When to Visit Phoenix- Weather By Month

Thinking of visiting Phoenix? Find out the best time of year to visit. To help you plan your trip we have included some average temperatures by month.

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When to Visit Phoenix – Central Arizona

The best time to visit Phoenix is Spring and Fall. March, April, late September, and October are the ideal time to visit. However, it will largely depends on your preferences for weather and activities. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best time for your visit:

Phoenix Weather by Month

Spring (March to May)

Spring is the best time visit Phoenix, especially if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors. March and April temperatures will be in the mid 70’s and 80’s. This is a great time of the year to hike in Phoenix. If we had good winter rains the wildflowers like lupine and poppies are in bloom in March. The desert is in full bloom in April. Temperatures will start to climb in May and will be in the 90’s.

The average temperature in March is around 50 degrees in the evening and up to 76 degrees, April is 60-85 degrees, and May is 70-95 degrees.

Weather: Pleasant and warm with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-90s °F (24-35°C). Nights are cooler, making for comfortable evenings.
Pros: Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, exploring parks, and enjoying local events. The desert blooms beautifully, and it’s a popular time for tourists. If we had good winter rains the wildflowers are in bloom in March.
Cons: This is the busiest time of year in Phoenix.

Summer (June to August)

Summer months will have the least amount of tourists. June temperatures range from high 70’s in the evenings to 105 degrees during the day, July and August temps will be around 80+ degrees in the evening and up to 115 degrees during the day. In addition to the high temperatures, the summer months bring higher dew points and humidity.

Weather: Extremely hot, like a sauna, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C) and sometimes reaching up to 115°F (46°C). It doesn’t cool off in the summer in Phoenix. Nights are usually above 80°F (27°C), often near 100°F (38°C). The past couple years have had more days above 110°F than in the past with less rain. Heavy rain and dust storms are common during the monsoon months. Dust storms can create low-visibility while driving similar to white out conditions during a snow storm.
Pros: Lower hotel rates and fewer tourists. If you enjoy indoor activities, this is a good time for visiting museums, shopping, and dining.
Cons: The intense heat can limit outdoor activities, though early mornings and late evenings are more bearable. If you’re visiting this time of year we recommend staying at a hotel that has a swimming pool. This is not hiking weather. Many outdoor attractions are best enjoyed in the cooler months.

Fall (September to November)

Fall is a great time to visit Arizona. By the end of September the temperatures will start to cool. The average temperature in September is in the high 70’s in the evenings up to 100 degrees during the day. October average temperatures are 65 to 90 degrees. November is the mid 50’s to 70 degrees.

Weather: Warm to hot at the start of September, with temperatures gradually cooling to the mid-70s to mid-80s °F (24-30°C) by November. Nights are cooler and comfortable. This is a beautiful time of year to visit.
Pros: Great for outdoor activities, festivals, and events. The weather is pleasant, and it’s less crowded compared to spring.
Cons: Early September can still be quite hot, though it’s typically bearable compared to summer.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the coldest season in Phoenix. With low humidity it feels cooler here than other regions with the same temperature. December through February will have average temperatures from 45 – 65 degrees. January will be the coldest month and it is not unusual to have a few nights dip to 30 degrees.

Weather: Mild and cool with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s °F (18-24°C). Nights can be chilly, dropping to the 40s °F (4-9°C) and even to freezing a few days each season. Since the humidity is very low, mid-60’s feels colder than in areas with humidity. Bring pants, a jacket or long sleeves for the evening. January is the coldest of the winter months.
Pros: Perfect for escaping colder climates elsewhere, enjoying outdoor attractions, and attending winter events. It’s the peak tourist season, so there are plenty of activities and events.
Cons: Higher prices for accommodation and attractions due to the influx of tourists. Some areas can be crowded.

Best Time to Visit Phoenix

Best Overall: Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather and are ideal for outdoor activities.
For Budget Travelers: Summer has lower accommodation rates but be prepared for extreme heat and choose indoor activities.
For Winter Escapes: Winter provides mild temperatures and a chance to enjoy the area without the heat.

No matter when you visit, Phoenix offers a range of activities and attractions suited to different weather conditions and personal preferences.