FM051200 22010KT P6SM FEW250 FM051800 27022G35KT P6SM BKN050 FM060100 31012G22KT P6SM FEW050
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
07:07Z BASE
+0h
VFR 220° 5 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 25,000 ft
12:00Z FM051200
+5h
VFR 220° 10 kt
Visibility: >6SM
18:00Z FM051800
+11h
VFR 270° 22 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 5,000 ft

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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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
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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
Active: 03
8,999 ft 150 ft ASP 40°
2.6 kt 1.5 kt
30° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KGCN

4,636 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
81.4%
MVFR
9%
IFR
5.5%
LIFR
4%

Grand Canyon National Park Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 81.4% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 8.1 knots. Calm conditions occur 34.9% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -18°C to 27°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are March, September, October.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: SW (225°)
Average Speed: 8.1 kt
Maximum Recorded: 29 kt
Calm Winds: 34.9%
Direction Distribution:
N
1.5%
NE
16.6%
E
7.1%
SE
1.7%
S
10.1%
SW
19.6%
W
6.3%
NW
2.2%

Temperature Range

Average: 5°C
Range: -18°C to 27°C
-18°C 27°C

Visibility

Average: 9.6 SM
Below 3 SM: 1.6%
Fog Frequency: 0.9%

Best Months for VFR

March September October

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 03/21
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.1 kt

Statistics computed from 4,636 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 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.