Season guide · Phoenix · United States
Phoenix in autumn
October–November: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Lar (primary) User:Lar (secondary), Public domain
Quick answer
Heat breaks through October, and November is warm, dry and ideal for hiking. Expect highs up to 32°C (90°F) and lows around 12°C (54°F), with about 5 rainy days across October–November. November is among the best months of the year to visit.
Key facts
- Months
- October–November
- Temperatures
- 12°C (54°F) to 32°C (90°F)
- Rainy days in the season
- About 5
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in autumn
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | 32°C (90°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 3 | 11.3 h | 3/5 |
| November | 24°C (75°F) | 12°C (54°F) | 2 | 10.4 h | 4/5 |
Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 28°C (82°F) against a yearly 31°C (88°F), and 5 of the year's roughly 37 rainy days fall in these 2 months. Crowds rate 4/5 and hotel prices 4/5 on average.
What's on in autumn
Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.
- October: Arizona State Fair (usually October into early November)
- October: Phoenix Pride (usually October)
- November: ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo (usually from late November)
Make the most of the weather
Park · Papago Park
Papago Park and Hole-in-the-Rock
Red sandstone buttes, fishing ponds and easy trails between Phoenix and Tempe.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Views
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Zoo · Papago Park
Phoenix Zoo
Go at opening outside winter; in December the evening ZooLights display is a family favourite.
- Time needed
- 3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
Experience · North Phoenix
Sunrise hot-air balloon flight
From autumn to spring, balloon operators launch at dawn over the Sonoran Desert north of the city, drifting above saguaros and washes with views of the McDowell and Bradshaw mountains before a traditional champagne toast on landing.
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours including transfers
- Cost
- Expensive
- Couples
- Views
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Garden · Papago Park
Desert Botanical Garden
Visit at opening or in the evening in warmer months; in December, the luminaria nights light the paths with thousands of candle bags.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Photo spot
- Couples
Nature · Arcadia
Camelback Mountain
The city's signature hike climbs the 'hump' of Camelback Mountain, whose summit stands about 820 metres above sea level.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Views
- Active
- Outdoors
Day trips in autumn
- Tucson (About 1 hour 45 minutes by car) — Tucson combines Saguaro National Park's cactus forests, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's outdoor zoo and garden, and the white 18th-century Mission San Xavier del Bac.
- Lost Dutchman State Park (About 50 minutes by car) — At the foot of the jagged Superstition Mountains, the park has desert trails through saguaros and wildflowers, including the steep Siphon Draw route, and views of the cliffs glowing at sunset.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
Other times of year
Questions travellers ask
+Is autumn a good time to visit Phoenix?
Yes: November is among the best months. Heat breaks through October, and November is warm, dry and ideal for hiking.
+What is the weather like in Phoenix in autumn?
Highs of up to 32°C (90°F) and lows around 12°C (54°F), with about 5 rainy days over the season.