👉 Jump to:Best Time to Visit Arizona | Travel Seasons | Weather & Climate | Tips | FAQ
Either fall, winter, or spring is the best time to visit Arizona. The summer is too hot to get the most out of the state. Rather, come in October through May for fantastic weather, entertainment, and outdoor activities.
I’ve been an Arizona resident for 25 years and I’ve got the inside scoop on when to visit and why. I’ll tell you the best times to visit for family endeavors, outdoor activities, fewer crowds, and more.
This guide also covers the climate in key destinations, the pros and cons of each travel season, and tips for maximizing your trip!
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Table of Contents
When is the Best Time to Visit Arizona?
October and March are the best times to visit Arizona’s national parks, state parks, and mountainous regions. November through February are better for visiting desert cities. Whatever you do, avoid the summertime!
The best time to visit Arizona depends on several factors. Arizona is home to the Sonoran Desert so yes, it gets steamy during the summer. And I mean REAL steamy. But it isn’t just a dry wasteland of tumbleweeds and cacti.
Once the heat cools down, Arizonans come alive to celebrate eight months of lovely weather throughout the state. My homeland features five unique biomes, which you need to consider when you visit. Your list of Arizona towns, sights, and activities will determine when you should come to the Grand Canyon State. Let’s get into the best time to visit Arizona.
When to Visit Arizona for Good Weather
The best time to visit Arizona for good weather is fall or spring. The summer heat doesn’t fully go away until November when the air gets clean and crisp. Everyone and their mother soak up the gorgeous weather outdoors.
The same goes for March when the winter cold lifts to supreme spring weather. This is primo hiking time, especially when the spring flowers electrify the mountain trails. Arizona winters are actually quite frigid so if you hate bundling up, don’t visit Arizona in January or February.
When to Visit Arizona for Cheap Prices
January is the cheapest time to travel to Arizona, according to my personal experience and research. Hotel deals go up and plane tickets go down. This is just before the spring tourism peak season in March. Do note that this is also one of the coldest months to visit.
Don’t be fooled by our warm reputation — the desert landscapes drop to the mid-40s during the day and low 20s at night. Even the cacti freeze in January sometimes! So still expect cooler temperatures if you plan to travel during this economic month.
When to Visit Arizona for Families and Kids
The best times to bring the family to Arizona are fall and winter. The weather is ideal in the fall. There are tons of family events to attend like Halloween haunts, orchards, and fall festivals. Crowds are unfortunately bigger in the cities but the more people, the more things to do in Phoenix and Tucson.
A winter visit offers affordable skiing in northern Arizona after the first snowfall. And a trip to the Grand Canyon is extra magical with snow on the canyon walls, especially at the desert south rim. Hotel and flight prices are also lower at this time.
When to Visit Arizona for Hiking and Camping
The best hiking and camping in Arizona starts in the winter and extends into the spring (November through April). There are few places as gorgeous as Arizona when the weather is just right. Hiking and camping opportunities are endless with so many mountainous regions.
You’ll certainly want to stick to campsites and trails near Tucson and other parts of southern Arizona. This is because the mountains in northern Arizona get exceptionally frigid in the winter. Visit outside of the cold season to enjoy beautiful camping and hiking spots near Phoenix and areas north of the capital city.
When to Visit Arizona to Avoid Crowds
May through August is the best time to visit Arizona to avoid crowds. But few tourists have a tolerance for the summer temperatures. Even many locals leave the state for cooler weather elsewhere. Those who prefer peace and quiet at the expense of nice weather should come prepared for the desert heat.
When to Visit for an Arizona Road Trip
The best times to go on an Arizona road trip are November and February. These months guarantee nice weather between the seasons of extreme heat and biting cold. You also won’t encounter very large crowds during your travels during these semi-off-season months.
You could hit the roads in northern Arizona during the summer, but it’s still pretty hot in the mountains from June through September. A road trip through fall colors is so much more enticing to me, so I recommend marking the maps during the cooler autumn months.
Arizona Travel Seasons
🍂 Autumn (September – November)
Autumn offers the best weather in Arizona. There are tons of festivals and special events to attend. Check out Tucson for the renowned Dia de los Muertos Parade in November. Visit Phoenix for the Arizona Fall Fest, a local favorite event. You can also enjoy the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden with the whole family.
There are bigger crowds in autumn due to seasonal residents migrating back after the summer. They return for the holidays when the weather cools down. But there is plenty to enjoy during autumn in Arizona despite bigger crowds.
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Winter in Arizona is surprisingly cold. Temperatures drop below freezing at night, especially in the higher elevations. This is a great time for skiing and snowboarding at one of our three ski resorts in Arizona ( Arizona Snowbowl, Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, and Sunrise Park). There are also fewer crowds and tourists during the winter.
Do note that the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show takes place in January and February. This globally-renowned event draws over 60,000 visitors to this southern city to buy, sell, and trade rare minerals from around the world (talk about a hidden gem!). The Gem Show takes over the city so I’d recommend visiting Tucson another time if you don’t have any interest in attending.
🌼 Spring (March – May)
Perfect weather arrives just after the winter cold gives way to glorious spring temperatures. This is the ideal hiking and camping time. The desert flowers are insanely beautiful (beware of allergies, though).
Prices are slightly higher from March through May, and higher volumes of visitors create sizable crowds in places like Phoenix and Tucson. The same applies to the Grand Canyon, one of the most popular US national parks. But these minor inconveniences pale in comparison to the beauty of this season in Arizona.
Arizona Weather and Climate
Southern Arizona
The climate in southern and central Arizona vs. northern Arizona is quite stark. Dry deserts give way to forested mountains, and elevation changes create a dramatic difference in weather and temperature. Southern Arizona is much more arid and dry. The landscape is also far drier, featuring Sonoran Desert cacti, rugged mountains, and desert creatures.
Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona is much cooler than southern Arizona. Higher altitudes offer much more pleasant temperatures in the summer and snowy freezes in the winter. This part of the state actually has seasons (the fall leaves are incredible!).
Southern and northern Arizona have their own pros and cons depending on the season. They’re so different, however, so you should check out both areas during your Arizona explorations.
Tips for Visiting Arizona
Avoid the Summer Months
There is quite literally nothing to do outside during the summer in Arizona besides swimming. Cars overheat, hiking becomes dangerous (unless you go in the super early morning), and you feel like you stepped into an oven every time you go outside.
There are certainly some great indoor attractions to enjoy. But you shouldn’t miss the Grand Canyon State’s natural beauty. Enjoy outdoor activities by visiting during the cooler months — unless you want to prune in the pool your entire stay.
Note Monsoon Season
Monsoon season in Arizona typically starts in late June and continues through September, with its peak in mid-July. Humidity goes way up and severe thunderstorms roll through the Sonoran Desert at this time.
These magnificent storms are quite a sight to behold but they typically nix any outdoor plans. I recommend visiting after the season when the deserts are electric green from all the rain. This is usually when the summer heat starts to die down, too!
Bring Hiking and Photography Gear
Arizona is one of the biggest hiking destinations in the United States. You’d be remiss to not indulge in a few picturesque trails during your visit. Throw some solid hiking boots in your suitcase, or a pair of sturdy sneakers at the very least. And don’t forget your camera!
Avoid Lakes During Spring Break
Arizona features some incredible lakes like Lake Havasu and Lake Powell. Something about giant family parties and drunk college students kind of takes away from the tranquility of these desert beaches. Save your lake visits for the off-season if you want to enjoy the water.
You might have better luck on river trips in Arizona during these dates. Check out Salt River tubing, one of the best day trips from Phoenix. You can also look into Colorado River rafting trips through the Grand Canyon. This is an epic way to see this wonder of the world from a totally new perspective.
FAQs About When to Visit Arizona
When is the high season in Arizona?
What is the best month to go to Arizona?
The best month to go to Arizona is March, in my opinion. The springtime blooms and perfect weather are simply unbeatable during this month. And spring training is a bonus for sports fans in Phoenix!
What month has the nicest weather in Arizona?
The month of March offers the nicest weather in Arizona, in my opinion. Average temperatures are in the mid-50s and the sun shines daily, both in southern and northern Arizona.
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The best time to visit Arizona depends on several factors. Each season varies in weather, crowds, and prices. But generally, places where the locals liveand play are best experienced during fall, winter, and spring. Enjoy your trip, however and whenever you decide to visit!
