Best time to visit · Phoenix · United States
The best time to visit Phoenix
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Chris English, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Phoenix is November to April, when days are warm and sunny, the desert trails are comfortable and spring training, golf and resort life are in full swing. February and March are the busiest and most expensive months. From June to September temperatures often pass 40°C, though resort prices fall sharply.
Key facts
- Best months
- November–April
- Shoulder season
- May and October
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 41°C (106°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 19°C (66°F))
- Rainiest month
- August (~5 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- June–August
Seasons
Phoenix has a hot desert climate with very little rain: mild, sunny winters, very hot summers with highs often above 40°C, and a monsoon season from mid-June to September that brings humidity, dust storms and short, intense thunderstorms.
March–May
Spring
Warm and sunny, with spring training and wildflowers in March; heat builds quickly through May.
June–September
Summer
Extreme heat, monsoon storms and dust storms; best for discounted resort pool stays and early-morning activities only.
October–November
Autumn
Heat breaks through October, and November is warm, dry and ideal for hiking.
December–February
Winter
Mild, sunny days and cold nights; peak season for golf, resorts and events, with high prices.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C | 8°C | 4 | 10.2 h | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| February | 22°C | 9°C | 4 | 10.9 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| March | 25°C | 12°C | 4 | 11.9 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| April | 30°C | 16°C | 2 | 13 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 35°C | 21°C | 1 | 13.9 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 40°C | 26°C | 1 | 14.4 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| July | 41°C | 29°C | 4 | 14.2 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| August | 41°C | 29°C | 5 | 13.4 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| September | 38°C | 26°C | 3 | 12.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 32°C | 19°C | 3 | 11.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 24°C | 12°C | 2 | 10.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| December | 19°C | 7°C | 4 | 9.9 h | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale (usually late January) |
| February | WM Phoenix Open golf tournament (usually early February); Heard Museum World Championship Hoop Dance Contest (usually February); Cactus League spring training begins (usually late February) |
| March | Cactus League spring training games (through March); Arizona Renaissance Festival (weekends, usually February to March) |
| June | Monsoon season officially begins (15 June) |
| September | Monsoon season officially ends (30 September) |
| October | Arizona State Fair (usually October into early November); Phoenix Pride (usually October) |
| November | ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo (usually from late November) |
| December | Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden (December evenings); Fiesta Bowl college football game in Glendale (around New Year) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in June–August, and the sights are quietest in June–August. Many visitors avoid June–August.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Phoenix?
The best time to visit Phoenix is November to April, when days are warm and sunny, the desert trails are comfortable and spring training, golf and resort life are in full swing. February and March are the busiest and most expensive months. From June to September temperatures often pass 40°C, though resort prices fall sharply.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Phoenix?
Usually in June–August. Extremely hot and dry; hike only at dawn and spend afternoons indoors or in the pool.
+What is the rainiest month in Phoenix?
August, with about 5 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Phoenix get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 41°C (106°F) and lows of 29°C (84°F).