Grand Canyon National Park Airport

KGCN / GCN

Grand Canyon - Tusayan, US

Last Updated
Jun 24, 16:54Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 21 min ago
16:54Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
25°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 6°C
15 kt
230° G23 kt
10 SM
Visibility
10,000 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
1027 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KGCN 241654Z 23015G23KT 10SM BKN100 25/06 A3034 RMK AO2 PK WND 23028/1605 SLP159 T02500056

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 6,609 ft
BKN 10,000 ft AGL
☁️
BKN
Broken (5/8-7/8 sky coverage)
10,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
16,609 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

VFR

Grand Canyon National Park Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with broken clouds at 10,000 feet and 10 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the southwest (230°) at 15 knots with gusts to 23 knots. Runway 21 is favored with a 14-knot headwind and 5-knot crosswind component (gusting to 8 knots crosswind). Student pilots and low-time aviators should exercise caution.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 10 SM. The ceiling is 10000 feet AGL (broken), well above standard VFR minimums.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 25°C (77°F) with a dewpoint of 6°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 fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Light Thunderstorm Rain. Winds are forecast to reach up to 20 knots during the period. Expect variable wind speeds ranging from 3 to 20 knots. There is a 30% probability of MVFR conditions with Light Thunderstorm Rain between 20:00Z and 00:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

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

QNH
1027 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
807 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (6,609 ft)
Pressure Alt
6,197 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 8,983 ft (High - Reduced Performance)
ISA Deviation: +23.2°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KGCN 241120Z 2412/2512 VRB03KT P6SM BKN100 FM241700 23011G23KT P6SM BKN100 FM242000 24014G27KT P6SM VCTS BKN100CB PROB30 2420/2424 VRB20G35KT 5SM -TSRA BKN080CB FM250300 VRB04KT P6SM SCT100
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
17:14Z BASE
+0h
VFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 10,000 ft
20:00Z FM242000
+3h
MVFR 240° 14 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 10,000 ft
20:00Z PROB30
+3h
MVFR VRB 20 kt
Visibility: 5SM
Ceiling: 8,000 ft
Light Thunderstorm Rain
03:00Z FM250300
+10h
VFR VRB 4 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°
14.1 kt 5.1 kt
20° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KGCN

7,279 observations | Sep 2025 - Jun 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
87%
MVFR
6.3%
IFR
4%
LIFR
2.7%

Grand Canyon National Park Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 87% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 8.4 knots. Calm conditions occur 33.6% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -18°C to 32°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are June, March, May.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: SW (225°)
Average Speed: 8.4 kt
Maximum Recorded: 29 kt
Calm Winds: 33.6%
Direction Distribution:
E
6.6%
N
2%
S
9.8%
W
7.1%
NE
14.5%
NW
2.3%
SE
1.5%
SW
22.7%

Temperature Range

Average: 7.5°C
Range: -18°C to 32°C
-18°C 32°C

Visibility

Average: 9.7 SM
Below 3 SM: 1%
Fog Frequency: 0.6%

Best Months for VFR

June March May

Runway Wind Analysis

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

Statistics computed from 7,279 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jun 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.