Grand Canyon National Park Airport

KGCN / GCN

Grand Canyon - Tusayan, US

Last Updated
Apr 22, 01:54Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 25 min ago
01:54Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
16°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: -13°C
11 kt
210° G29 kt
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1018 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KGCN 220154Z 21011G29KT 10SM CLR 16/M13 A3007 RMK AO2 PK WND 21031/0138 SLP130 T01561128

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 south-southwest (210°) at 11 knots with gusts to 29 knots. The significant gust spread of 18 knots may cause challenging turbulence on approach. Runway 21 is favored with a 11-knot headwind and 0-knot crosswind component. Student pilots and low-time aviators should exercise caution.

Visibility & Ceiling

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

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 16°C (61°F) with a dewpoint of -13°C, indicating very dry conditions.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period. Winds are forecast to reach up to 20 knots during the period. Expect variable wind speeds ranging from 5 to 20 knots.

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
1018 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
798 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (6,609 ft)
Pressure Alt
6,467 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 8,173 ft
ISA Deviation: +14.2°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KGCN 212320Z 2200/2224 20018G29KT P6SM FEW140 FM220300 21012KT P6SM SKC FM220600 20005KT P6SM SKC FM221500 22014G24KT P6SM SKC FM221800 23020G32KT P6SM FEW250
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
02:18Z BASE
+0h
VFR 200° 18 kt
Visibility: >6SM
03:00Z FM220300
+1h
VFR 210° 12 kt
Visibility: >6SM
06:00Z FM220600
+4h
VFR 200° 5 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
Active: 21
8,999 ft 150 ft ASP 40°
11.0 kt 0.0 kt
0° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KGCN

5,793 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
84%
MVFR
7.8%
IFR
4.9%
LIFR
3.3%

Grand Canyon National Park Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 84% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 8.2 knots. Calm conditions occur 34.4% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -18°C to 29°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are March, September, October.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: SW (225°)
Average Speed: 8.2 kt
Maximum Recorded: 29 kt
Calm Winds: 34.4%
Direction Distribution:
N
2%
NE
16%
E
7.4%
SE
1.6%
S
9.4%
SW
20.7%
W
6.4%
NW
2.2%

Temperature Range

Average: 5.7°C
Range: -18°C to 29°C
-18°C 29°C

Visibility

Average: 9.7 SM
Below 3 SM: 1.3%
Fog Frequency: 0.7%

Best Months for VFR

March September October

Runway Wind Analysis

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

Statistics computed from 5,793 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 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.