The best time to visit Arizona

Bold, big and beautiful Arizona has a lot to brag about. Framed by New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and California, and with Mexico at its southern reaches, the state gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year and has four distinct seasons.

Arizona's diverse regions, from sprawling deserts to massive mountains, provide a range of weather conditions year-round, so there's always plenty to do. Summer (July and August especially) can be scorching in the south, but low humidity and monsoon rain showers from June to September help keep the heat in check. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) typically have the mildest weather, which draws crowds statewide to hike and bike but also pushes up prices at hotels. 

The gateway to the Grand Canyon, Arizona has plenty of high-elevation hiking trails and mountain wineries in locations where the climate is often cooler. Phoenix is Arizona’s top winter destination, luring travelers chasing the sun, but the state also has some great skiing at Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff and other mountain resorts.

Pick the best time to visit Arizona with this seasonal guide to what's happening throughout the year.

Visit Arizona in September and October for outdoor activities and wine tasting

Weather in Arizona in fall: Autumn brings optimum weather for hiking and other outdoor activities in the northern part of the state, and in October, temperatures in the southern part of the state consistently drop below the summer peaks of over 100°F (37°C). Arizona has a thriving wine scene, with some great tasting rooms in the Verde Valley, Sonoita and Willcox (the latter two are in the south). Taste local drops during wine and food fests in September, such as Sedona Winefest, and maybe explore a corn maze or two. Gorgeous weather means accommodations and restaurants can get busy, so book well ahead to avoid disappointment.

December and January bring snow and ski season in Arizona's north

Weather in Arizona in winter: Temperatures in the state’s northern reaches can dip as low as 42°F (5°C) come winter, but the brisk weather is accompanied by dustings of snow in higher-elevation cities such as Sedona and Flagstaff, kicking off a ski season that lasts until spring.

You might find moderate rates for accommodations in less touristy places – even Sedona is at its quietest in December – athough people chasing the weather (warmth in the south, skiing in the north) can drive up costs over weekends and the winter holidays. It might seem strange to see Santa in the desert and strings of lights adorning cactuses, but Arizona embraces holiday revelry to the max.

January is idyllic for hopping aboard one of the hot-air balloons that drift over London Bridge during the annual festival at Lake Havasu.

March to May is the best time for sports and being outdoors

Weather in Arizona in spring: Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or an armchair participant, spring in Arizona is perfect for sports. In March, Major League Baseball’s spring training season is in full swing in Phoenix. If baseball isn’t your thing, head to balmy and beautiful Sedona to check out its 400 miles of multiuse trails.

Warmer days prompt spring blooms in the desert, with the wildflower season peaking in May, depending on where you are. In Saguaro National Park, Arizona’s iconic cactuses are crowned with white flowers that later produce deep red fruit. May is also a prime time for learning about nature by attending a birding event.

More moderate temperatures in the state’s central and northern regions entice visitors, as well as southern Arizonans escaping the punishing heat. Huge crowds head to parks, forests and mountain peaks in spring, so camping spots and hotels can fill up quickly. Arizona is also home to hundreds of miles of rivers and lakeshore, so wherever you wander, it's easy to find some refreshing water to cool off.

In the state’s south, temperatures range from the high 60s (19–20ºC) to the high 80s (30–32ºC). Phoenix, Tucson and Tombstone are ideal bases for exploring the arid ecosystem. Get up early to beat the midday heat and increase your chances of spotting wildlife.

June to August is blazing hot

Weather in Arizona in summer: The state's diverse climate means that summer temperatures can climb above 100°F (37°C) in places such as Tucson and Phoenix, while higher-altitude areas such as Flagstaff and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park still haven’t cracked 70°F.

June is a good time to hit one of Arizona’s historic highways on a road trip before temperatures start to soar. Check out everything from artsy towns to desert sanctuaries as you go. Visit Flagstaff in June or July during its annual celebration of Indigenous heritage or for the Celtic festival in July, complete with Scottish-style games and bagpipers. Summer temperatures in Flagstaff average around 70°F (21°F).  

As days hover above 100°F (37°C) in the southern part of the state, it's not unusual for Arizonans to be on the move in July, seeking cooler weather west in San Diego or north in Flagstaff. Summer weekends in the north are especially busy, with kids out of school and day-trippers contributing to the crowds, so expect higher hotel prices in those cooler areas.

But locals know this secret: as the mercury creeps up, prices at posh resorts go down. Summer is prime staycation season, an opportunity to seize the sharply discounted rates at the resorts and enjoy some R&R while spoiling yourself at the luxe pools and spas.